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Planted solidly on the cusp of the “Texas Wine Trail” (a group of 50+ stunning wineries scattered throughout the Hill Country) it’s no surprise New Braunfels is a small town with a larger-than-life wine culture. Boasting local micro-wineries and family-owned vineyards (Dry Comal Creek Vineyards, Water 2 Wine, Blue Lotus Winery, Winery on the Gruene, and Las Cruz de Comal Wines), our historically German-flavored town also hints at moods from the French countryside.
And so, in honor of Texas Wine Month (October!), we thought we’d celebrate by exploring the neighborhoods of New Braunfels and pairing them with our favorite types of Texas vino.
Because, wine not? (Sorry, we had to...)
Rosé: John Newcombe Estate
Affectionately referred to by some simply as “pink wine,” Rosé is a one-of-a-kind variety with a distinctly “summery” vibe. Refreshing as it is unique, Rosé’s flavor profile contains everything from strawberries and citrusy zest to rose petal, honeydew melon, and rhubarb! Given its playful flavors and ever-increasing popularity (seriously, demand for Rosé has skyrocketed in recent years), we paired it with John Newcombe Estate, a New Braunfels luxury neighborhood that invites its residents to “play” every day of the year via a premier tennis facility, splashy amenities, and a world-class country club. (Plus, the Aussie-themed street names make us smile.)
Chardonnay: Pecan Crossing
As the most popular white wine in the world (for both growers and wine lovers), Chardonnay boasts tasting notes like lemon, apple, pear, pineapple, honeysuckle, pie crust, and creme brulee. One of its main characteristics? Chardonnay grapes are versatile and resilient, thriving in almost any growing region. Its neighborhood counterpart, Pecan Crossing, also translates well across the board, accessible and diverse for both first-time and move-up buyers. This new construction community (adjacent to New Braunfels’ beloved Fischer Park), starts in the mid-$200,000s and go to about $385,000.
Tannat: Riverforest
Described as “deep, dark, dry, and rustic,” Tannat’s elegant, full-bodied profile is a natural fit for Riverforest: a New Braunfels luxury community with waterfront perks galore. Located just two miles from the heart of historic Gruene, Riverforest’s elegant estates are offset by stunning private waterfront access (and a cypress-lined River Park) that remind us of Tannat’s combination of natural flavors and a rich finish: red fruit, black licorice, vanilla, dark chocolate, espresso, smoke, and cardamom!
Cabernet Sauvignon: Sophienburg Hill Historic District
A classic full-bodied red, Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its durability: its grapes are notably thick and resilient, and its vine displays remarkable resistance to the elements...much like the time-tested historic architecture of the Sophienburg Hill Historic District! Packed with original German architecture and carefully preserved historic homes, this neighborhood is a New Braunfels classic.
107 Entre Rios Blvd: SOLD
Roussanne: River Place at Gruene
A rather magical variety of white wine, Roussanne is fresh and elegant, bursting with fruity and floral notes (think: apricot, mandarin orange, kiwi, lime, honeysuckle, and iris). Occasionally a bit of an elusive grape, Roussanne is notably picky about its growing conditions, requiring a good deal of warmth and sunshine to ripen. For homeowners with the same preferences, we suggest River Place at Gruene, a gorgeous Guadalupe riverfront neighborhood also best paired with sunshine (which, thankfully, Texas always provides). With generous homes and plenty of space to splash in the water, this gated development is as refreshing as a glass of Roussanne.
Tempranillo: Vintage Oaks
Diverse, unique, and utterly luxurious, Tempranillo is one of Texas’ most well-regarded varieties of red wine (and also one of its most fascinating). One of the most notable things about Tempranillo is its wide arc of versatility: flavors can range from lighthearted (displaying juicy fruit flavors) to rich and deep (cedar, leather, vanilla, tobacco, and clove). Located in the heart of the Hill Country, Vintage Oaks is a masterfully planned luxury development with equal levels of versatility and charm (a resort-style pool, lazy river, nature trails, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an elegant Tuscan-style clubhouse!). To boot, Tempranillo’s famously vibrant leaves turn bright red in the fall: a sight that parallels the Hill Country autumn glory that can be seen across Vintage Oaks’ 3,900 acres.
Sauvignon Blanc: High-Acreage Properties
A name that literally means “wild white,” Sauvignon blanc is a dry white wine best enjoyed in the great outdoors. Sauvignon Blanc’s bright, fruity flavors (lime, green apple, passion fruit, and white peach) are complemented by more herbaceous, grassy notes of bell pepper and jalapeño. This fresh, natural spirit of Sauvignon blanc lends it perfectly to the private, high-acreage estates that can be found in abundance in the New Braunfels area. Peppered across the Hill Country landscape, these 10+ acre properties offer everything from 360-degree views to private airplane hangars.
Riesling: Gruene Historic District
One of our favorite neighborhood-wine pairings on the list, Riesling’s crisp notes of peach, honey, citrus, apple, and pear are the perfect match for everyone’s favorite historic district: Gruene. A Texas icon bursting with historic charm (from Gruene hall to Guadalupe views), Gruene is a tiny historic district full of both natural beauty (the Guadalupe River!) and German heritage. Boasting a similar history, Riesling originated in the Rhine region of Germany, which made it an absolute favorite among members of the German nobility.
Looking for the perfect Hill Country neighborhood for you? We’d be honored to be the ones to help guide you through the whole process, from connecting with a lender to signing the closing papers. Plus, we’ve created an exclusive guide just for the New Braunfels buyer! Let us know how we can help your search for the right home as seamless as possible.
