Blizzard Blatherings

As the snow accumulates outside our door, my thoughts travel south to the site of our March vacation.

Not many people think of Texas as the hotbed of wine production. But, just west of Austin, is the Hill Country. The second-largest Viticultural Area in the United States, with over 34 wineries in production since the mid to late '90's.

Some of the more notable ones include:

Fall Creek Vineyards' 2004 Meritus, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, was the winner of the Double Gold Medal from the Tasters Guild International.

Flat Creek Estate produces a Super Texan. This medium-bodied Sangiovese was a San Francisco International Wine competition Double Gold winner.

Spicewood Vineyards specializes in locally grown wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Becker Vineyards is known for it's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a typically big red aged in American oak barrels from 20 months to two years.

Texas Hills Vineyard makes what they call their Kick Butt Cab. A fruit-forward wine with lots of depth, made with grapes from 22-year-old vines and winner of a silver medal at 2006 Lone Star International Wine Competition.

Warm weather, great live music, award wining wine and fantastic BBQ sound like great ingredients for a memorable vacation.