Opinion: Hawks Shadow Review

Thinking about conducting your own wine tour over the weekend?

Wine tours are not just about wine. Most Texas vineyards have an array of wines that will be more than satisfactory to the average wine drinker. In this regard, the wines from Hawk’s Shadow Winery are top shelf. Often, though, as important as the wine consumed is to your overall wine tour experience, the ambiance of the vineyard, the friendliness of its staff, and the bonus of an appealing view while imbibing with friends adds to your pleasure. Hawk’s Shadow Winery in Dripping Springs, TX scores big on this checklist!

Only 35 miles from downtown Austin, and about 12 miles from the center of Dripping Springs, Hawk’s Shadow Winery is in the very heart of Texas’s beautiful hill country. In fact, it is so in hill country that the first-time visitor wonders, just like a child from the backseat, “Daddy, when are we going to be there?” From Fitzhugh Road (101) and MacGregor Lane (187), it is only 4.7 miles and about nine minutes to Hawk’s Shadow, but those miles contain many steep hills, sharp bends, and even two normally dry low water crossings that prolong the ride. Fear not, those who prevail on this journey will be amply rewarded! When you turn into Hawk’s Shadow’s parking lot, your first WOW! is the spectacular panoramic 20-mile view from Hawk Shadow’s air-conditioned building and outside patio, a favorite backdrop for many a group photo. Second is the warm welcome from Chip, Doug, and Tom, brothers and co-owners of the vineyard, and their well-trained staff. Whether educating you about their wines or just sharing some local humor or folklore, they sure know how to host a pleasant afternoon. It is the totality of the Hawk’s Shadow experience that makes for such a relaxing and satisfying visit. Many parties who had planned do several vineyards in a day end up just spending their entire afternoon chilling at Hawk’s Shadow.

While Hawk’s Shadow is routinely open Saturdays from noon to 6 PM, the owners will open the place for private tastings and/or occasions including picnics on their patio or catered dinners in their wine cellar on Sundays or Wednesday through Friday by appointment. Check out their website at: www.hawksshadow.com. Better yet, for a quintessential Texas wine tasting experience, visit Hawk’s Shadow Winery soon.

About Tom Gunn: Tom Gunn is a wine aficionado and hobbyist and in retirement, has worked conducting tours of the Texas Hill Country for a number of years.