Bell Mountain
Texas' first AVA — a small granite dome in Gillespie County.
Bell Mountain is small, and it matters more than its size suggests: it was the first AVA approved in Texas, which makes it a reasonable place to start if you care about how Texas fine wine began.
- Established
- 1986
- Counties
- 1
- Elevation
- 1,600–1,900 ft
- Acres
- 3,200
- Soil
- Decomposed granite, sandy loam
- Climate
- Moderate; granite slopes drain well
About the region
Bell Mountain is a compact appellation built around a granite dome in Gillespie County, just north of Fredericksburg and inside the larger Hill Country AVA. It is one of the smallest and least-trafficked AVAs in the state by winery count.
History
Broad overviewBell Mountain was established in 1986 as the first AVA in Texas. That makes it a historical marker for the modern Texas wine era as much as a region to tour.
Geography & climate
Broad overviewThe defining feature is decomposed granite and sandy loam over well-draining granite slopes, at roughly 1,600 to 1,900 feet. The early plantings here leaned toward Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling.
Grapes & what it’s known for
Best known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Being the first Texas AVA.
Detailed firsthand reporting on this region is still pending; the history and geography above are a broad overview drawn from the AVA record.
Visited by Wines of Texas
We haven’t visited a winery in Bell Mountain yet — they’re on the way.
AVA assignments may include Wines of Texas editorial mapping where TABC permit data does not specify an AVA.