The idea of Texas luxury real estate might conjure up images of the opulent estates of Houston oil moguls or Dallas sports stars. Believe it or not, Austin has an abundance of luxury real estate listings that offer distinctive Hill Country living.
So what’s so special about the Hill Country? In a word: wine. But there are many special things about the limestone cliffs and green hills west of Austin, Texas. There are Westlake’s lavish homes, the genteel Rollingwood real estate, and the planned perfection of Davenport Ranch. These distinctive Austin neighborhoods offer homes carved from native limestone nestled in the endless miles of Hill Country vistas dotted with Spanish tile rooftops.
From the newer homes to the well established neighborhoods, Austin is proud of its unique landscape of live oaks and cactus, lush lawns, and rugged cliffs of the Hill Country. This rustic Texas landscape also has several vineyards in the near vicinity. The Texas Hills Vineyard has soil considered to be similar to the coveted Tuscan countryside in Italy. Becker Vineyards in Stonewall boasts 46 acres of grapevines and three acres of lavender, which blooms in May and June. Also in Stonewall is the Grape Creek Vineyard with the only completely underground wine cellar in Texas.
If taking in lake views while tasting Texas wines sounds ideal, head north on Highway 281 to the family owned Spicewoods Vineyard in Marble Falls. Fall Creek Vineyards on the shores of Lake Buchanan is composed of 65 acres of vineyards. Take in some Lake Travis views at Lago Vista’s Flat Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery.
All these wineries offer tours and tastings and visitors are encouraged to taste the lesser known wine varieties that Texas is gaining a reputation for producing. Ever heard of a sangiovese or malbec? How about a syrah? Texas soil is better suited to some of these more obscure wine varieties. While one can certainly find a Texas chardonnay, a viognier made in Texas may taste better. The Hill Country can offer something from the mildly curious wine-drinker to the passionate oenologists.
