Texas Wineries are finally reopening after a long hiatus due to COVID-19. However, there is a caveat—51% of their sales must be in food. Many wineries stipulate that outside food is not allowed. This includes one of my favorite wineries, Becker Vineyards.

Becker Vineyards Food & Wine Pairing

Unfortunately, that puts a quash on packing a picnic and enjoying the view and the day at a winery. However, I feel that it is time to do something different, so I signed up for a food and wine pairing for two at Becker Vineyards.

Friends, another social distancing couple, agreed to join us, and so here we sit, waiting to see what it is all about. It is Tuesday, and our appointment for an outdoor tasting at Becker Vineyards is at 2:15 PM. Our table couldn’t be more perfect. It is socially distanced from others, and we sit next to a vibrant field of zinnias. I have been here before, at this table, with a view of lavender, blue salvia, or brilliant red poppies. Zinnias, I don’t remember, but they are brilliant and gorgeous.

2017 Counise & 2015 Prairie Roti Tasting

There is a choice of three wine tasting combinations, white, white and red, or red only. We all chose the latter. When presented with a menu by our masked server, she explains the process before we begin. Our first wine is one that Michael and I have had recently, a 2017 Counoise. It is light and fresh and lovely and is paired with a tapas-sized bite of pork loin, fig gastrique and shavings of Parmigiana Reggiano sitting atop a cornbread crisp.

A 2015 Prairie Roti accompanies fresh Hill Country pecans—I have been noshing on pecans and sipping on Prairie Roti for years. It is like visiting with an old friend.

Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Canada Family Vineyard is excellent as always, and the tiny bite of double cream brie with caramelized onion and truffle honey on a wheat cracker is perfect. But in all honesty, a 1-ounce tasting with a small square bite is not enough for me to truly appreciate the pairing.  I decide to concentrate on the flavorful bites that Chef Michael Lockhart has created on their own, and then drink the wine—this works well.

Chef Michael Lockhart’s Inspired Creation

The 2017 Dolcetto is delicious, I’ve always liked it. Chef Michael’s creation of corn bisque with house-smoked bacon and parmesan basil pesto is inspired. I wish I had a bowl. Perhaps, someday.

Finally a Photograph

By the time we have consumed 4-ounces of wine and tasted four of our small bites, I realize that I never once took a photograph of anything.  The only thing that remains on my plate is a light and lovely lemon cake with mascarpone icing. The tiny sweet is ethereal, and the Wine Club only offering of 2016 Autunno not only has a great story, it has a great flavor.

An Excuse to Linger

Our appointment was for just one hour, but the four of us are not ready to call it a day and leave. We discuss the possibility of ordering a bottle of wine to share—but which one? Since there are many unoccupied tables this Tuesday afternoon, we ask if we can order a bottle of the Cabernet Sauvignon on the tasting menu and four charcuterie plates.

Wishes can come true, and we prolong the day for a while longer—just being normal. The bottle of wine arrives, and Michael pours a half glass for each of us. When the charcuterie plates arrive, I know they will be fantastic—I have partaken of these delicacies at many of Becker Chef’s Table Luncheons and other special events. Today’s charcuterie offering does not disappoint.

Before we gather our things, replace our masks, and make our way to the parking lot, I venture out into the middle of the zinnia fields.

It is glorious.

Becker Vineyards Information

• Monday – Thursday: 10am – 5pm
• Friday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
• Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
• Email: info@beckervineyards.com
• Phone: (830) 644-2681

2020 Social Distancing

As of Saturday, September 12, 2020, Becker Vineyards is open with extremely LIMITED capacity. Reservations are REQUIRED at the Winery location, and No Groups of more than 6 will be accommodated.

Click on the Link below to make reservations.

Reservations

Reservations are divided between Saturday and Non-Saturday reservations for their outdoor pavilion.

Wine Tastings consist of 5 wines paired with small bites, and you may take your Riedel glass home as a souvenir. Tastings last about 1 hour.

Prepaid reservations for parties of 1 to 6 cost $35 per person and may be made on Becker’s website. Online reservation access is available on Becker’s Home Page. 

• Monday – Friday there are five time slots available, the first reservation is at 10:30 AM and the last one for the day is at 3:30 PM.
• Sunday there are three time slots available for reservations, the first one at 2:30 and the last at 5 PM.
• Saturday there are six time slots, beginning at 10:15 AM and ending at 4:30 PM.