At Carter Creek Winery and Brewery, the passion is palpable, the experience unforgettable, and every moment spent is a cherished memory in the making. Whether you’re sipping a vintage or toasting with a freshly brewed beer, Carter Creek ensures that the experience remains etched in your heart. With great wines such as Group Therapy, Maverick, and their Cab, you can't go wrong with Carter Creek.
Table of Contents
- A Glimpse into the Past: Carter Creek’s Rich History
- A Symphony of Flavors: Highlighting Three Carter Creek Wines
- Brewing with Passion: The Carter Creek Brewery Experience
- Culinary Delights: The Carter Creek Restaurant Experience
- The Wine Gallery: An Overview of Carter Creek’s Diverse Offerings
- Reflecting on a Memorable Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Introduction
Carter Creek Winery was founded in 2016 by Jim and Dawn Carter, who are also the owners of the Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa. The winery is in the Texas Hill Country, near Fredericksburg. The Carters first visited the Texas Hill Country in 2005 and were immediately drawn to the area. They loved the beauty of the landscape, the warm hospitality of the people, and the growing wine industry. They decided to build a winery and resort that would offer visitors a welcoming place to stay, a wine country restaurant, and a live music venue where special occasions and memories could be created.
The grapes grown at the winery are sourced from vineyards in the Texas Hill Country and other parts of the state. The winemakers at Carter Creek Winery are Jon McPherson, Javier Flores, and Kim McPherson. Carter Creek Winery produces a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. The wines have won numerous awards, including medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Texas International Wine Competition.
In addition to its winemaking operations, Carter Creek Winery also offers a variety of other amenities, including a resort, a spa, a brewery, and a restaurant. The resort has 20 villas that can accommodate up to 100 guests. The spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. The restaurant, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, serves American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Carter Creek Winery is a popular destination for wine lovers and visitors to the Texas Hill Country. The winery offers a unique combination of winemaking, hospitality, and outdoor recreation.
What Makes Carter Creek Different?
As mentioned earlier, Carter Creek is not just a winery. The property hosts the winery operation as well as a restaurant/brewery, and a resort. While not necessarily a post resort, there are many (very nice) small villas surrounding a pool, hot tub, and spa. The room rates are very reasonable, especially for wine club members.
The grounds of Carter Creek are immaculate and open. There is a beautiful place for weddings, and a covered concert stage and dance area with plenty of room to sit and enjoy your wine and beer. This is a newer property (less than 10 years old) and is very well maintained.
A Symphony of Flavors: Highlighting Three Carter Creek Wines
Overall, the wines at Carter Creek are competitively priced when compared to other wines produced and sold in the Texas Hill Country. The most expensive wine is the Cabernet at $41 for nonmembers. Here is a highlight of a few of their red wines:
Cabernet Sauvignon: The pride of Carter Creek, this Cabernet Sauvignon, is a dance of black cherries, vanilla, and structured tannins. Each sip promises depth, with a gentle finale of oak.
Maverick: A luminous offering, this Chardonnay takes you on a sensory journey marked by fresh peaches, almonds, and a flirtatious touch of jasmine.
Tempranillo: A European gem, the Tempranillo is sheer brilliance with its amalgamation of dried figs, leather, and subtle spice aromas, leaving a delightful trail of red berries.
The Wine Gallery: An Overview of Carter Creek’s Diverse Offerings
In addition to the highlighted wines above, here are a few other offerings:
- Carter Creek Gloriosa: A silky narrative of floral and fruit.
- Carter Creek Plateau Rose: An aromatic tale of green apples and a zesty finale.
- Carter Creek Rosé: Summer captured in a bottle with notes of strawberry and melon.
- Carter Creek Viognier Roussanne: Elegance personified with aromas of fruit and citrus.
There are also a couple of sparkling options, including a Brut and a Sparkling Tempranillo Rose, both at $35 for nonmembers. The Brut is my favorite, but the price is a bit high in my opinion.
Brewing with Passion: The Carter Creek Brewery Experience
It isn’t just the vineyards that are brimming with passion at Carter Creek; their brewery is a testament to craft, precision, and innovation. Built on the foundation of traditional brewing techniques, every beer produced here is a celebration of flavors. From robust stouts to refreshing ales, each brew tells its own tale, promising a journey that caters to both seasoned beer connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. With every frothy pour, one can sense the dedication and love that goes into the brewing process.
Culinary Delights: The Carter Creek Restaurant Experience
Beyond the beverages, Carter Creek invites guests to a gastronomic adventure at its on-site restaurant. Led by renowned chefs, the culinary team produces dishes that are as visually appealing as they are palate-pleasing. Each dish is thoughtfully designed to complement the winery’s offerings, ensuring a harmonious pairing experience. The ambiance, with panoramic views of the vineyard, enhances the dining experience, making it a feast for all senses.
Reflecting on a Memorable Experience
The Carter Creek experience is not limited to a bottle or a plate; it’s a seamless blend of history, passion, innovation, and pure indulgence. It’s where memories are forged over shared glasses and plates, where the beauty of the surroundings seeps into every crafted wine, brew, and dish. Frequent live music performances on the weekends make it a great getaway whether you are driving in from the surrounding areas or staying at the resort.
Ok, to go along with your amazing Carter Creek wines, you need to complete the experience with the appropriate glasses and accessories. Don’t diminish your experience! Check out some great options in the Liquid Lonestar Marketplace! (Disclaimer: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But make no mistake, I stick by my all my reviews and recommendations).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What seasons are best to visit Carter Creek?
All year round, though the fall harvest season offers a unique winemaking spectacle.
Are guided tours available?
No, there are not guided tours other than of the resort.
Can wines and beers be purchased directly?
Certainly! Exclusive editions are often available on-site as well.
Does the restaurant require prior booking?
It’s recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Are there events or special nights at the restaurant?
Yes, themed nights and wine pairing dinners are frequent attractions.
About the Author
A native of Texas, Ken “Texan” Pierce is a renowned alcohol aficionado with over 15 years of experience in the Texas wine, whiskey, and beer industry. With a vast number of alcohol production resources right in his back yard in the Texas Hill Country, Ken has made it his mission to promote and advance the Texas winemaking, distilling, and brewing industry across the country. His uncanny ability to identify tasting notes and pairings makes him a respected authority within alcohol enthusiast circles. When he’s not reviewing the latest craft spirits, you can find Ken playing his guitar, trying to sing, and sipping on a Texas libation.
