Hill Country Culinary Escape...Cooking Vacations...Culinary Getaways...Cooking Classes!

PER PERSON $1295

PRICE PER PERSON - $1295

Austin stands as the gateway to the scenic Texas Hill Country that begins just a few miles west of the city. The local culinary scene will expose you to an enlightened version of Tex-Mex, where you will find yourself sampling the country’s best queso and savoring incomparable Texas barbeque. Austin is also the Live Music Capital of the World®, where on any given evening, you can find live music playing in nearly 200 different venues.

The Texas Hill Country is a region of Central Texas that features rolling hills and meandering streams that create a sense of calm. The area is unique for its fusion of Spanish and Central European influences in food, wine, architecture, and music that form a distinctively “Texan” culture.

In recent years, the region has emerged as the center of the Texas wine industry. Three American viticultural areas are located here, including Texas Hill Country AVA, Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country AVA, and Bell Mountain AVA. There are actually 22 wineries in the Hill Country, with two more slated to open soon. Texas is now the nation’s fifth largest wine-producing state.

This Hill Country Culinary Escape is designed to provide you with a “taste” of this enchanting land. From luxurious accommodations to amazing food and wine, you will discover why Austin and the Hill Country have become one of America’s favorite vacation getaways.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
A sense of beauty and relaxation abounds at this Austin hotel and resort. Sweeping views of the Austin countryside - nestled within 4,000 secluded acres of rolling hills - this luxurious Austin, Texas resort hotel provides the ultimate relaxing getaway. Each of the 312 guest rooms, suites and villas are luxuriously appointed and offer stunning Hill Country views.

HILL COUNTRY COOKING CLASS/DEMONSTRATION
This unique cooking class meets once a month at Chef Blank's Hill Country home overlooking beautiful Lake Travis. Classes include recipes, instruction and a four-course meal with wine. You may find yourself preparing axis venison, wild boar, pheasant, quail, or hot and crunchy shrimp. Every class has a Texas-style twist, and a story wrapped in Hill Country history that will keep you wanting for more as you learn to cook fearlessly.

FINE DINING
Hudson's on the Bend is housed in a small cottage with an herb garden, twinkling lights on the patio, and a smokehouse to add that special Texas kick. Hudson's is known for serving a variety of wild game, including antelope, wild boar, elk and pheasant. Of course you will also find premium cuts of Angus steak, trout, lobster and shrimp on the menu as well. Our special package includes their chef's tasting menu, which is a true dining adventure.

SPA AT BARTON CREEK
Renewal comes with a distinctive Texas feel at the luxurious Spa at Barton Creek, a paragon among Austin spa resorts. This oasis exudes the beauty and calm of the Hill Country landscape, its lakes, streams and rivers, and offers an array of tempting treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.

ESTATE WINERY TOUR
Damian Mandola, founder of Carraba's restaurants, has carved a little slice of Tuscany in the Hill Country with estate vineyards. Stretching out on a slope above Onion Creek, almost 20 acres of newly planted grape vines soak up the warm sun and cool evening breezes. The climate here echoes the warmer drier climes of Southern Italy and Sicily.