Flat Creek Estate vineyard and winery outside of Lago Vista on the north side of Lake Travis brings the flavor of Tuscany to the Hill Country. The limestone-block buildings gaze over neat rows of grapevines that wrap the gently sloping hills like giant green caterpillars.
“This is one of Austin’s best kept secrets,” says owner Rick Naber. Founded in 1998, Flat Creek Estate has evolved into a premier Texas winery. Food & Wine magazine listed a visit to Flat Creek as one of “America’s 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences.”
Visitors are invited to sample award-winning wines in the romantic tasting room. On weekends, wine flights and snacks are served in Trooper’s Den, a special room named for the owners’ companion Doberman. If you really want to impress someone, make a reservation (recommended) for lunch at the winery’s bistro and sit on the patio overlooking the vineyards.
Flat Creek Estate is about 45 minutes from Austin off FM 1431, six miles west of Lago Vista. The tasting room is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 5pm; and Sunday, noon to 5pm. Trooper’s Den is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 5pm. The bistro serves Friday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm. To make reservations, call 512/267-6310 or go to www.flatcreekestate.com.
1,052nd 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.
This article appears in September 16 • 2011.
