When most folks think of Texas, a lot comes to mind—good barbecue, cowboy boots, longhorns, and country music, for starters. So, it may come as a surprise that Texas wine has moved up in the ranks of the wine world and is now ranked fifth on the country’s list of top wine producers. In fact, it is the local wineries that are currently producing some of the best wine in the U.S. These include the award-winning Fredericksburg Winery, Grape Creek Vineyards, and Becker Vineyards, along with Kerrville Hills Winery, Bell Mountain Vineyards, Torre Di Pietra Winery, and many more.

Almost all of these vineyards welcome visitors to tour, and special tastings for newly released wines are offered throughout the year in addition to grape stompings, seminars, wine pairings, and other wine-centric events. So, whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just starting to develop your wine tastes, be sure to schedule your own self-guided tour. You’ll have a wonderful time touring, tasting, and meeting the vintners along the way. Happy wine trails to you!