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3/8/2024 0 Comments Texas Wine 101 Hey there, fellow wine lovers! Rachael the Wino here, and today, we’re diving deep into the heart of Texas to explore all things wine. So, grab your favorite glass and get ready for a fun and approachable guide to Texas Wine 101! Why Texas Wine? First things first, you might be wondering, “Why Texas wine?” Well, let me tell you, friends – Texas wine is like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With its diverse terroir, innovative winemakers, and downright delicious wines, the Lone Star State is giving traditional wine regions a run for their money. Plus, who can resist a glass of wine with a side of Texas charm? Exploring Texas Terroir Now, let’s talk terroir – fancy French word alert! In Texas, terroir is all about the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that gives each wine its one-of-a-kind flavor. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Hill Country to the cool, breezy plains of the High Plains, Texas terroir is as diverse as the state itself. So, whether you’re a fan of bold reds or crisp whites, there’s a Texas wine with your name on it.  Lost Draw Vineyards in Brownfield Meet the Grapes Next up, let’s meet the stars of the show – the grapes! Texas winemakers are a creative bunch, experimenting with a wide range of varietals to create wines that are as unique as they are delicious. Here are a few you’ll want to keep an eye out for: • Tempranillo: Think bold, think spicy – that’s Texas Tempranillo for you! This Spanish grape thrives in the Lone Star State, producing wines that are perfect for sipping by the fire or pairing with your favorite Tex-Mex dish. • Viognier: If you’re a fan of aromatic whites with a hint of sweetness, Viognier is the grape for you. With its lush texture and tropical fruit flavors, it’s like a vacation in a glass – no plane ticket required! • Mourvèdre: Looking for something a little more mysterious? Say hello to Mourvèdre! This dark, brooding grape produces wines with layers of flavor and a touch of Texas swagger.  Experience at William Chris Vineyards. Touring Texas Wine Country
Ready to hit the road and explore Texas Wine Country? From scenic vineyards to cozy tasting rooms, there’s no shortage of places to discover. Here are a few must-visit spots to add to your itinerary: • Fredericksburg: With its charming downtown, picturesque vineyards, and welcoming wineries, Fredericksburg is the perfect destination for a wine-filled weekend getaway. Must-visit spots are Slate Theory, Texas Heritage Vineyards and Wine for the People. • Brownfield: Nestled in the heart of the High Plains, Brownfield is known as the "Grape Capital of Texas" and is home to some of Texas’s most renowned wineries. Located just outside of Lubbock, take a tour, taste the terroir, and soak in the West Texas hospitality in the red-dirt landscape. My favorite spots to visit here are Reddy Vineyards, Farmhouse Vineyards and Oswald Vineyard. • Hye: Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Hill Country, Hye is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. With its rustic tasting rooms and stunning views, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and uncork. This town has a special place in my heart and a visit here is ALWAYS on my itinerary! A visit to William Chris Vineyards, Hye Meadow and French Connection are a MUST! Tips for Wine Tasting in Texas Before you head out on your Texas wine adventure, here are a few tips to keep in mind: • Stay Hydrated: With all that wine tasting, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Make sure to stay hydrated to keep the fun going all day long. • Take Your Time: Wine tasting is all about savoring the moment, so don’t rush. Take your time, ask questions, and enjoy the experience. • Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new wines. You never know – you might just discover your new favorite! • Be Responsible: Make sure that you have a designated driver or utilize one of the many transportation companies for a safe ride during your trip. For a more hop-on, hop-off experience, check out 290 Wine Shuttle. Or for a more individualized and full-package trip, check out Cellar Rat Wine Tours or The Black Sheep Wine Tours. These tour companies will typically make the reservations for you and even provide lunch! Well, folks, there you have it – a fun and approachable guide to Texas Wine 101! Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newbie, I hope this post has inspired you to uncork a bottle of Texas wine and raise a glass to new adventures. Cheers to good wine, great company, and the endless possibilities of Texas terroir! 🍷✨
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 Hey wine enthusiasts and food lovers, gather around as I take you on a flavorful journey through my recent adventure at the Annual Crawfish Boil hosted by Lost Draw at their new Johnson City tasting room. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and soak in the Cajun charm! Savoring Sparkles and Spice: As I stepped into the picturesque setting of Lost Draw, I was warmly greeted at check-in with a glass of their sparkling Pinot Meunier. The effervescence of the wine perfectly complemented the lively atmosphere of the event, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening ahead. Pairing Perfection: With my glass in hand, I ventured over to the feast of flavors awaiting me. I indulged in the succulent crawfish, perfectly paired with Lost Draw's Gemütlichkeit wine. The harmonious blend of flavors danced on my palate, creating a symphony of taste sensations that left me craving for more.  Grooving to the Music: As I savored each bite and sip, the infectious rhythms of Zydeco Blanco filled the air, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. The lively tunes had us tapping our feet and swaying to the beat, infusing the evening with a sense of joy and celebration. Embracing the New Facility: Lost Draw's new Johnson City tasting room provided the perfect backdrop for the Crawfish Boil. I was impressed by the spaciousness and modern amenities of the facility, which seamlessly blended rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The ample space allowed guests to mingle freely, while children frolicked and played in the expansive grounds.  A Surprise Visitor: Just when I thought the afternoon couldn't get any more delightful, a surprise visitor made an appearance – one of the vineyard sheep! The unexpected encounter added a touch of whimsy to the event, delighting guests of all ages and creating unforgettable memories as we watched staff chase the sheep around the lawn. Reflecting on the Experience: As the afternoon drew to a close, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experience I had at Lost Draw's Crawfish Boil. From the delectable food and wine pairings to the lively music and charming ambiance, every moment was a testament to the vineyard's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for its guests. Plan Your Visit: If you're craving a taste of southern hospitality and exceptional wine, be sure to visit Lost Draw and experience the magic for yourself. With a calendar full of exciting events and tastings, there's always something new to discover at this hidden gem in Johnson City. Cheers to Unforgettable Moments: As I bid farewell to the Crawfish Boil, I carry with me cherished memories of laughter, friendship, and the simple joys of good food and wine. Until next time, here's to creating more unforgettable moments and celebrating life's beautiful moments, one glass at a time. Experience the magic of Lost Draw for yourself – plan your visit today at www.lostdraw.com. Stay tuned for more wine adventures and culinary delights, only at www.rachaelthewino.com! Cheers, Rachael The Wino CategoriesAll Budget Events Gifts Holiday Products Reviews Skincare Tasting Notes Texas Texas Hill Country Wine  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions and millions of people have found themselves stuck at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, just longing for anything to take their mind off their new norm. I am one of those people. The first week of social distancing I was BORED OUT OF MY MIND!!! Y’all can relate, right? Well at the end of the week, after eating like a broke college kid, drinking at least a whole barrel of wine and acting like the biggest couch potato, I got out of the shower and looked at my skin and DAYUMMM! I have always suffered with basically every skin problem known to man; dry, oily, acne, large pores, fine lines, deep wrinkles… you name it, I’ve dealt with it, but this was THE WORST! I knew it was time to try something new and so I started doing a little research. I tried a wide variety of products and have summed up my top 5. Out of the 20 or so that I tried, I quit using most of them after the first week as I didn’t like how my skin reacted or I didn’t feel like it made any difference. However... These 5 have SERIOUSLY changed my skin. So here’s the breakdown!  1. Body Prescriptions Vitamin C Face Wipes I have used face wipes of all kinds over the years, but NEVER have I fell in love with one like this. These are infused with Vitamin C to promote hydration and nourish the skin. I have used Vitamin C serums before, but I never really saw a ton of improvement, so I was shocked with how amazing my skin felt when I used these. My skin felt so soft and hydrated immediately after using. I used it as my primary facewash at the end of the night a couple of times (I’m lazy. Don’t judge.) and it took off so much makeup and grime that I didn’t even feel bad about not using soap. I seriously felt like my skin was glowing. Of all of the products I tried, if I missed a night using these, I could definitely tell the next day. To try these awesome masks, CLICK HERE!  2. Peter Thomas Firm Peeling Gel This one I was super excited about trying. I’d seen it at Sephora before and had considered buying it, but I finally bit the bullet after doing more research. It’s a very different product than I’ve ever used before. You basically rub the gel on your face and it resurfaces your skin and gives you a mini facial. My skin felt amazing! I used it once every 3 days or so and could definitely see a difference. Word of advice, however, make sure you are leaning over the sink when you use this or it will make a huge mess of skin/gel. To try the large 3.4 oz size, CLICK HERE! To try a smaller 1 oz size, CLICK HERE!  3. Alin & Alan Vacuum Pore Cleaner I think my fiancé was more excited for me to buy this than I was. He’s a huge Dr. Pimple Popper fan, so I guess that’s understandable. We watched a few videos on how to use it without giving ourselves hickeys (hickies?) before we tried it out. I would definitely recommend using a hot towel to steam your face or use it right after you get out of the shower. Using it is super easy. It’s literally a one button machine. It was oddly satisfying seeing all of the junk it pulls out of your pores. I used it mostly for the pores on my nose and forehead, but after a couple of days getting used to it, I started using it on more of my face and DEFINITELY noticed a difference. The pores on my nose and cheeks were SO much smaller. I also noticed a lot less blackheads. I love this thing (and so does my man!) Want cleaner pores too, CLICK HERE!  4. Control Corrective Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask So in all transparency, I didn’t buy this mask, but I will most definitely be purchasing more in the near future. I had a cocktail with a lovely woman who worked for this company at an airport bar and she gave it to me months ago and I just never tried it until now. But I sure wish I had been using it this whole time. I used this mask every 5 days for 3 weeks and saw a HUGE improvement in my overall complexion. I saw the dark circles under my eyes all but disappear, and the unevenness in my skin tone and redness drastically improve. My face felt like glass and was simply glowing. To try my FAV mask, CLICK HERE!  5. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Release Cream To be honest, I saw Jennifer Garner using this cream on a commercial, so I did a little research, read some reviews and thought, “Why not? She hasn’t aged in 20 years.” I have been delighted by this cream. It lives on my nightstand and I use it every night right before I go to sleep. On the couple of nights I have indulged in a bit too much wine and forgotten, even my fiancé has been able to notice the next morning. It just gives you a fresh, dewy look in the A.M. Wrinkle-wise, I have noticed a significant improvement in the fine lines and creping on my eyes and cheeks, and a huge improvement in the deep wrinkles on my forehead. I’m definitely considering getting the rest of this line of products. For this magical cream in the 1.7 oz, CLICK HERE! For the sample 0.5 oz, CLICK HERE! Overall, I am in love with these products. I have never been one to stick with facial products or a facial routine, but these products have given me a huge reason to: I am more confident than EVER in my own skin! Plus they gave me something new to do and try. I have seen HUGE improvements in ALL of my problem areas, plus they were super easy to use and very affordable. I hope y’all love them as much as I do!
TO SHOP THEM ALL, CLICK HERE!!! *FYI, I paid full price for all of these products, minus the random gift at the airport of the face mask, so all of this is a completely objective opinion. |
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