August 7, 2011

Now with the experience to back it up, I confidently can say there is nothing quite as relaxing of a Sunday as one spent sipping wine at a Texas vineyard.  With a five hour window between noon and 5 p.m., we decided on three vineyards, but only made it to two.  Our first stop was Stone House Vineyard, which is about six miles off of Highway 71 outside of Austin.  After tasting half a dozen or so wines, we decided on a glass to enjoy on the shaded patio while trying not to be too affected by the heat.  Their red wines were smoky and bold, while their white wines and rose were buttery and perfectly shy of too dry.  Next was Spicewood Vineyards, which I decided I wanted to visit yesterday after seeing their colorful signs on the way to the race.  Each of their wines were surprising, unique, and entirely too amazing.  Each was my favorite over the last, although the chardonnay was a slight frontrunner.  A glass of riesling and a cheese plate later, I was spilled into the car to get back to Austin safely and just in time for a recovery nap, the third vineyard being entirely unnecessary.  A deliciously perfect Sunday!