Solaro Estates: Austin Wine Lover’s Ultimate Escape

A world-class winery is gently sleeping in Austin’s backyard. Solaro Estate, which spans over 160 acres in Southwest Austin and descends to beautiful Barton Creek, is a winery where old world and new world technology merge to offer Austinites some of the finest wines in America. When paired with breathtaking views of the hill country that can be seen from its tasting pavilion, Solaro Estate may be Central Texas oenophiles’ best kept secret. Conveniently located just outside of Austin and a short drive from Lake Travis, this little piece of Europe is ripe for seasonal visits.

It may be surprising to learn that these Texas wines are cleaning up at some of the largest and most prestigious wine competitions in North America. At the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, judges compare over 3,000 wines from 19 countries. Last year, Solaro took home not just one – but four – wins: their 2009 miscela sangi ovese/syrah blend and 2010 arancia orange muscat secured silver medals, while bronze medals were awarded to the 2009 tempranillo reserve and 2009 mourverde grenach tempranillo.

Solaro is one of the only Texas wineries to produce all its own wines. They harvest two types of grapes and buy the rest from local sources. The winery’s owner, Barbara Haderlein, believes in supporting sustainable practices. She never compromises excellence, making only small-lot, limited-production, reserved, and unfiltered wine. “We make great wines with what’s available,” Haderlein says.  

Even better than the wines themselves is the scenery enveloping the Estate. At their tasting facilities, visitors can sip away while overlooking the lush, rolling vineyards that splay out over the hill country. The pavilion at Solaro has a refined ambiance reminiscent of old-world Tuscany, and the winery welcomes visitors every day. Recently, they’ve even slated a live music series – what could be more Austin than that?