Texas Heritage Vineyards

Texas Heritage Vineyards in Fredericksburg, Texas, puts family ownership and Texas-grown grapes at the center of its operation. Owners Billy and Susan Johnson work alongside their daughter, tasting room operator Jessica Allen, while Susan shares winemaking decisions with winemaker Tyler Buddemeyer. The family's 12.5-acre estate dates to its first plantings in 2015 and grows Alicante Bouschet, Malbec, Tempranillo, Souzao, Tannat and Viognier. Those names give the winery a more interesting identity than another stop built around Cabernet alone.

The wines are 100% Texas-grown, with estate bottlings that put several less-familiar red grapes in the spotlight. Alicante Bouschet and Souzao deserve particular attention here; the 2018 Souzao counts a win in the 2021 Texas Monthly Vintner's Cup among its distinctions. The production facility holds more than 400 barrels and doubles as a setting for special wine club events.

The tasting room sits on U.S. Highway 290, with a large tasting bar and outdoor bistro tables, string lights, a fireplace and fire pits. Friday and Sunday afternoons bring live music to the back deck. Tastings cost $30 per person, and prepaid reservations are recommended for groups of six or more. Daily opening makes this an easy stop to fit into a Fredericksburg wine weekend.