What to know about wine tasting before your next wine weekend

02Jun

Wine tasting weekends are the perfect opportunity to explore new places, taste new wines and enjoy good company. There are a handful of great wine regions in the U.S. ranging from the most popular, Napa Valley, to those with growing street cred, like Texas Hill Country. 

Wherever you’re tasting wine, here are some tips and things to think about to get the most out of your experience.

  1. Decide how “hands-on” or “geeky” you want the experience to be

This starts with you deciding how you want to taste wine!  Do you want to know a bit about what’s in your glass or do you prefer to just sip it and take in the experience?

When visiting a winery, there is a spectrum of how involved and educational the experience is. For example, most vineyards in Napa Valley take time and care to educate you on the wine, vineyard, grapes, winery history etc. Whereas in Texas Hill Country it’s more of a split between these types of wineries and ones that are more of a sip and relax environment. Keep this in mind when choosing your destination.

  1. Tasting the Wine: See, Sniff, Taste

Here’s a simple way to taste and evaluate wine. Learning to evaluate wines will help you better understand what you like so you can drink and enjoy more of those types of wine.  It can also elevate your experience by choosing the best foods to pair/compliment the wines.

See – holding the stem, hold the glass up tilting it into the light (cupping the glass with your hand will change the temperature of the wine, and thus…the taste), then stare straight down. Notice what color you see, how deep it is, and if there is any translucence in the glass.

Put the glass down on the table, while holding the stem with two fingers, swirl the wine. If the wine has more prominent “tears” that form on the glass, it is likely a bolder and heavier pour.

Sniff – Hover over the glass face down and get a good sniff. Take your time while you let the aromas register in your brain. Here is a quick run down of the different aromas in wine:

Fruit

Flowers, Leaves, Herbs

Spices

Vegetables

Aged Barrels

Taste – Finally, take a slow sip (just a sip!) just as you would sip out of a straw, and let your mouth take note of the flavors.  Believe it or not, the wine will taste different in the front of your mouth versus the middle of your tongue or the back when you swallow/. 

Questions to ask yourself as you taste the wine:

  • What do you notice as you start to sip/taste the wine (meaning as it’s entering your mouth/hitting your tongue)?
  • How does the wine feel around your tongue & mouth (i.e. the mouth feel)?
  • As you swallow it, does it taste the same as above or has it changed?
  1. The “Do’s”
  • Make sure you’re not tasting wine on an empty stomach.
    Most wineries serve only light bites.
  • Use water in between glasses to “reset” your pallet
  • Plan in advance, routing the best way through your desired wineries
  • Ask for recommendations/reviews
  1. The “Dont’s”
  • Don’t drive yourself if you’re going to be tasting/drinking wine all day!
  • Don’t “save the best for last”, go to the must-see wineries first.
  • Wear heavy perfume or other loud scents that will mess with the wine aromas for both you and people around you.

This blog was written by Willow Grove Estate, a 2.5 acre compound in Texas Wine Country that is home to a private event venue, overnight group accommodations and an on-site host. At Willow Grove Estate, we love wine and we are here to help others have the best experience tasting their way through Texas Wine Country!

We are a short five minutes from Main Street in Fredericksburg and with our on-site host, we can accommodate all of your needs, from wine-tour planning to meals and beyond. Learn more or reserve your weekend here.

Stay connected! Follow Willow Grove Estate on Instagram and Facebook.

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How to Plan the Ultimate Wine-Tasting Getaway

13Apr

You’re sipping a crisp class of white wine at a beautiful vineyard, surrounded by your people, the ones that make you laugh and let time pass without a care.

Your private wine tour guide is waiting to whisk you away to your final vineyard destination before returning back to your estate home for a private dinner party.

If you’re day-dreaming about a fun, care free weekend getaway with your favorite people, we’re here to help!

Named “The New Napa” and known for its rustic country-glam flare, Texas Hill Country is the perfect location for the ultimate group wine-tasting getaway weekend.

At Willow Grove Estate, a gorgeous 2.5 acre compound in Fredericksburg, Texas, we’ve helped plenty of groups curate a unique and care-free experience of the wineries on the Texas Hillside.

Planning the Ultimate Wine-Tasting Getaway:

  1. Pick a good home base. Days in Texas Wine Country are typically spent out in the town, exploring vineyards, walking, shopping, and eating. Guests want a cozy and spacious retreat to stay in where they can unwind after a long day, without sacrificing the conveniences of being in vacation mode. Choose a Fredericksburg vacation rental that meets the requirements of your group, that is close enough to town yet still gives you the peace and relaxation to unplug after a long day.
  2. Create a wine-tour itinerary. Partner with your rental company or host to create a custom wine-tour itinerary for your group. Locals will know the best Texas Wine Country wineries to fit your groups needs and wants, and the best route to take to ensure you are efficient and smart with your time!
  3. Make reservations at the vineyards. Surprisingly, Fredericksburg’s vineyards can fill up fast! Call ahead to reserve a table at each spot. This will ensure you have a great seat that suits your group size. At Willow Grove Estate, your on-site host will reserve you a table at each vineyard, with light bites to pair with your wine!
  4. Consider an in-home chef for dinner. Going to a new town is exciting and most of our groups tend to underestimate how much a day of wine tasting takes out of you! Consider searching for an in-home dinner option one night. At our quaint group rental in Fredericksburg, you have a personal on-site host and on-site private dinner venue to balance the vacation-mood with light evening plans. If you are planning to eat out, make sure you have a reservation to accommodate your party. (We deliver our restaurant quality food to off-site vacation rentals, too!)
  5. Make room to explore other activities. Most places have plenty to offer aside from wine. Whether it’s shopping, brunching, or hiking, take a few hours to enjoy the location. If you’re coming to Fredericksburg Texas, make sure you check out The Warehouse District. There is a lot of great shopping and decor “finds” there. (Bonus, you can still find local wine there too!)

Not sure where to plan your getaway yet? Fredericksburg, Texas is known as the food and beverage capital of Texas Hill Country, coined “The New Napa” for its gorgeous scenery, 100+ winery options, and unique vacation rentals. Fredericksburg is the perfect location for groups planning a fun wine tasting weekend away.

Guests at Willow Grove Estate enjoy a private 5 bedroom/5 bathroom group vacation rental on our 2.5 acre compound. We are a short five minutes from Main Street in Fredericksburg and you have an on-site host, Jeff, to accommodate all of your needs, from wine-tour planning to meals and beyond. Learn more or reserve your weekend here.

Stay connected! Follow Willow Grove Estate on Instagram and Facebook.

Planning a Bachelorette Party to Texas Wine Country

01Mar

Take the Bride to Hill County’s Unofficial Capital of Food and Wine

If your bride loves….

  • A good glass of wine
  • A relaxed yet fun environment
  • A little bit of country with a little bit of class

…then a Bachelorette weekend in Texas Wine Country is THE place for your bride and her tribe.

Fredericksburg, Texas is a quaint yet lively town that is known as the unofficial capital of food and wine in Hill County.

There is something for everyone and plenty of opportunities to tailor your group’s experience so that it is unique, and memorable.

What to do in Texas Wine Country for a Bachelorette Weekend:

  • Vineyard visits and wine tastings
  • Hike at the Enchanted Rock
  • Farmhouse chic shopping 
  • Casual and fine dining options
  • Horseback Riding
  • Animal Experiences
  • Moped and Bike Rentals
  • Custom wine tours with Transportation
  • Festivals and Trade days
  • In-home wine ratings and cooking experiences
  • Wildflower farms
  • Night life, music, and dancing

When you stay at Willow Grove Estate during your travels to Fredericksburg, Texas you get a total getaway experience whether you’re exploring the town, sipping wine at a vineyard, or relaxing back at your vacation home.

Your host, Jeff, is a hospitality expert who offers his guests unique in-home and around-town experiences to make your stay seamless and care-free.

The Willow Grove Estate can customize your stay by offering:

  • Custom/Themed decorations
  • Grocery shopping/stocking 
  • Private Chef
  • Welcome wine tasting & bites
  • Bubbly brunch delivery
  • On-site yoga, massages, etc.
  • Custom wine tour itinerary
  • Transportation around town
  • Private dinners in on-site pop up restaurant 
  • … and more!

Itinerary Idea for Bachelorette Weekends in Fredericksburg, Texas:

Friday:

  • Welcome party at you vacation rental on Willow Grove Estate – light bites and wine tasting for you and your girls
  • Dinner and drinks at Chase’s place 
  • Post-dinner dancing and music at Luckenbach’s Dance Hall and Bar

Saturday:

  • Brunch at Hill & Vine
  • Wine tasting:
    • Wildflower farms
    • Heath Sparkling
  • Sip, snack, and shop at the Warehouse District 
  • Head back to Willow Grove Estate for a private, in-home chef and game night

Sunday:

  • Brunch Delivery
  • Departure

We hope you enjoy your time in Fredericksburg, Texas! To get started, contact Jeff, the host at Willow Grove Estate, to talk about reserving your group’s weekend and what details and experience can take the weekend to the next level.

What to Do During your Visit to Fredericksburg, TX

15Feb

What to do with your Group vacation to Texas Wine Country

Why Travel to Fredericksburg, Texas?

Fredericksburg, Texas is a central-texas city located just over an hour from Austin. Fredericksburg is home to some incredible venues within Texas Wine Country. Vacationers typically travel here to enjoy vineyards, wineries, breweries, and the great food and good vibes that this town has to offer.

Texas Wine Country is not the only thing that makes Fredericksburg unique! In addition to some hidden gems, great shopping, and war history, Fredericksburg also holds a deep German heritage that makes for some interesting museums, sightseeing, and delicious food and beer. 

Here are five things to do during your visit to the Texas Wine Country of Fredericksburg, Texas:

  1. Visit Enchanted Rock

Grab your walking shoes and head to Enchanted Rock. This state owned natural area is home to a park, hiking/walking trails, wildlife, cave exploration and more. You will experience some gorgeous views and scenery – the perfect activity to diversify your group’s vacation plans in Fredericksburg, Texas.

  1. Experience Texas Wine Country with a Customized Wine Tour

Vineyards are the heart and soul of Fredericksburg. Most people vacation here to enjoy the local wine scene. Some of our favorites include: Ab Astris, Airis’Ele Vineyards and Lost Draw. We recommend getting a custom wine tour itinerary put together. B based on your preferences and/or previous experiences, Jeff will know how to prioritize each location for ease and desired activity, and can even call ahead to ensure your spot is reserved and ready for you upon arrival. Cheers!

  1. Snag Unique Goodies at The Warehouse District

Any shoppers in your group? The Warehouse District is a must-do during your group trip to Fredericksburg, Texas. Located south of Main Street, The Warehouse District is where shopping lovers will find unique home decor, antique stores, and more. The best part? There’s something for everyone! The Warehouse District is home to great food and beverage venues that you won’t want to miss out on. Grab breakfast or lunch at the Woerner Warehouse or relax for an afternoon pour at Lincoln Street Wine Bar.

  1. See the Giraffes at Longneck Manor

Got kiddos or animal lovers joining on your group getaway for Fredericksburg? They are in for a treat. Stop by Longneck Manor to experience close-up encounters with Giraffes and Rhinos. Be sure to make a reservation or have your Fredericksburg host do so for you. Tours take about an hour and a half and are offered between 10:30 am and 2pm. 

  1. Dance the Night Away at Luckenbach Texas

Ready for a night out on the town? Head to Luckenbach. This Fredericksburg favorite is a historic trading post turned general store, bar, and concert hall. Enjoy an evening under their gorgeous oak trees and listen to music almost every weekend, during the afternoon and into the night. Be sure to check their calendar upon arrival! Some of their events require tickets. 

Fredericksburg, Texas is the perfect group getaway. Willow Grove Estate is a beautiful, private guest home tucked into 2.5 acres of quiet, only a five minute drive to Main Street. Jeff, your host, (and his extensive wine cellar!) makes the trip care-free, unique, and unforgettable for his guests with on-site experiences like welcome wine tastings, champagne breakfasts, dinner, and more.

Learn more at www.willowgroveestate.com and https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com

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