Fun in Fredericksburg

Last weekend, my girlfriends I headed out to Fredericksburg for a much-needed weekend away from the boyfriends, husbands and family. Our itinerary was filled wineries, restaurants and relaxing in hot the tubs back at the cabins (the hot tub was a prerequisite, of course). Everything a girl could want for a Hill Country getaway.

Some Resources to plan the trip:
The Texas Hill Country - A Food & Wine Lovers Paradise
Fredericksburg Wine Road 290
Absolute Charm Luxury Bed & Breakfasts
First Class Bed & Breakfast Reservation Service

Drink.

Becker Vineyards Becker is known in the Hill Country for award winning wines from French Bordeaux varietals (along with a few others), aged in French Oak and American Oak. $10 for a tasting of 6 wines. They have an excellent selection of gifts made from local lavender, as well as artisan cheeses and meats to enjoy a simple meal on their beautiful patio with a glass of wine.  There was live music there on Saturday afternoon.

Our faves:

2008 Claret - Made with a blend of traditional Bordeaux grapes (cab, merlot, cab franc, petit verdot and malbec), this wine was subtle and dry, with notes of currant and a hint of vanilla from the American Oak.

2009 Malbec - This was the wine steward's fave, as well, a good, full-bodied wine with a taste of dark chocolate smokiness.

Grape Creek Vineyards - This was our third vineyard on the list, Grape Creek bills itself as, "Tuscany in the Hill Country." Also a great outdoor space with a fire pit (perfect for this cold day), with a selection of cheese, chocolate and cracker accompaniments for your wine.

Our faves:

2008 Bellisimo - "...Super Tuscan style red wine... a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon yield characteristics of cherries, spices and toasted oak with hints vanilla."

2008 Mosaic - "...blended using traditional Bordeaux grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, aged in small oak barrels..expresses flavors of blackberries, black currant, and chocolate..." 

 

Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille - Pretty good Bloody Marys. I believe we had 15 between the 5 of us. They serve food, too.






The Buffalo Nickel seems like a local bar, cozy and off the main street. They also serve food, but we had excellent Micheladas.





Other Drink recommendations:

Lincoln Street Wine Bar

Auslander Restaurant & Biergarten

Eat.

Silver K Cafe in Johnson City was our first stop. A cute place for tasty and inexpensive salads, sandwiches and soups.  I had a $3 chicken salad sandwich and a $2 beer. Can't beat it.

Cabernet Grille was our dinner spot, embracing simple, Hill Country cuisine of grilled steaks, chicken, fish and quail, along with some pretty tasty sides. We all liked that it offered local wines, so we were able to get a glass of the favorite wines we tasted earlier in the day. Also, this place has several well manicured cabins on the property and a beautiful outdoor courtyard with fountains. This would be a pretty amazing place to stay for a Winemaker's Dinner, or even in the summertime to enjoy the outdoors. It's a few miles from Main St., but worth the (short) drive.

Rathskeller Basement Restaurant - What an awesome find. Delicious breakfast, strong coffee, mimosas. I had the Hill Country Duck Hash. This is some serious breakfast love.

All in all, a pretty awesome weekend (despite less than perfect weather), spent chatting, drinking, shopping and eating with the girls I call my best friends. Its always  a great experience to enjoy good food and wine with those that appreciate it as much, if not more, than you do.  Love you girls!

Listening to: Rolling Stones, Under My Thumb