These Texas Wineries Will Make You A Wine-O Before Long

Deep in the heart of Texas, there’s a little ol’ town called Fredericksburg and it is home to some of the finest Texas wines you could ask for. California is known for its sprawling vineyards, but Texas is holding their own when it comes to producing grapes as well.

These three Texas wineries are a must when it comes to visiting the vineyards and tasting rooms. Even if you’re not a wine-O, their knowledge, expertise, and ability to educate you on what you’re tasting is something you don’t want to pass up.

“It all started several years ago when we got married and found that perfect Texas hill country ranch. Those three square meals a day sure were good. It wasn’t long before we noticed our britches were fitting tighter. Even our ol’ranch dog was gaining weight and having a heck of a time jumping into the back of the pickup. One day when we were out feeding horses, we noticed our donkey Jackson, was as big as some of the horses! That’s when we looked at each other and decided that we lived on the Fat Ass Ranch.

“If you elect to do a wine tasting, you can sample several of our unique, handcrafted wines. Every tasting purchase includes a complimentary Fat Ass glass. Our wines are also available by the glass or bottle.” -Fat Ass Ranch and Winery

“Fiesta Winery® is nestled deep in the heart of Texas on the Baxter Ranch along the Colorado River.  The ranch has been family owned for over six generations, and is built on love, respect, and family. It is with this inspiration that Stephen (aka: Steve) Baxter decided to grow grapes on the family land.  After tending the vines for some time, Steve and Sally, along with their daughter, Savannah, entertained the idea of making their own wine.  The trio began to create what would become their greatest adventure yet… Fiesta Winery®.

“It was not long before they were forced out of the family kitchen and into a larger space.  With the larger space came the need for more help.  Their son-in-law, Weston McCoury, and son, Shane Baxter, rose with enthusiasm to the cause.  Fiesta Winery was quickly becoming a growing success!

“With the growing wine industry in the Fredericksburg area, Fiesta Winery® opened its first off-site tasting room on Main Street in 2012.  The location became a true blessing allowing the expansion of Fiesta’s second off-site tasting room, Fredericksburg 290.  Fiesta Winery Fredericksburg locations are managed by Randy Yarborough and Sommelier, Erin Green.

“Today, Fiesta Winery® is still striving to bring superior wine, full of love, from their family to yours.  Stephen and Sally Baxter oversee all aspects of the business constantly looking for new opportunities, expanding on the current qualities of Fiesta, and encouraging all within their reach.

“As the Winemaker and General Manager, Weston (Savannah’s husband), brings the family’s love to you by handcrafting each wine and overseeing the vineyards. It is Weston’s craftsmanship and attention to detail that has rewarded the family with some of their proudest moments in the wine industry.

“Savannah is the expertise behind the graphic designs and social marketing, as well as the creative talent seen in Fiesta Winery’s catchy names and picturesque labels.  She keeps each tasting room stocked with gift merchandise all the while tending to Savy E’s Boutique.  Beth Parker manages the tasting room at Fiesta Vineyard and Winery | Bend, 18 miles west of Lampasas towards Bend, Texas.

“Shane continues to reach beyond the limit at the head of the wholesale department striving to bring the wine closer to your homes.

“Fiesta Winery® invites you to stop in, grab a bottle of wine, enjoy some company, and spend some time at any of their great locations; let the Fiesta Family become a part of yours!” -Fiesta Winery

“We love wine. Not just drinking it, though that part is fun too. We love creating wine blends and different styles. And we really love sharing our wines with our friends and customers.

“We are excited that the Texas wine industry is starting to flourish, especially in beautiful central Texas. There are a lot of great wineries in our area. But once you taste our wines, we know we’ll become one of your favorite stops on the Hill Country Wine Trail – if not your very favorite.

“Located on gorgeous property under towering oak trees, Hye Meadow Winery will make you feel right at home. Both our covered patio and our tasting room are the perfect spots to kick back, relax and enjoy a glass of well-crafted wine.  We are happy to show you around our state-of-the-art winery, and offer a peek at our events pavilion for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other intimate gatherings.

“Our staff is friendly, approachable and knowledgeable about wine – Texas wine in particular. We also can’t wait to introduce you to Friends in Hye Places, our free wine club.

“At Hye Meadow Winery, we take our wine seriously, but we also know how to have serious fun. Come on out to our little place in the Hill Country. It’s Hye time you did.

“Hye Meadow Winery is a destination to discover wine, natural beauty, and Texas hospitality in historic Hye, Texas.

“Our goal is to fulfill and excite curious, open-hearted wine lovers with a range of intriguing whites and hearty Mediterranean-based reds. Our boutique wines are served in a modern tasting room that overlooks our 42 oak-studded acres. With three decks, a relaxed attitude, and a staff that loves to talk wine, we hope to share our love of wine with you.

“Hye Meadow Winery seeks pristine fruit and works closely with skilled growers to select the very best. In addition, the production team sorts all fruit before and after destemming and/or crushing.

“All white wines are gently pressed, and generally fermented in stainless steel tanks to control the temperature. They will ferment to dryness, and spend several months on the lees, either in tank or stainless steel drums.

“Hye Meadow red wines are de-stemmed into small bins and punched down several times daily. Pressing is gentle, and malolactic fermentation occurs in the barrel using less than 30% new oak in any given lot. Racking and fining are variety and lot specific, as are élevage and bottling.” -Hye Meadow Winery

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