Relaxation, food, and great wine throughout central Texas and Kentucky

Much is written about the California wine country from NAPA, Sonoma, and even the newer areas in Washington, Oregon, and the upper northwest. We have had the privilege of traveling the California wine area and agree, an amazing experience in practically all facets (and we can write more about that another time), but here’s the thing, are you aware that there are growing winery regions in both central Texas and in central Kentucky? There are, and they are good. Let us tell you about some of them.

Kentucky
With roughly twenty vineyards in the central Kentucky area, you have the opportunity to experience specialty wines, and more traditional varietals as well. One of our favorites is actually Talon Winery in the Lexington, Kentucky area. You will have to hunt for it just a bit as it is out in the Kentucky countryside, but if you are looking for a relaxing visit, the opportunity to experience great wines and dependent on when you schedule your visit, some good music too we highly recommend it. When we went, we were looking just to “get away” and we were able to do that and more. Sampling several items, we ended up buying a cheese tray and snacking on a porch area enjoying early fall weather (before  Covid) and taking it all in. Their business model and story is a testament to perseverance and creativity.

They have a huge wide range of flavors you can experience whites, reds, specialty wines, fruit and dessert wines, and more. If you are one to partake in wine, you will have a great opportunity to try your palate and see what all Talon has to offer.  I think one thing that distinguishes this area is that the vineyards aren’t the only thing this area has going for it. The Kentucky Horse Park, Bourbon Trail, major university athletics, and significant communities are all within reasonable distances.

Texas
On the Hwy 290 corridor in central Texas you will find a number of wineries up and down the highway and scattered throughout the countryside in the Texas hills. Like Kentucky though, this area has a great deal to do in addition to the wineries and the getaways. 

Museums, outdoor activities, shopping, arts and culture, and an animal preserve are just a few of the things that are available to do in the Fredericksburg, Texas area. Let me highlight a few of these and I’ll get back to the wineries in just a second. 

A little factoid that I did not know initially was that Fredericksburg is the boyhood home of famed WW II Admiral Chester Nimitz and it is here that the National Museum for the World War II Pacific Theater is located. If you are interested in the history of WWII, it is a great visit and has the capabilities to pull at the heartstrings as well. 

Similarly, the Texas White House, as well as the boyhood houses of President Lyndon B Johnson are also in the area. Operated by the National Park Service, it is a great opportunity to learn more about the President, his family, and what influenced him throughout his life.

Shopping, parks, nightlife, and other opportunities dot the Fredericksburg map as well. It is a true “all-around” experience in being welcoming to many types of people from many walks of life. Going back to the wineries though, let me highlight one as an example of the vineyards in the area. Baron Creek Vineyards.  An award-winning vineyard in its own right, Baron Creek hosts events and offers the opportunity for couples getaways through villas at their Fredericksburg facility. Similarly to the other vineyards, Baron Creek supports a wide selection of varietals for you to try. 

So the short version here, if you consider yourself one who partakes in wine, either of these areas offer you not only an opportunity to sample great wines, they have a wide array of “other” activities throughout their area as well.