We know that New York has some of the best wine regions in the country but there are some really great spots popping up in the States that might surprise you. One of our favorite newcomers to the scene is Austin, Texas!
Austin is exploding by the minute with culture, diversity, tech, and most importantly, food and beverage. As a whole, Austin is a city that is centered on health and wellness which expands into every aspect of culture in the community.
The actual wine-growing regions within the Austin area aren’t as large as some of the big producing states, however, there is a large number of shops and restaurants promoting and selling the amazing products of sustainable, innovative winemakers around the south and the U.S.
Most of the local wineries are out in Hill Country, more specifically Fredricksburg, which is about an hour from central Austin. This oasis of nature is a major provider of all things fresh and delicious – peach orchards, amazing hikes, and of course, vineyards. You can find a lot of varietals and blends produced here but the popular grapes are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Fredericksburg is home to dozens of wineries, which is pretty impressive considering the region is under 10 square miles wide.
If you want to stay in Austin proper, there are so many amazing bars and restaurants that feature Texas wine as well as other wines from around the country. Wanderlust Wine Co. is one of the largest on-tap wine bars in the country, constantly rotating wine kegs, allowing guests to self-pour and enjoy many wines in one experience.
Lolo is a quaint wine shop and restaurant that exclusively focuses on natural wines – wines that have no preservatives or additives and are only fermented with just the grapes and natural inclusions. Natural wines are becoming more popular in Austin as they have a reputation for being easier to digest and a less intense effect for the next day.
Texas wine production dates all the way back to the 1600s and with the population boom of Austin, the capital has become a hub of wine innovation and promotion.
