Day Trips

The 100-year-old cotton gin at Sister Creek Vineyards serves as a link between the old and new of Texas agriculture. Nestled in the fertile Guadalupe River Valley, 15 miles north of Boerne on FM1376, the vineyards has a tradition in Texas history, but looks much more like a European chateau.

The grounds of the four acres of manicured grapevines surrounds a two-story brick country home of a San Antonio businessman; the cotton gin has been refurbished to house the tasting room and the wine-making facilities. It is an idyllic setting hidden away on the scenic back roads of the Hill Country about an hour west of Austin.

Danny Hernandez, the vineyards' manager and only employee, moved with his family to the estate in 1986, when the first vines were planted on the edge of the village of Sisterdale.

Sisterdale dates back to 1848 when a group of German intellectuals settled between the twin branches of Sister Creek. The farms afforded a modest existence for the settlers, but the village was reputed to have the best schools in the state. The schoolhouse still stands across the road from the general store that is part neighborhood bar, flea market, and convenience store.

Considered a boutique wine, this type of small-production winery is what makes the Texas and California wine regions interesting. The winery produces less than 3,000 gallons of wine per year which translates to 100 to 150 cases of each kind. Although the wines are available in Austin and San Antonio, an exceptional label will often sell out quickly. There are less than 15 cases left of the 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon that won a silver medal in an international wine competition. It is available only at the winery.

The winery offers five wines from estate-grown grapes imported from the Texas High Plains. All of the vineyard's wines except the sweet Muscat Canelli are aged in oak barrels. A minimalist attitude toward filtering and chemicals in the French tradition gives Sister Creek wines a distinctive fruitiness. Hernandez predicts that the 1996 Chardonnay will be a limited release, but very good. He is getting ready to bottle the 1995 Chardonnay which will be released in March.

The best time to visit the winery is during the week or on Saturday when Hernandez is there to show you around. The winery is open daily, noon-5pm. For more information, call 210/324-6704.

Coming up this weekend...

Pecan Harvest in San Saba runs Nov. 15-Jan. 1 at the San Saba River Pecan Co. Pick your own pecans or buy nuts, pies, cakes, and other items from the Pecan Store. 915/372-6078.

Coming up...

Correction: The Poinsettia Celebration at Ellison's Greenhouse in Brenham is Nov. 23-24; the date in last week's column was incorrect. The greenhouse also opens their gift shop and gives tours during the week, 9am-3pm and on Saturday, 9am-noon. To get to the greenhouse from US290: Take Alamo St. through town to Horton Loop, make a right, go past the Blue Bell Creamery, and Ellison's is on the right just past the school. 409/836-6011.

Walkway of Lights along Lake Marble Falls attracts visitors to Marble Falls, Nov. 22-Jan. 1. The Christmas display is open nightly,
6-10pm. 800/759-8178.

Scott Joplin Music Festival in Texarkana celebrates the native son with ragtime pianists, dances, and a Joplin Expo in the historical museum, Nov. 22-24. 903/832-68