Hill Country Wine Tour

Wine is an essential part of my family holidays. Especially since my parents started their own winery a few years ago. This Thanksgiving was blessed with a great Austin area wine country tour. Beautiful views, a fun drive and fabulous wine. If you're in the Austin area, you've got to check these out!

Driftwood Vineyards

A down home spot with a great Hillcountry view. The wines are quite tempting here (And blew our budget!) I suggest the SuperTexan, the Syrah and the Cuve Blanc. Just $5 for a tasting of six wines. (photo from chris_cogs2's flickr)

Mondola Winery

For Lunch and Wine Tasting, head on over to Mandola Winery. A gorgeous spot with a Bocce court, room for running and strolling, big shade trees and INCREDIBLE Italian food. Really. This place was made by a man long in the restaurant business in Texas and the USA - Damian Mandola. He is associated with D'Amico's in Houston, Damian's Cucina Italiana and then Carraba's. What a legacy! This is what you'd expect a Texas Vineyard to look like! (photo from their website)

After a grand lunch here, head on into Wimberly for some shopping and to avoid the pasta-coma. This town is a gem and offers art, art, art and antiques. I promise there is something for everyone!

On your way back to Austin make sure you have a good bottle of wine and some cash left and eat at the famous Salt Lick Bar-b-que. Y.U.M.

Now that s a good day!