Day Trips

4.0 Cellars near the banks of Grape Creek east of Fredericksburg represents the finest aspects of the Texas wine industry. Three of Texas' most innovative wineries cooperated to create a tasting room on Wine Road 290 to showcase their wines.

It was as if an occult hand reached down and combined the best traits of Texas wines to show the world the industry really has become world-class.

One partner, McPherson Cellars, brings a sense of history to the collaboration. Founded by Kim McPherson, the Lubbock winery has a lineage that stretches to the birth of the modern era of Texas wines.

The other wineries involved in the venture are Brennan Vineyards in Comanche and Lost Oak Winery in Burleson. The idea behind the name is that the three wineries came together to form a fourth.

What makes these wineries special is their success in working with standard and nonstandard grapes such as Malbec, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Viognier. What makes 4.0 Cellars a standout is the consolidation of each winery's offerings. After tasting the wines, you may still want to visit the wineries.

4.0 Cellars is at 10354 Hwy. 290 E., east of Fredericksburg. Wine tastings are $8 for six samples, or enjoy a glass on the patio for $6. For more information, call 830/997-7470 or go to www.fourpointwine.com.

1,115th in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of "Day Trips," is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.