 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
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8/1/2019 4 Comments 6 Reasons to Try Texas WineOriginally posted for CoravinOriginal post can be found here.  Texas wine?....Really?! Who would have ever thought that Texas would be home to one of the fastest growing wine regions in the country?! But it’s true! Here are the top six reasons you need to try Texas wine from a Texas wine expert. 1. Everything’s Bigger in Texas Everyone knows that everything is bigger in Texas, but did you know that Texas is the home to the second largest certified Viticultural Area in the country? The Texas Hill Country AVA is well over 9 MILLION acres! This region is also the second most visited wine region in the nation behind Napa Valley with over one million visitors a year. Why not be one of them in 2019?  2. Rich History Texas wine is not a new concept. The first vines planted in the United States were actually planted in Texas in the 1600s by Spanish missionaries. And while the state continued to grow grapes for centuries, other agriculture took precedence and grapes fell by the wayside. That is until the 1960s when a chemistry professor from Texas Tech, Clinton ‘Doc’ McPherson, travelled around the U.S. researching different grape growing regions. After studying various vitis vinifera and hybrid varieties, McPherson and his business partner Bob Reed planted an experimental vineyard in 1966 consisting of 140 varieties. After a decade, it was clear what varietals would thrive in the Texas climate and the two opened Llano Estacado Winery. Although varietals such as Grenache, Tempranillo, Muscat, and other lesser known varieties prospered, those vines were ripped out in favor of more known varieties such as Cabernet and Merlot. It took years before the industry was able to truly come into its own, and plant more varieties that flourished.  3. Try Something New Texas wine growers are planting some amazing varietals that truly thrive in the Texas climate, a lot of which you may have never heard of. Roussanne, Trebbiano and Viognier are some of the white varietals that are growing in popularity throughout the state and can be found in a good number of tasting rooms. Most Texas wineries are also growing and producing Mourvèdre, a beautiful red varietal from the Rhône region that grows very well in Texas. Other places are getting a little more experimental. Places such as Lost Draw Cellars are growing and producing wines made from Picpoul Blanc and Tannat. Lewis Wines has become known for their use of Portuguese varietals such as Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cão. And it isn’t just the varietals being grown, its different winemaking techniques. Places like William Chris Vineyards is among several wineries bringing Pétilliant Naturel sparkling wine back on the wine scene, with a beautiful rosé available in their tasting room. You can also find canned wines from brands like Yes We Can Wines.  4. Something for Everyone With over 400 wineries in the state, it is easy to find something for every palate. Wineries such as Fiesta Winery and Fat Ass Ranch and Winery, specialize in sweeter wines, where wineries like Calais Winery and Pedernales Cellars focus more on dry reds. Places like 4.0 Cellars and Vintner’s Hideaway are actually a combination of different winemakers from across the state all under one roof, and offer a multitude of tasting options for every palate. 5. Breathtaking Views People who have never been to Texas imagine it as a vast desert, covered in nothing but cacti, but in actuality, Texas has an array of different landscapes. The highest concentration of the state’s wineries is located in the beautiful Hill Country. Located just north of San Antonio and just West of Austin, this landscape is home to rolling hills, rivers and some of the most stunning views in the state. Other notable landscape regions are the Piney Woods in East Texas, where you can find wineries such as Kiepersol Vineyards and Enoch’s Stomp Winery, and the Gulf Coast region where you can find places like Haak Vineyards and sip on beautiful wines while taking in the view of the Gulf.  6. Amazing, World-Class Wines
While all of these new wines to try and beautiful views are great, if the wine isn’t good, what’s the point, right? Texas wines have the quality to back it all up. Wines from the state have been receiving National and International accolades for years! Places like Duchman Family Winery and Bending Branch Winery just received several 90+ point ratings from wine critic James Suckling. And wineries are constantly receiving high rating medals at some of the world’s top wine competitions, like Lyon International Wine Competition, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Houston International Wine Competition. Overall, the wine in the state has gotten better and better every year and is, bar none, on the same playing field as the top wine regions in the world. So what are you waiting for? Come to Texas and explore the passion of Texas wine! 12/21/2018 1 Comment The Luxury Gift of the Season
 Upon opening the bottle, I was greeted with the aromas of dark chocolate, cola and leather. As I swirled my glass, I picked up notes of vanilla and toasted oak. Then came my first sip. I was pleasantly greeted by the warm flavors of tobacco and blueberry and beautiful soft tannins.
This wine would be the perfect pairing for a juicy burger, a big steak or a rich chocolate dessert. I definitely will be buying more to share this holiday season. Plus, the packaging makes for the perfect impressive gift for that special someone! I could not recommend this wine more. Use code WINENOT20 for 20% off your purchase! |
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