winery Archives - The Austinot

10 Best of Texas Wine Country: Where to Go Now and Why

July 29, 2019 by Camellia Falcon Leave a Comment

Best of Texas Wine Country

The first time I went to Texas Hill Country as a wine destination was about 15 years ago. It was akin to visiting a small farm, and I left without bothering to dream of what it could become.

If this story were made into a romantic comedy, a montage would now begin of Texas wine makers learning the Texas grapes, testing and finding the grape varietals that were going to work best in Texas, and building beautiful tasting rooms and properties. People from all over the world would hear of the Texas Wine Country region, as the number of wineries grew to more than 260. I would return a decade later, and fall in love.

Savor the Flavors of Argentina at El Gaucho Winery

November 7, 2018 by Samantha Saenz 1 Comment

Wine Tasting at El Gaucho Winery in Spicewood TX

Kick back, relax, and savor the flavors of El Gaucho’s Argentinian wines

Head out in any direction from Austin and you’re bound to come across a winery. In Spicewood, you’ll find El Gaucho Winery–a little piece of Argentina tucked away in the rolling hills near Lake Travis. Check it out the next time you’re looking to kick back in the Texas Hill Country, sip on full-bodied Argentinian wines and savor authentic cuisine.
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Roll Out the Barrel: Notable Texas Wineries Worth Visiting

March 23, 2018 by Samantha Saenz 1 Comment

Texas Wineries Worth Visiting

Wine tasting in the Perissos vineyard
(Credit: Matt McGinnis)

When I sent in my RSVP for the annual Roll Out the Barrel event, I was signing up for three winery visits in one day. Although I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into, certified sommelier Matt McGinnis clued me in. Roll Out the Barrel is a Texas take on the time-honored tradition of hosting en primeur tastings of newly available wine for journalists and wine professionals, traditionally held in Bordeaux each spring.

Although far from France, Texas Hill Country is definitely becoming known for wine. Thanks to my intimate, first-hand experience during Rolling Out the Barrel, I now have a better understanding of why. Here’s what I learned from three day-trip-worthy Texas wineries.

Thank you to the vineyards featured in this article for allowing me to attend Roll Out the Barrel at no charge. All opinions are my own. [Read more…]

That’s Not All! The Yard Overflows With Cool Hangouts in South Austin

October 9, 2017 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Spokesman Coffee Drink Menu

Spokesman Coffee serves coffee, beer, and cider at The Yard (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

The Yard, Austin’s home to the next generation of local movers, shakers, and—above all—makers, makes the quick trip south of Ben White worth it. Whether you crave high quality coffee, award-winning wine, a place for your band to jam, or a beach volleyball haven, you’ll find what you want a mere 10 minutes from downtown. Not to mention whiskey, beer, and Thai food. This is the second installment in my series highlighting the talented people setting up shop at this development in south Austin. [Read more…]

Tasting Innovation at The Austin Winery in South Austin

June 30, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

The Austin Winery Tasting Room

The Austin Winery at The Yard development in South Austin (Credit: Susannah Haddad)

Guest article by Susannah Haddad

Upon arriving at The Austin Winery, it’s clear that The Yard development in South Austin is going to be big. Currently home to businesses like St. Elmo Brewery, Vuka, Spokesman Coffee, and soon Still Austin Whiskey Co., the city’s first whiskey distillery, The Yard supports local while offering plenty to do.

Co-founders Ross McLauchlan and Cooper Anderson have been making wine since long before The Austin Winery had feet. With their balanced skill set and a gap in the Austin market, they enlisted the help of Matthew Smith, third co-founder and Chief of Operations, then opened their doors.

Walking in, you know these guys don’t mess around with innovation and efficiency. The open warehouse space not only houses a tasting room, [Read more…]