So what do you do when the work is done? Well, for those in the Texas wine industry, they celebrate. October is Texas Wine Month, and by that point, the vineyards and wineries are ready to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labors. The parties begin October 1 and end in November.
The big highlight of October is the Texas Hill Country wineries annual Texas Wine Trail Month. For all 31 days, ticket holders can visit any of the 42 member wineries. Those on the trail will receive a passbook for a full complimentary tasting at each winery. Due to the expanded tastings, the trail has decided to limit guests to 4 tasting per day. In addition to the tastings, there is a 15% discount on wine purchases of 3 bottles or more. The trail will also include two scheduled tasting parties on Oct. 4 at Hye Meadow Winery and Oct. 25 at Driftwood Estate Winery. Guests get 10 tasting tickets, a logo glass, and 3+ bottle discount. The best part is enjoying a glass or a bottle with area winemakers, wine experts, and vineyard owners, as well as taking home a souvenir glass.
Two new wineries, Lost Draw Cellars and Kuhlman Cellars, will be open. Lost Draw in Fredericksburg, will bring Lost Draw Vineyards (in the High Plains) closer to the Hill Country. Kuhlman Cellars will be providing one-on-one tastings paired with light snacks by appointment on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
October has its share of great festivals. There are at least three major festivals that either showcase or include Texas wineries: Gruene Music and Wine Festival, Pecan Jam, and Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival.
On October 9th through 12th, downtown Gruene showcases great Texas wine and music, with the major festival on October 11th. During the other days, festival goers can enjoy nonTexas wine tastings, a catered meal paired with Texas wine, a Gospel brunch, and even a barbeque and beer tasting. The highlight is Saturday when 30+ Texas wineries offer some of their best alongside great live music and haute food truck cuisine. That evening, a special musical guest (TBA at time of writing) will perform at historic Gruene Hall. On Saturday be prepared for crowds and buy tickets in advance.
The very next weekend is Pecan Jam in San Saba. Six Texas wineries will be pouring a diverse selection of Texas wines. The festivities end with an evening concert featuring Asleep at the Wheel.
The highlight of October is the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival. Like the event in Gruene, the festival starts on Thursday and has a number of events. The first two days provide an opportunity for more intimate wine events. The first is a wine dinner at Messina Hof; Bonariggo’s of Messina Hof throw great dinners, so be prepared for the OssoBucco to fall off the bone and the wine to pair perfectly. The next night is a little more casual with Wildseed Farms welcoming guests to taste a selection of Texas wines and heavy hors d’oeuvres from Cartewheels Catering; this ticket also includes entrance to Saturday’s festival. On Saturday, guests can start the day with the Patron Brunch. At noon, it is time for Texas wine tastings, food, music, activities, and shopping in the Marktplatz for only $20. Tastings at this event are often 2-4 tickets, so plan on buying more than the 6 that come with the entrance fee.
