I love to explore and take day trips. On my recent day off we headed an hour NW of Houston just outside of Brenham in Washington County. A cool historical fact, Washington County is the birth place of Texas. Another fun fact, Brenham is home to the Blue Bell ice creamery. The day was perfect, sunny, blue sky, and minimal traffic. As we were enjoying the countryside terrain we stumbled upon a sign on Hwy 105 directing us to a place called Windy Winery. Being the wine lover that I am, we took a spontaneous detour on its Hwy 50 exit to check it out. Two miles up the road there it was. Amongst some farms, cattle ranches too, the grape vines gave us a warm welcome. In a quaint little house we were greeted by owner August Meitzen and his wife Linda who managed the tastings behind the bar. Native Texans and wine makers for over 25 years they were very informative about the area, open to the array of their traveling guests, and very proud to be serving what they love.
For $10 enjoy an individual tasting of 5 wines or for $15 you can do a couple’s tasting. They offered a variety from dry white wine, to dry red, semi sweet wines, sweet wines, port, to sparkling wines. Their touted best sellers are the Lady Lavender semi sweet blanc du bois, the Heritage blanc du bois & cranberry, the Jal-Spice (sweet jalapeno), and the Tejas port.
Windy Winery is home to many events throughout the year too. Coming up at the end of July is their Harvest Grape Stomp. Kid friendly too. I think I just might have to come back for this adventure. Other events include the Lavender & Wine Fest, Wine & Pottery Celebration, Special Dinners, and pickup parties for their Four Winds Wine Club!
Admittedly, do not expect to taste mature vintages equivalent to your Napa Valley favorites. This place is convenient, less expensive, yet still gives you the ambiance and wine tasting thrills. It’s social too. People stop in from all over Texas and love to share their experiences. I walked away with a bottle of the Lady Lavender and the Tejas Port. For more info check out www.windywinery.com . The tasting room is open Fridays from Noon-5pm, Saturday, 11am-6pm, and Sunday Noon-5pm. Explore away y’all!