• Home
  • popular
  • EVENTS
  • submit-new-event
  • CHARITY GUIDE
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • TRENDING NEWS
  • News
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Home + Design
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Innovation
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • subscribe
  • about
  • series
  • Embracing Your Inner Cowboy
  • Green Living
  • Summer Fun
  • Real Estate Confidential
  • RX In the City
  • State of the Arts
  • Fall For Fashion
  • Cai's Odyssey
  • Comforts of Home
  • Good Eats
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2010
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2
  • Good Eats 2
  • HMNS Pirates
  • The Future of Houston
  • We Heart Hou 2
  • Music Inspires
  • True Grit
  • Hoops City
  • Green Living 2011
  • Cruizin for a Cure
  • Summer Fun 2011
  • Just Beat It
  • Real Estate 2011
  • Shelby on the Seine
  • Rx in the City 2011
  • Entrepreneur Video Series
  • Going Wild Zoo
  • State of the Arts 2011
  • Fall for Fashion 2011
  • Elaine Turner 2011
  • Comforts of Home 2011
  • King Tut
  • Chevy Girls
  • Good Eats 2011
  • Ready to Jingle
  • Houston at 175
  • The Love Month
  • Clifford on The Catwalk Htx
  • Let's Go Rodeo 2012
  • King's Harbor
  • FotoFest 2012
  • City Centre
  • Hidden Houston
  • Green Living 2012
  • Summer Fun 2012
  • Bookmark
  • 1987: The year that changed Houston
  • Best of Everything 2012
  • Real Estate 2012
  • Rx in the City 2012
  • Lost Pines Road Trip Houston
  • London Dreams
  • State of the Arts 2012
  • HTX Fall For Fashion 2012
  • HTX Good Eats 2012
  • HTX Contemporary Arts 2012
  • HCC 2012
  • Dine to Donate
  • Tasting Room
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • Charming Charlie
  • Asia Society
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2012
  • HTX Mistletoe on the go
  • HTX Sun and Ski
  • HTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • HTX New Beginnings
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013
  • Zadok Sparkle into Spring
  • HTX Let's Go Rodeo 2013
  • HCC Passion for Fashion
  • BCAF 2013
  • HTX Best of 2013
  • HTX City Centre 2013
  • HTX Real Estate 2013
  • HTX France 2013
  • Driving in Style
  • HTX Island Time
  • HTX Super Season 2013
  • HTX Music Scene 2013
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013 2
  • HTX Baker Institute
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • Mothers Day Gift Guide 2021 Houston
  • Staying Ahead of the Game
  • Wrangler Houston
  • First-time Homebuyers Guide Houston 2021
  • Visit Frisco Houston
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Greystar Novel River Oaks
  • Thirdhome Go Houston
  • Dogfish Head Houston
  • LovBe Houston
  • Claire St Amant podcast Houston
  • The Listing Firm Houston
  • South Padre Houston
  • NextGen Real Estate Houston
  • Pioneer Houston
  • Collaborative for Children
  • Decorum
  • Bold Rock Cider
  • Nasher Houston
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • CityNorth
  • Urban Office
  • Villa Cotton
  • Luck Springs Houston
  • EightyTwo
  • Rectanglo.com
  • Silver Eagle Karbach
  • Mirador Group
  • Nirmanz
  • Bandera Houston
  • Milan Laser
  • Lafayette Travel
  • Highland Park Village Houston
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Douglas Elliman Harris Benson
  • Original ChopShop
  • Bordeaux Houston
  • Strike Marketing
  • Rice Village Gift Guide 2021
  • Downtown District
  • Broadstone Memorial Park
  • Gift Guide
  • Music Lane
  • Blue Circle Foods
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2022
  • True Rest
  • Lone Star Sports
  • Silver Eagle Hard Soda
  • Modelo recipes
  • Modelo Fighting Spirit
  • Athletic Brewing
  • Rodeo Houston
  • Silver Eagle Bud Light Next
  • Waco CVB
  • EnerGenie
  • HLSR Wine Committee
  • All Hands
  • El Paso
  • Houston First
  • Visit Lubbock Houston
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Silver Eagle Tupps
  • Space Center Houston
  • Central Market Houston
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Travel Texas Houston
  • Alliantgroup
  • Golf Live
  • DC Partners
  • Under the Influencer
  • Blossom Hotel
  • San Marcos Houston
  • Photo Essay: Holiday Gift Guide 2009
  • We Heart Hou
  • Walker House
  • HTX Good Eats 2013
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2013
  • HTX Culture Motive
  • HTX Auto Awards
  • HTX Ski Magic
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2014
  • HTX Texas Traveler
  • HTX Cifford on the Catwalk 2014
  • HTX United Way 2014
  • HTX Up to Speed
  • HTX Rodeo 2014
  • HTX City Centre 2014
  • HTX Dos Equis
  • HTX Tastemakers 2014
  • HTX Reliant
  • HTX Houston Symphony
  • HTX Trailblazers
  • HTX_RealEstateConfidential_2014
  • HTX_IW_Marks_FashionSeries
  • HTX_Green_Street
  • Dating 101
  • HTX_Clifford_on_the_Catwalk_2014
  • FIVE CultureMap 5th Birthday Bash
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2014 TEST
  • HTX Texans
  • Bergner and Johnson
  • HTX Good Eats 2014
  • United Way 2014-15_Single Promoted Articles
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Houston
  • Where to Eat Houston
  • Copious Row Single Promoted Articles
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2014
  • htx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Zadok Swiss Watches
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2015
  • HTX Charity Challenge 2015
  • United Way Helpline Promoted Article
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Fusion Academy Promoted Article
  • Clifford on the Catwalk Fall 2015
  • United Way Book Power Promoted Article
  • Jameson HTX
  • Primavera 2015
  • Promenade Place
  • Hotel Galvez
  • Tremont House
  • HTX Tastemakers 2015
  • HTX Digital Graffiti/Alys Beach
  • MD Anderson Breast Cancer Promoted Article
  • HTX RealEstateConfidential 2015
  • HTX Vargos on the Lake
  • Omni Hotel HTX
  • Undies for Everyone
  • Reliant Bright Ideas Houston
  • 2015 Houston Stylemaker
  • HTX Renewable You
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • HTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Kyrie Massage
  • Red Bull Flying Bach
  • Hotze Health and Wellness
  • ReadFest 2015
  • Alzheimer's Promoted Article
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Professional Skin Treatments by NuMe Express

    Perfect Pairings

    Perfect pairings: 6 great wine getaways in the Texas Hill Country and Bryan

    Deborah Hamilton-Lynne
    Dec 6, 2016 | 12:32 pm

    It's time to slow down and plan a weekend getaway where you can relax and enjoy some of Texas' finest wines. We’ve got six perfect pairings for your next getaway, all located a few hours drive from Houston.

    A best-kept secret for many of the wineries on our list is membership in their exclusive wine clubs, which includes complimentary tastings, notifications of limited and newly released wines, member parties and special events, and discounts on bottles and cases. Check individual winery websites for details. Now onto the pairings.

    Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood and Sage Hill Inn in Kyle
    Duchman Family Winery is known for its Italian wines, most notably its Vermentino; founders Stan and Lisa Duchman turned their love of old-world wines into an award-winning success story. Located in nearby Driftwood, it's an easy getaway, and, best of all, it's only 20 minutes away from the beautiful Sage Hill Inn, a luxury property with a pool, fire pit, spa, onsite restaurant, and terrific Hill Country views.

    Insider tip: Enjoy the Hill Country sunset from the back deck and end the day by the fire pit under the brightest stars in Texas.

    Bending Branch Winery in Comfort and Camp Comfort
    Bending Branch Winery has a beautiful tasting room and outdoor porch to enjoy a glass of Texas Tannat. Located in Comfort, it's a leisurely drive through the Hill Country, less than two hours from Austin and a mere 47 miles from San Antonio. Nearby Camp Comfort is a rustic retreat created from a historic bowling alley built in 1860. It's the perfect place to wind down after a day of wine tasting.

    Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall and Rose Hill Manor
    Pedernales Cellars, a family-owned winery specializing in Spanish and Rhone style wines, has a striking view of the Hill Country from its outdoor deck, perfect for sampling the signature Tempranillo and Viognier wines. Just down the road is the beautiful Rose Hill Manor, a historic inn with suites and individual cottages. This is the place for a special romantic getaway — perfect for proposals and anniversaries.

    Insider tip: Make reservations in advance for the three-course dinner.

    Brennan Vineyards in Comanche and the Star of Texas B&B in Brownwood
    Brennan Vineyards’ tasting room is in one of the oldest homesteads in Texas, dating back to 1876. The vineyard recently debuted its below-ground cellar renovation, where you can enjoy reserve tastings (by appointment only and very limited, so be sure to reach out in advance). The Star of Texas B&B, which specializes in peace and pampering, is about 30 minutes from Brennan Vineyards and offers private cottages and a hot breakfast delivered to your room. Enjoy a secluded country setting where you can relax in the hot tub under the stars or sit back on your porch and listen to the birds. No children or pets allowed, so relax and enjoy a weekend getaway for two.

    Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood and FCV Wine Country Inn
    One of the pioneers of the Texas wine industry, Fall Creek Vineyards has opened a winery and tasting room in Driftwood. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Austin, it is the only vineyard on our list that also has an exclusive guest house located on the property. This is a getaway perfect for two couples, as the inn has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a lovely living room featuring a huge stone fireplace. No children or pets allowed.

    Insider tip: Call ahead for information on private tastings and special events. Make reservations well in advance, as there is only one rental house on the property.

    Messina Hof Winery and The Villa at Messina Hof in Bryan
    The Bonarrigo family established Messina Hof in 1977 and became a pioneer in the Texas winemaking and wine tourism industry. Today, the tradition is carried on by Paul Mitchell Bonarrrigo and his wife, Karen, who continue to produce award-winning wines and are known for their hospitality.

    Messina Hof is located in Bryan, a short 10-minute drive from Texas A&M University. The villa features romantically decorated rooms named for iconic lovers and 11 suites, some with private patios and balconies. Your stay includes a tour of Messina Hof Winery, a sparkling wine breakfast, and a wine and cheese reception in the evening. Guests are also invited to dine at the onsite Vintage House Restaurant.

    Insider tip: Messina Hof also has a tasting room in Fredericksburg, and the Manor Haus B&B is located just behind it. There are four romantic retreats at this B&B, each with private entrances, living rooms, and kitchenettes.

    Pair the Sage Hill Inn with a trip to Duchman Family Winery.

    Sage Hill Inn & Spa Wimberley hotel
    Sage Hill Inn & Spa/Facebook
    Pair the Sage Hill Inn with a trip to Duchman Family Winery.
    hotelswinevacationtexas
    news/travel

    most read posts

    5 Houston suburbs deemed best places to retire in 2026 by U.S. News

    Houston restaurant veteran fires up pizzas and steaks in Garden Oaks

    River Oaks Italian spot claims shuttered Woodlands steakhouse for new location

    icon of the seas

    World's largest cruise ship to set sail from Galveston in 2027

    Amber Heckler
    Nov 14, 2025 | 1:30 pm
    Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas cruise ship
    Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean
    Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world.

    Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, is coming to Galveston to embark on dozens of coastal getaways during the 2027-2028 travel season.

    The Icon will offer three dozen six-to-eight-day cruises to popular destinations like Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Vacationers who travel to Cozumel also get to visit the new Royal Beach Club Cozumel, which is scheduled to open in 2026.

    The gigantic 1,196-foot-long ship boasts a capacity for 7,600 passengers, and features eight themed "neighborhoods" to offer curated experiences for travelers of all ages. Couples who want to relax and connect with nature will enjoy the "Central Park" neighborhood that features an open-air garden with thousands of live plants, while families with young children can take advantage of "Surfside Neighborhood's" splash zones and kid-friendly activities.

    "From thrills like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, to unmatched chill across seven pools on board and more than 40 places to dine and drink, families are in for a combination of the best of every vacation with experiences for all ages," a press release says.

    Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas cruise ship Category 6 is the largest waterpark at sea, according to Royal Caribbean.Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean

    The first expedition setting sail from Galveston in 2027 is a six-night "Western Caribbean" cruise departing on August 16. The trip includes one day each in Puerto Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel before finally returning to Galveston on August 22.

    Travelers who want to spend as much time at sea as possible can book an eight-day "Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean" cruise, which will stop in Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, then the Bahaman private island.

    Here is the full schedule of Icon of the Seas cruises departing from Galveston that are available to book in 2027:

    • August 16-22 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • August 22-28 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • August 28-September 5, 2027 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
    • September 5-11 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • September 11-19 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
    • September 19-25 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • September 25-October 3 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
    • October 3-9 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • October 9-17 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
    • October 17-23 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • October 23-31 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
    • October 31-November 6 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • November 6-14 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
    • November 14-21 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • November 21-28 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • November 28-December 5 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • December 5-12 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • December 12-19 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • December 19-26 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    • December 26-January 2, 2028 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
    Seven-night Western Caribbean cruises are scheduled to depart from Galveston beginning January 2, 2028. These trips will take place weekly, departing on a Sunday and arriving back in Galveston on the following Sunday through April 23, 2028.

    Icon of the Seas cruises departing from Galveston (starting at $988 per person for a six-night vacation) can be booked on the Royal Caribbean website.

    Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas cruise ship

    Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean

    Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world.

    More cruise news
    Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas announcement is the second major Texas cruise news of November: MSC Cruises' MSC Seascape launched its inaugural voyage from a new $156 million Galveston terminal on Sunday, November 9.

    As previously reported in CultureMap, the ship's voyages feature a unique upgrade option, called the MSC Yacht Club, which offers guests a 32,000-square-foot private "ship-within-a-ship" experience complete with a dedicated pool, restaurant, lounge, plus butler service, an on-ship concierge, and much more.

    Based in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line. Departures from Galveston can now be booked through the website.

    news/travel
    CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
    Get Houston intel delivered daily.
    Loading...