Why Wine about Valentine's

It's a love hate relationship most of us have with Valentine's Day. I stand by this regardless of your "couple status." Obviously being single one is reminded of the lack of having a partner in their life; and if you are happily coupled you are then forced to make some large gesture to represent your love (along with everyone else in the free world). Or more often, it turns into an awkward ....a "I kinda like you but I don't really know where this is going" situation.   I say, yes, do something nice for Valentine's Day. But let's be serious, is it really that important to receive roses when society forces your lover to do so at an overpriced rate? On the day of, save yourself the trouble of an overrated meal and bad bad service, and do something on the cheap.

Taking my own advice, and without a lover, I did something I knew I would make me happy and warm inside. Wine Wine Wine. Can it be a favorite past time to go to wineries if I have only gone to a handful of wineries in my life? Since Central Texas is the number 2 wine destination in the U.S. (just behind Napa, obvi) I find myself falling in love with Austin all over again.  

My partner in crime for the past few posts, Emily, and I planned a Sunday Funday to wineries in Marble Falls. She has a convertible and after weeks of cold weather it was a perfect day to put the top down! We picked Marble Falls as our destination as we figured it would be the road less traveled on Valentine's Day (Fredericksburg was hosting Lovers Wine Tasting Tour :-P). Marble Falls is a small country town about an hour Northwest of Austin promising beautiful views of the Colorado River. 

The first location we hit up was Lost Creek, a cute little spot with a swan in the creek. The two wines made on the vineyard were decent but I think I will remember the local, and attractive, sommelier who poured the wines a little bit longer. 

The next spot, Perissos Vineyard, was recommended by the aforementioned sommelier. This brand new vineyard was supposedly only 15 minutes away.  Getting lost along the way (while guided by GPS and iPhone navigation) we found a Castle. Yes,  a big white Cinderella-esque castle on the top of a hill in the middle of nowhere central Texas. Interesting to say the least. Anyway, back to the trip... we eventually found the winery we were looking for. The the owners of the place greeted us when we stepped out of the car and introduced us to their wide selection of wine. We chatted with the happy couple while we watched them make wine and talk about their plans to expand.

Intimate, personal, and amazing. At this point Emily lost the battle to the wine tastings and I led the way to dinner. On a recommendation we avoided the touristy Blue Bonnet Cafe and chose River City Grill  that overlooks the Colorado River. It was a delicious and scenic. Afterwards we were too full off of food and wine to attempt another winery in our adventure so we tried the shops. As it turns out Sunday Funday does not include shopping in Marble Falls. I believe it is the combination of the recession and God's country that kept the stores closed. It was no bother, as the weather had turned from beautiful to cold in a matter of minutes so we were fine with packing it up taking our scenic drive home. 

Only an hour a way from Austin and numerous other wineries to visit along the way, this trip will surely be repeated. Marble Falls, a younger sister to Fredericksburg and a cousin to Austin this town surely stole my heart on Valentine's Day!

http://lostcreekvineyard.com/about.htm
http://www.perissosvineyards.com/