Due to its high temperatures, the harvest in Texas normally begins in July, two months earlier than California and three months earlier than in Europe.
Texas is divided into three major wine regions, with a wide range of microclimates, allowing It to grow many different types of grape varieties. In the center of the state is the Texas Hill Country, the second most productive wine region in the United States.
The Texas Hill Country is the most picturesque region of Texas in my opinion. Among its rolling hills there are hidden small towns of Germanic origin, ranches, wineries, and natural parks to be explored. It also offers countless events: weekly rodeos, historical reenactments, fairs and all sorts of music festivals.
In short, the Texas Hill Country has something to offer everyone, whether you're an athlete, a history buff, a country dancer or a wine connoisseur. Dedicate the right amount of time to it, explore it calmly, and try not only to visit it, but to experience it as much as possible as only here you can find the authentic country western atmosphere people search when visiting good old Texas.
The Texas Hill Country is located in Central Texas in an imaginary triangle between Austin, San Antonio and Fredericksburg.
It is called this way because it is a geological area created by limestone hills, rich in rivers and lakes, and particularly fertile.
Its strong wine making tradition has developed here, which has earned the region the nickname ‘Tuscany of Texas.’
This region has a rather unique climate, a cross between the tropical one of the south of the state, and the semi-arid climate of the north. Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly over all months of the year, often in the form of heavy showers.
You can do many winetastings here or focus just on one winery, sign up for an organized wine tour, relax and get to know the wine and perhaps even spend the night.
I have read, although I haven’t visited it, that there is even one winery carved in a rock. It is supposed to be a great looking location with very modern finishings and large wood and glass windows in a cave setting.
It is also worth visiting the small village of Bandera.
Bandera is named the ‘cowboy capital of the world.’ It is a title due to the fact that it was the nerve center of the Great Western Cattle Trail, the famous transhumance route of cattle herds from ranches in Texas to markets in Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska at the end of the 19th century.
It is also famous for housing a large Polish community and many local businesses are owned by Polish descendants.
Polish bakeries sell many traditional Polish specialties here.
Many buildings downtown are impressive, including the old courthouse and the county jail.
If you wish to discover the history of the city you can visit the Frontier Time Museum, which includes a collection of thousands of pieces including saddles, boots, clothing, everyday objects and crafts, as well as bizarre and curious objects from the time of the settlers. You can also visit the Hall of Fame of the area's greatest cowboys and rodeo champions.
But the best reason to visit Bandera is its western atmosphere, accentuated by the presence of country-themed boot, hat and leather goods shops. *see pictures below*
