They say that there are two seasons for Interstates – winter and construction.  The I-35 corridor between the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Waco and points further south are always filled with construction.  So, why not avoid the construction and take the road less traveled and stop at some very pleasant places along the way?

Begin your travels, to the south, by getting off the interstate at Burleson and take TX-174 toward Cleburne.  In Burleson, you can find the Lost Oak Winery.  The tasting room is open on Wednesday through Sunday starting at noon.  They feature a range of wines from a sweet Mascot and Riesling to big bold Tempranillo and their Estate Shiraz.

Continue your travels south along 174 toward Meridian and Clifton.  You have two opportunities to try the wines from the Red Caboose Winery.  (If you want to really see,  the start of the Texas hill country, my recommendation is to go to the vineyard located outside of Meridian.)  During our travels, we spent a lovely morning at the vineyard, tasting a variety of wines and talking with Evan McKibben, the vintner.  The first vines were planted shortly after the land was purchased in 2001.  And, the story of the winery is one of a dream (and very little prior experience).  This winery now is routinely recognized by the Texas wine industry and has received numerous medals at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

If you go, you are likely to be greeted by loveable Border collie that will lead you to the tasting room.  They have an array of lovely reds featuring the Syrah, Merlot, and Tempranillo.  With great names: Rolling Red, La Reina, and Quickdraw Syrah, and beautiful label artwork done by a local artist, what is not to love about this winery.  If you go, you must try their port-style it is lovely.

After you leave, the Red Caboose continue traveling south toward that little town of Crawford and head toward Temple, TX.  You might want to stop at The Gin at Nolan Creek in Belton for a lovely meal featuring some Texas favorites or take a break at the Nolan Creek Winery just across the small plaza.   Then you can return to your regularly hectic travel on I-35 South.