Sometimes you need to hop in the car and take off for the weekend. Sometimes you just need to pick up wine at one of the wineries you’re a member of. Either way, a trip to Texas Wine Country is never a bad idea.
One of our favorite stops of the weekend was at Adega Vinho. We like to try new places, and this winery checked all the right boxes. Texas wine: if not estate-grown, sourced from a Texas AVA; Award-winning options from local wine competitions, as well as California and Decanter. (Read more here). It is one of the most award-winning wineries in Texas.
We were really excited to try a new winery. Driving up to the tasting room, you’re treated to a scene out of a movie. Vines to the right surrounded by a fence with a sign asking you to leave the dogs alone. A stunning outdoor seating area, with sectionals, fire pits, and umbrellas to provide shade from the Texas sun, greets you before the tasting room.
The tasting room features bright colors and patterns, artsy, with a gallery-like feeling, like your cool, art-collecting, single aunt’s living room. Arranged seating like a living room for small group conversation. Relaxed and designed to help everyone feel welcome and at ease.
First, we tasted the Branca Estate Reserve 2024, a crisp, citrusy wine that is perfect for hot Texas summers. A blend of Alvarinho and Arinto grapes. My first thought was how well this wine would go with lemon-pepper chicken wings! It was fresh, bright, and well balanced, with no single flavor overwhelming the rest.
Up next was the Rosé of Grenache SLV 2024. Even my husband, who doesn’t typically like rosé, enjoyed it. It was soft, fresh, floral, with a little hint of fruit. I wanted strawberries and goat cheese to go with this one.
The third wine on our list was Mourvèdre Estate 2022. An easy-to-drink red that made you think, “Yeah, this would go with anything from pizza to steak to salmon.”
The Touriga Cuvee Estate 2022 was off the charts. We purchased a couple of bottles to bring home. Black fruit, pepper, and tannins that call for steak, lamb, or bold bolognese-sauced pasta.
The last wine was a 2022 Estate Tempranillo. Cherries and leather are listed in the tasting notes. It was bold, dense, and ready for anything from Texas BBQ to spicy Creole gumbo. Another we added to our personal collection. We were also fortunate to add some of the 2021 Estate Tempranillo that won gold at Decanter.
I would recommend Adega Vinho to anyone wanting to experience amazing Texas wine. The quality of the wine, the welcoming, at-ease atmosphere, and the down-to-earth people you’ll meet will make this one a favorite!
And, as Andy Bilger, the owner says, “Drink more Texas wine!”
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