I pulled into Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa on a warm Texas Hill Country afternoon, giving myself time to settle into one of their private villas before the evening's event. Situated along Wine Road 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg, the resort felt like the kind of place made for unwinding where you're never far from a glass of wine, a hilltop view, or a good meal.
That night, Carter Creek hosted a special screening of The Travel Detective with Peter Greenberg, featuring a segment titled "Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country."
As the sun dipped behind the hills, guests gathered at the open-air Pavilion to watch the episode and celebrate some of the region's top destinations, including Carter Creek, Wildseed Farms, and Garrison Brothers Distillery.
While the event was free and open to the public, Carter Creek Winery generously offered me a night's stay in one of their luxury villas, allowing me to make the trip from Austin. The next day, I enjoyed a full wine tasting and lunch at the on-site Old 290 Brewery.
Table of Contents
Carter Creek Winery
The Travel Detective Screening
Arriving
After arriving at the resort and settling into my poolside villa, I walked over to the Pavilion at 6 p.m. for the start of the evening's festivities. A singer/guitarist was performing country favorites on stage. And upon check-in, I was poured a glass of Carter Creek's award-winning Tempranillo Rosé.
Carter Creek Winery originated as a family-owned venture in Temecula, California, where it established a reputation for producing approachable, award-winning wines. In 2020, the family brought their winemaking expertise to Texas, opening Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa in the heart of the Hill Country.
The torrential rains and flash floods that swept through Kerrville, about 50 miles west of here, were still on everyone's minds. And while we were there to celebrate the Hill Country, the night took on added meaning due to the many lives lost. A raffle was organized that helped raise more than $7,000 for flood relief.
Garrison Brothers
When my cup of rosé ran dry, I walked over to the Garrison Brothers' table for a peach-flavored bourbon cocktail that was both tasty and refreshing. I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy Garrison, who shared a bit of the origin story behind how she and her husband, Dan, co-founded the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas.
Kel and I stopped at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas, for a cocktail and bite to eat back in 2022 on our way to Fredericksburg. However, we learned that they've since expanded their facilities (with air conditioning!), and now I'm looking forward to going back for a tour.
Carter Creek Winemakers
I also had the chance to chat with Jon C. McPherson, a Master Winemaker based in Temecula who works for Carter Creek Winery. Jon is the son of Clinton "Doc" McPherson, who, as I learned during my trip to Lubbock, played a pivotal role in the development of wine production in Texas.
Jon's brother, Kim McPherson, is also a winemaker and works with Carter Creek from Lubbock. One hundred percent of the grapes used by Carter Creek Winery are Texas-grown (and mainly from the Texas High Plains AVA).
Old 290 Brewery
The Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant opened on the grounds of Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa to provide an alternative to wines. While it may sound a bit odd to open a craft brewery on the grounds of a winery, I think it adds an extra dimension of interest to the resort. Brewmaster Justin Zimmerman runs the show.
It's also not the first time I've seen this pairing in the Texas Hill Country. Arch Ray Resort, located nearby, features Ogle Brewery, and there is also the standalone German-inspired Altstadt Brewery.
If there's one thing I've learned over the last four years of visiting the Hill Country, it's that there's more than enough room (and visitors) for all these businesses to grow and thrive.
Q&A and Screening
This sense of community among business owners was highlighted during a Q&A with Jon McPherson, Justin Zimmerman, John Thomas (owner of Wildseed Farms), Dan and Nancy Garrison, and Donnis Todd, their Master Distiller.
Following the live panel of local business owners featured in the Peter Greenberg TV show, we watched the "Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country" segment, as seen below.
The TV screening concluded around 8:45 p.m. Dinner had already been provided in the form of delicious peach chipotle tarts with goat cheese, supplied by Wildseed Farms, deviled eggs, pork belly beignet sandwiches, and small portions of chocolate-frosted cake.
As beautiful as the scene appeared in the fading light, I was ready to retire for the night. The next day, I had a wine tasting and lunch on the property to look forward to.
Resort Villas and Amenities
I spent the night in one of Carter Creek's villas by the pool, a spacious and private space steps from the spa, tasting room, and brewery.
Inside, there was a living room and bedroom, each with vaulted ceilings and 55" flat-screen TVs. The high ceilings make the space feel open and airy. The living room featured an electric fireplace, and the bedroom a plush king-sized bed, mini-fridge, and coffeemaker.
Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway or a weekend with friends, the resort provides a relaxing home base with ample space to unwind.
Carter Creek also features a range of amenities designed for a laid-back Hill Country experience. Guests can cool off in the outdoor pool, soak in the hot tub, or work out in the fitness center. Fire pits scattered throughout the property offer cozy gathering spots after sunset.
Wine Tasting Room
In Carter Creek's inviting tasting room, I sampled a flight of 10 wines ranging from crisp whites to bold reds and sparkling selections.
The tasting began with five sparkling pours, including a Brut, a fruity peach blend, a sparkling Tempranillo Rosé, and a standout Ruby Cuvée. The Dominum Tinto, a ruby port-style wine with a higher alcohol content, closed the sparkling set with richness and warmth.
Among the whites, the 2023 Roussanne was smooth and mellow, reminiscent of Chardonnay, while the Plateau White and Viognier-Roussanne blend were refreshing and well-balanced. The 2018 Maverick, Carter Creek's bestselling red, anchored the tasting with its bold flavor.
All of the wines are made from grapes grown in the Lubbock area of West Texas, and my host, Chris, offered helpful insight into each pour. Knowledgeable and friendly, he made the experience both approachable and memorable.
Three wine tasting menus are available, with each offering five pours. The Select and Sweet & Bubbly options are $20, while the Reserve option is $25. You can also choose any five wines for $30. The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Lunch at Old 290 Brewery
Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, located at Carter Creek, serves up elevated comfort food in a relaxed setting. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Brian Osbourne, who brings more than 15 years of culinary experience to the table.
I stopped in for lunch after the wine tasting and began with the warm Bavarian pretzel bites, served with a creamy Helles Lager cheese, a perfect salty-savory starter. (I took most of it home as I was dining alone and didn't dare waste a single bite.)
For my main, I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich, layered with smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, and a jalapeño aioli. I wrapped up the meal with two scoops of chocolate gelato.
More substantial entrees are available on the dinner menu, available seven nights a week. These include country-fried steak, shrimp 'n grits, and filet mignon. Breakfast is available on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
In addition to its food menu, Old 290 features a rotating lineup of handcrafted beers brewed on-site, ranging from refreshing lagers to classic IPAs. With spacious indoor seating and a patio that overlooks the lawn and Pavilion, it's a great spot to refuel after a tasting or unwind over a pint.
Hill Country Hospitality
From celebrating local makers under the Hill Country sky to enjoying an informative wine tasting and a restful night's sleep, my stay at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa was both well-rounded and memorable.
The blend of wine, craft beer, comfortable accommodations, and genuine hospitality made the experience feel personal and inviting. Whether you're coming for a curated wine flight, a night in a cozy villa, or a laid-back lunch on the patio, Carter Creek is an ideal home base in Texas Wine Country.
Located about an hour west of Austin, it serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the charming Hill Country.
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
4064 US-290, Johnson City, TX 78636
cartercreek.com
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Thank you to Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa for hosting me. All opinions are my own.
