Best way to learn about wine

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board, TC. You might also visit a winery to learn more. Even an hour or two can be very educational. One that is within striking distance of you is Spicewood Vineyards, which I visited last August. From Austin, take SH71 NW 35-40 miles, and turn left onto Burnet County Road 409; the vineyards and winery are at 1419 CR 409. Check their website at spicewoodvineyards.com for hours of operation and schedule of events. At this time of year, winemaking will not be underway, since the harvest won't begin until August; but you'll be able to see the vineyards, visit the tasting room to sample wines, and probably tour the winery where the grapes are de-stemmed and crushed and pumped into fermentation tanks. They've only been in operation for 10 years, but already have a full-blown operation, although with small production.... about 5,000 cases per year. Very nice folks there. Ask to be added to their email newsletter to be kept informed of the harvest schedule; participation in the harvest (a half-day's work in scalding heat) gets you lunch and a bottle of wine.

There are many other wineries in the Hill Country, but Spicewood would be a good place to start.