Top 5 Reasons to visit Lubbock in the Texas High Plains

When it comes to Texas wine, the Texas Hill Country is probably the first place that people think about. I must say it makes me super proud because I call the Texas Hill Country home, and I am so excited that the local wine region is just exploding all around us. However, one must not forget the history of the modern Texas wine industry, which isn’t necessarily focused on the Texas Hill Country. Most of the modern vineyard planting and winemaking began in the 1970’s in the Texas High Plains.

It’s no secret that Lubbock, Texas is not typically thought of as a tourist destination for travelers, but if you have never been, you really owe it to yourself to make a long weekend of what the Lubbock area has to offer. Between Lubbock, Brownfield, and Meadow, you can really immerse yourself in the heart of Texas wine growing. Wineries, vineyards, and gorgeous sunsets…a trip to the Lubbock area might offer that weekend relaxation that you have desperately been seeking.

Below we have compiled a list of the top 5 reasons to visit the Texas High Plains, concentrating on the Lubbock region.

Wines:

Well duh! Of course wine has to be the number one reason to visit the Texas High Plains! You have quite a few choices where to taste in and around Lubbock. There is McPherson Cellars, Llano Estacado Winery, Pheasant Ridge Winery, Bingham Family Vineyards, CapRock Winery, Trilogy Cellars, and La Diosa Cellars. All of these wineries are open to the public and offer tastings, and you get a bonus at Bingham Family Vineyards as you get to see one of the most well known vineyards in Texas up close and personal.

Vines:

You cannot make great wine without great fruit, so what would a trip to the Texas High Plains be without driving by the vineyards to catch a glimpse of the action? I cannot promise you can get out of the car and walk the vines without a few inquisitive looks, but the people of Lubbock are as friendly as it gets, so don’t be afraid to ask questions if you see someone working the vines. You never know, you might end up on a personal tour of the vineyard with the owners themselves. Note: The majority of the vineyards are located in Brownfield, Meadow, and Plains, Texas. You won’t see too many vines in Lubbock proper unless you visit Pheasant Ridge Winery.

History of Texas Wine:

If you have the opportunity to schedule a private tour and tasting with Bobby Cox at Pheasant Ridge Winery, Kim McPherson or Spenser Igo at McPherson Cellars, or Mark Hyman at Llano Estacado, you need to seize the moment. Not only will you be guaranteed a fantastic time with friendly banter and stellar wines, but you might be amazed at how much they teach you about the history of Texas wine and the Texas High Plains in general.

Texas High Plains History:

The Texas High Plains has its own history, so why not jump in feet first and stimulate your brain while visiting. After all, wine is not the only reason to visit the area. Below are just a few places you can visit during the day for a plethora of knowledge.

• Museum of Texas Tech University
• Silent Wings Museum
• Buddy Holly Center
• Bayer Museum of Agriculture
• American Wind Power Center

Photography:

There is no doubt that people seem to really take in the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, and the mountainous landscape of southwest Texas. Hills aren’t the only thing that is pretty in Texas, however. I truly find the drive out to the Texas High Plains to be quite beautiful once you start getting closer to Lubbock. Sure, it is indeed flat as a pancake, but the wind turbines, oil pump jacks, and stunning sunsets are truly something to behold. Maybe I romanticize the West Texas landscape too much, but I find myself stopping numerous times on the way to Lubbock to take in the vast views, and some cool, dry, fresh air.

Well there you have it friends, several reasons to pack the weekend duffel bag and make your way toward the Texas High Plains. I hope you find it as alluring as I do, as it keeps me coming back for more each time I visit. In my opinion, there is not much that can be compared to the charm of West Texas.

Cheers!