Story and photos by Scott Kendall
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
The beautiful Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country on US Highway 290 in Johnson City, just minutes from the LBJ National Historic Park. This beautiful winery resort is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or good times with family and friends. Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa also hosts weddings, corporate events, and large family gatherings. In addition to the winery and spa, they have their own outstanding brewery and restaurant on premises at Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant.
We drove up from The Woodlands (near Houston) that morning, a relaxing four-hour drive on Highway 290. Arriving around the check-in time of 4 pm, we were impressed by the friendly staff and beautiful landscaping around the resort. Our villa was right around the corner, and we were able to park close by. The room was tastefully decorated, with casual rustic comfort. Each villa has a separate sleeping and living space, making it idea for working, relaxing, and visiting. My wife and I both had some work to do during our time at Carter Creek, and we were able to spread out in the spacious living area. The nice sofa, stuffed chair, and two chairs with a small table were just right.
Award Winning Wines at Carter Creek Winery
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa has won numerous awards over the years. In the 2024 Texas International Wine Competition they won seven awards, including Platinum for their NV Carter Creek Winery Sparkling Tempranillo Rosé, and Gold for NV Carter Creek Winery Brut and NV Carter Creek Winery Group Therapy. Julie and I had a wonderful time at our tasting with Michelle, our fun and friendly hostess. We tried a multitude of whites, a rosé, and reds, interspersed with questions, answers, and lively conversations with our new friend. Michelle is the kind of person who immediately connects with people, and in minutes, becomes a dear friend. Over the hour we spent with her, we had a very enjoyable time sharing stories about wine, life and each other.
My favorite white was the 2018 Gloriosa. This white blend, made in the tradition of the Alsatian Edelswicker, blends the floral, spicy, and fruity nature of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and the Muscat Canelli. These three varietals work well together, with Riesling giving a rich tropical fruit note to the exotic lychee and rose petal notes from the Gewürztraminer. The Muscat Canelli adds an exotic spice and rounds out the flavors with a touch of citrus blossom. My favorite red was the award winning 2018 Maverick, a blend of Carignane, Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Cinsault, with notes of luscious berries, cocoa, and coffee.
Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant at Carter Creek
Cold beer was waiting for us at the Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant after our busy day. We sampled several beers at a fun tasting before dinner in the restaurant. Head Brewer Justin Zimmerman and his crew have garnered many awards over the years, including a Gold Medal for the Hell Raiser Bourbon Barrel Brown, a full bodied and toasty double brown ale with pronounced caramel malt notes throughout. Old 290 also earned a Bronze Medal for their El Bigote Mexican Lager.
It was so convenient to stay and have dinner at the Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant on the premises. It was just a few minutes’ walk from our villa, right next to the Tasting Room overlooking the large lawn. Julie and I ate at Old 290 three times during our stay. It was excellent each time, and so nice to have a quality restaurant onsite. Our wonderful server on our first night, Samantha, was the perfect combination of helpful, friendly, and efficient. Julie started with the excellent Wedge Salad, while I tried the interesting, and tasty, Sonoran Caesar Salad with Chipotle Marinated Shrimp. For mains, we both ordered the Honey-Garlic Salmon Filet served with Grilled Broccolini, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, and Fingerling Potatoes.
For dessert, we couldn’t decide between the apricot bread pudding, the lava cake, or the lemon-lime curd – they all looked so delicious. At Samantha’s recommendation, we chose to share the Lemon-Lime Curd, with Black Cherry Purée, Savoiardi, and Crème Chantilly. It was very cool and refreshing, perfect for a warm summer evening. I also had my eye on the delicious sounding Petit Gateau, a Guanaja Dark Chocolate Lava Cake served with Blackberry Preserves and Peanut Butter Yogurt. I’ll have to try that next time.
For lunch the next day David, our server from Hungary, recommended the Hanger Steak with Dried Herbs Chimichurri, Frisée Salad, Parmesan Aioli, and Spiced Fries. The juicy, tender, flavorful Hanger Steak was new to me, but is now one of my favorite cuts of meat. So good!
On our final morning, we started off Brunch with flavorful mimosas. I couldn’t resist the Hanger Steak and Eggs, with an 8oz Hanger Steak, Sunny-Side Up Eggs, Dried Herbs Chimichurri, Frisée, Truffle Fries, and Parmesan Aioli. Julie ordered the Corn Meal Pancakes with fruit, pecans, and whipped cream served with eggs and crispy bacon. Everything was delicious, and David’s pleasant personality added to our enjoyment of a wonderful brunch at Old 290.
The Spa at Carter Creek
After a hard week at work, Julie was looking forward to a relaxing massage at Carter Creek. The Spa offers a wide variety of facials, massages, and other treatments using organic and sustainable products. In addition, the spa features a pool, spacious deck, and an exercise facility. So work out, be pampered, and relax. Gülçin Johnson is the talented Massage Therapist, Esthetician, and Spa Director. She also has her own line of botanicals. With over 20 years of experience and a very warm personality, Gülçin is prepared to provide a wide variety of treatments. Julie thoroughly enjoyed her deep tissue massage at The Spa at Carter Creek.
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa in theHeart of the Texas Hill Country
Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is a marvelous escape for wonderful wine, beer, food, and nature’s beauty. Come see for yourself – you’ll be glad you did.
I was hosted by Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, but all opinions are my own.
