Parks, Swimming, Wine, and BBQ

Beth and I went on a Sunday adventure, started off with Pedernales Falls State Park.

We started in the swimming area and had a 1/4 mile to go through the river to get to the trail.

I want to bring the Surfriders back here, looks paddle friendly.

We finally got to our 4 mile loop hike.

The clouds were moving fast that day.

Time to go eat.

Woops, we forgot to see the falls, which aren't really falling.

We had lunch at Blanco State Park, more of a swimming place in the river with some camping.  Again, paddling would work here.  Forgot to take pictures.

And then, the drive through Devil's Backbone.

We hit up 3 wineries outside Wimberley.

Bella Vista Ranch had Wine and Oil.

The olive oil made from the olives at the ranch was interesting, had a grassy taste.  The oil from California just tasted like flavored oil.  Although, I did like the fig balsamic oil, yum.

For wine, they are pretty new and importing grapes for all the wines.  The Syrah was great, I also enjoyed the Blackberry wine from Oregon Blackberries. 

Driftwood Estates was beautiful.

1. The 2011 Cuvee Blanc was refreshing in the heat.
2. The 2011 Muscat Canelli would be good with hot food, was sweet not over sweet, but too sweet alone.
3. The Lone Star Cab was good, but the Newsom Vineyards Cab was better.
4. The Syrah was good.
5. The Port was average.

Off to the Salt Lick Cellars

We pretty much had the whole menu.  They had some very interesting whites (Viogner and Kine), but the reds, especially from Duchman Family Wine were great.  It looks like they have more selections at Duchman, need to find my way there.  This tasting room was the best stop of all 3 wineries, the hostess elevated it to the next level.