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Recently I was in the planning stages of a trip to Austin & San
Antonio, Texas, when I stumbled upon something I had never heard
before. According to Frommers & Orbitz, the Hill Country of Texas
is the second most visited wine region in the States, second only to
the Napa Valley.

Texas!? The Texas that I know & kinda sorta but not really
love? Wow, how astonishing. So, I had to check it out. I visited
three separate vineyards that took me from 30 minutes away from Austin,
to about an hour and & half away, but the real gem was, as always,
the last. Save the best for last, eh?

Mandolas Estate Winery & their
on-site restaurant, Trattoria Lisina, have made quite an impression on
me. From the personal tour with a supremely competent guide, Oscar, to
the last bite of my cannoli, this winery was a match made in heaven.

Once I entered the estate proper, I was thrilled by the
Tuscan-inspired architecture & stunning live oaks that situated the
property with grace. Starting with a tasting, I fell in love with
Mandolas Sangiovese as well as their Canto Felice & had to take a
couple bottles home, of course.

But the fun was just beginning, as Oscar led me on a tour of the

winery. Being a somewhat new face on the Hill Country wine scene,
Mandolas does not quite yet have all of their vines producing, so
several of their grapes are actually brought in to do the breaking down
& fermentation process. It was a stellar tour full of good
information, and I was very impressed with Oscar, who is staying
abreast of the wine world.

Then, at long tipsy last, it was on to Trattoria Lisina. You &
I know how rare it is to enjoy a meal from start to finish, so you will
understand that I now have a soft spot for Lucina. I started off with
a decadent cheese plate that featured a panoply of sharp cheeses, then
I, of course, moved on to the cherry-tomato based bruschetta. And I
have to admit that I ate all six pieces on my own & never once
looked back.

All I have to say next is, rare tenderloin on the bone, with roasted
shallots atop. Mouth-watering delicious. I’m jealous of my memories.
Afterward I finished her off with a cappuccino & two
hazelnut-encrusted cannolis. All in a night’s work.

Now, I just have to ask myself, how bad is it to fly to Austin just to eat some of that amazing bruchetta?

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