On a recent trip to Fred, we decided to branch out and visit Bending Branch Winery in Comfort, TX.,…read moreas it's only about a 45-minute ride from downtown Fred. Bending Branch produces some top-notch wines and Bourbon! The winery is beautiful with multiple rooms, from high tops to comfy chairs. There is also a large patio that has some shade. They have a great family story (check out their website) and a unique way to produce bold wines. Being Kentucky natives, their bourbons are full-bodied and range from great for an old-fashioned to smooth as silk, straight up delicious. We enjoyed our red flight tasting, and yes, their Tannat is superb. Both their 2022 and 2021 Estate were complex, not overly fruity and rich. Their Tempranillo is beautifully balanced with some cherry notes and a fine leathery finish. I did sample their high-rye bourbon and was impressed with its smoothness. So impressed that a bottle now sits in my bourbon cabinet at home. This bourbon is easily sipped straight up or with a single ice cube. Bonus: If you do visit Bending Branch, take a short drive to downtown Comfort. There are some cool stores, and you have to check out the historic Giles Hotel. You can access their beautiful courtyard, and we were told by multiple folks that their breakfast is awesome. We are planning a return trip to check out the other wineries in the area and stay here.

Beautiful location!!!! It feels like you are in Tuscany! Lovely service with indoor and outdoor…read morefacilities. The outside patio has umbrellas for shade as well. I am in love with the Tempranillo!!! If you want a wine tasting, I highly recommend Bending Branch. They also have bourbons. Great place and low key. Love it!!!

I was in town for the Labor Day weekend and met a friend here for a couple of glasses of wine. It…read morehas a very local and friendly atmosphere with a large back lawn with picnic tables to sit outside and relax. The staff were very attentive and knowledgeable. I had 2 red wines that were both delicate and smooth. They also have a few trinkets for purchase. I found the perfect 50th birthday gift for a close friend. We had a great time visiting and look forward to stopping off again when we're back in town.

The wine is great and the staff is awesome. Come in and sample there wonderful selection. You won't…read morebe disappointed. There is live music once the weather is warmer. I'll be back sooner than later.

Another cute gem in Comfort, TX that we strolled through as we completed our winery tour through…read morethe winding roads of Fredericksburg. The inside is very cute and welcoming and the staff was very friendly. The wine tasting price is extremely reasonable. We ended up leaving with a couple of bottles! Good times!

This is one of my favorite spots to go to in Comfort! This is one of two locations for Bending…read moreBranch Winery and the staff is great! Always welcoming and extends the best customer service. I joined the wine club a few weeks ago and one of the staff members who helped get me signed up wrote us a hand-written note welcoming us to the club! What an awesome way to make us feel "part of the club". We had my birthday party here and it was a blast! They are so accommodating and made us feel welcomed!!! My favorite wines are the Ursa Viognier and the Bending Branch Mourvèdre!

Could not give Woody and the owners more of a rave review! We will definitely come back just…read morebecause of this distillery. Not only did they treat our pugs like royalty, they treated us like family. We had such a great time hanging out and getting to know everybody and the cocktails were flavorful, well, balanced, and exciting! Walked in got great service would highly recommend.

Awesome place!! The entire staff is welcoming and friendly, the drinks are awesome, and a feel-good…read moreenvironment. Dog friendly and spacious outdoor seating. The staff will treat you as if you have met before. Definitely stop by if you're passing through Comfort, TX or are in the area.

I visited this highly rated wine tasting room when I was visiting Boerne for the weekend. I was…read morethe first to arrive around 130pm, but about 4 other couples walked in not 10 mins after me. It was a fairly hot day for the end of winter, so I chose to sit inside. They have a handful of high top tables and about 17 different wines on the tasting menu. The prices for the bottles range from $24 - $165. One interesting note, the grapes are currently grown in Lubbock due to the water shortage in this area, but they have some vines that are being replanted on this property so maybe in a few years they will be ready. They do have some snacks to try/purchase in the cold case, and more dry snacks that aren't refrigerated on the other side of the room. Since we hadn't eaten lunch yet, we grabbed a meat and cheese from the refrigerated case for $10 Restrooms are in a side building adjacent to the tasting room building. I tried the El Jardin, Albarino, Cinsaut, Sangiovese, Mourvedre, and Cabernet Franc. We also sampled a 1/2 pour of the Nectar du Terroir which is a fortified dessert wine instilled with brandy. I liked it but just be warned that it is strong at 17%. El Jardin - light white wine easy to drink; would go well with seafood Cinsaut - sort of like a pinot noir but slightly bitter Sangiovese - fruity similar to cinsaut but not as bitter Mourvedre - tasted similar to cinsaut but slightly better Cabernet franc - the best of the bunch, pretty smooth Overall, we enjoyed our experience here but are not huge wine drinkers and didn't really find one we were in love with. We didn't end up taking home any bottles but will always enjoy the memories. One note, their wine is reportedly not sold at liquor stores, but it is sent to select wine bars throughout Texas, so you may find it in your town; otherwise, the only other ways to get it is through their website, or by visiting the tasting room just outside of Boerne. They do not have a tasting room in Lubbock where the grapes are grown.

Terrific views while enjoying a great bottle of Texas Albariño at Saint Tryphon. Truly charming…read moreambiance sitting on the patio outside the small tasting room enjoying the hills and the roses and the sun lowering late in the afternoon. The owner/winemaker and his wife were incredibly hospitable and kind. One of our favorite stops along our journey through Boerne and Fredericksburg.

It was difficult to find. Several of the map applications led us in the wrong direction. The entry…read moreway is a large brick entrance and if you look careful you will see Riven Rock on the metal signs. We got to the top of the hill where it stops and tat is where the restaurant was. Absolutely gorgeous atmosphere and location. They have the facilities to hold parties and weddings. We came on a night when they have pizza made to order in the Italian stone pizza oven. We brought our own wine and orders both salad and pizza. Fantastic service and food. Definitely a best kept secret I. The hill country.

Riven Rock Ranch is a hidden hill country gem that I'm hesitant about sharing. I'm getting married…read morehere, so I may be biased, but this place is heaven on earth. Their Terrace Grill has excellent, farm fresh food. They try and use the resources they have on the ranch including their own beef cattle, and fruits and vegetables. I've never had anything bad at their restaurant. The actual Ranch, including the guest cabins and other facilities are also amazing. They have a pool and Guadalupe River access also if that's your thing. If you want a quiet, relaxing getaway, this is the place to go.

Sister Creek is an authentic piece of old, rustic Texas, set in a small town with a very…read moreinteresting history (look up Sisterdale in the 19th century). It's not a fancy winery with a boutique tasting room and live music, but the owners and staff are friendly and welcoming in a genuine way and the wines are of very good quality, and not as pricy as some you'll find on the Hill Country wine roads. The Texas Muscat Canelli (both varieties) is my favorite, and I highly recommend if you like white wines on the sweeter side. There is a small picnic area outside. If you find yourself in the area, stop by.

Blackboard BBQ is our favorite BBQ place, and sister creek vineyards is across the street so we…read moredecided to finally check it out! We got a bottle of the cotton gin red and Sat outside and enjoyed it under their large live oak tree. The inside was a little hectic since they had two group tastings going on. And I think there's I my one bathroom. But this is a good little wine stop in sisterdale and worth supporting.