I’ll be visiting San Antonio in March. While looking for things to do I came across some winery tours. I haven’t heard much about any of those listed on the various web sites. Does anyone know anything about San Antonio wineries? Are they worth checking out?
Thanks,
I have tasted a few, but haven’t had a good one yet. Many are Cabernet and Chardonnay, which are self-evidently unsuited to the climate. The ports would have better chances of success but are often pretty heavily hit with American oak.
There’s not much of a diurnal swing so the wines from central and south Texas tend to be flabby and soft.
There are some really good wines made in the northern part of the state (McPherson) but I haven’t had luck with central Texas wines.
That being said, there are lots of wineries that don’t distribute and I had no experience with while in Houston.
Given the climate in San Antonio—high humidity, warm and intensely sunny, short growing season—my money is on pergola-trained Montepulciano (d’Abruzzo). Of course, I may have to plant it.
Neither is in San Antonio itself (my college town, btw) but both aren’t too far away…check out Duchman and Becker. Both are quite good.
Adam Lee
Siduri Wines
About 25 miles from SA is a pretty good one…
http://www.drycomalcreek.com/
I went to a wedding just behind the vineyard, and swung by the tasting room. Pretty cool for a Louisiana boy. I remember the soil was very stony…
Duchman is solid. They’re growing the right grapes at least, vermentino, Sangiovese, etc.
Thank you all!
There are no wineries in SA, but within 1 hour there are many. However, the majority of grapes are 7+ hours from here, if not CA or OR.
The best TX white wine I have had is by these folks and they do a very nice tasting: http://www.kuhlmancellars.com/ Their reds are Sonoma County.