With over 200 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, the Texas Hill Country is known as Texas Wine Country. Fredericksburg’s Gillespie County is at the epicenter of it all, home to one-fourth of those spots. It is even known for its dozens of food and wine festivals across every season. Earning worldwide honors for its award-winning creations, Fredericksburg has drinks that are perfect for every taste.
One must-see location on Fredericksburg’s Urban Wine Trail is Becker Vineyards. Having traveled extensively abroad and grown a passion for culinary and wine, Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker were inspired to establish their own winery. It began in the early-1990s with a cabin on 46 acres of raw land and is, today, an estate on 308 acres that maintains an “old world” feel.
Richard and Bunny were the first to commercially plant Viognier grapes in Texas, having learned everything they could about the variety during their time in France. They were also drawn to the Rhône countryside’s lavender. The Beckers’ 19th-century German stone barn has since been surrounded by beautiful lavender fields. They are now, in part, recognized for their annual Lavender Festival.
Becker Vineyards is also, of course, recognized for its wines. Served in the White House, the Texas Governor’s Mansion, and restaurants throughout the country, you can enjoy Becker Vineyards wines yourself. Drive out to Fredericksburg for a private tour of the estate, complete with a charcuterie board and pre-selected wine samples.
You don’t just need to travel to Fredericksburg for flavorful wines and charcuterie boards. There is a hot spot right in our own backyard—Tuscano Italian Kitchen.
At the end of last year, Jay Roush and his wife Delanie officially opened the doors to Tuscano. Having purchased and helped revive Moonie’s Burger House nearly a decade prior, Jay was excited to have the opportunity to rework another restaurant.
“Delanie and I saw the potential the space and location had,” says Jay. “Cedar Park needed a more upscale dining option. We have changed the look and feel of the restaurant, improved the food quality and menu offerings, and really focused on the customer experience.”
Tuscano’s new seasonal menu includes a number of lighter options. You might be interested in a lighter option like an Italian ceviche or carpaccio, or a summer pasta with shrimp, scallops, and asparagus.
The goal behind the restaurant at large was to be true to traditional Italian heritage, but to also offer a Texas twist on a handful of menu items. This meant finding drinks that would pair well with and enhance their meals. To kick things off, Tuscano had its first wine dinner in partnership with Becker Vineyards, and another with Bent Oak Winery.
“Our team has been working hard on the wine list over the past few months. We have put more of an emphasis on local wineries, like Bent Oak and Becker, but also really dialed in on more Italian wines,” says Jay. “We recently brought in a terrific Barolo, a super Tuscan, Italian Pinot Grigio, as well as a Prosecco Rosé perfect for relaxing on our patio or in our lounge.”
The drinks don’t stop there. When dining at Tuscano, you can enjoy signature cocktails like a Spicy Sicilian—a margarita with fresh jalapeno and amaretto—and a Venetian with Prosecco, St-Germain, lime, and mint.
Looking to take a day trip this summer? Head to the Becker Vineyards estate at 464 Becker Farmers Rd, Stonewall or their downtown tasting room at 307 East Main St, Fredericksburg! Then, if you are craving a delicious drink alongside an equally delicious meal, come out to Cedar Park’s own Tuscano Italian Kitchen at 1525 Cypress Creek Rd.
"Tuscano is casually upscale, serving elevated Italian cuisine," says owner Jay Roush.