When Ed and Susan Auler discovered that their ranch on the northern shore of Lake Buchanan had much in common with the best wine country in France, they made a decision that helped change the course of Texas history.

It was during a cattle-buying trip to France in 1973 that the Aulers first noticed remarkable similarities to their Central Texas home. Upon further study, they decided that there were possibilities. "I became convinced," Ed Auler says, "that certain parts of Central Texas would be ideally suited to grape-growing."

They planted their first vines in 1975 and, then made their first wine in a renovated garage in 1979. "It wasn't exactly world-class wine," Susan says, "but from that moment on, our vision took shape."

And what a vision it was! Not only has Fall Creek wine gone from a renovated garage to the White House (President Bush has ordered Fall Creek wines for state dinners), but production has skyrocketed, and Fall Creek has won more than 500 awards in state, national and international competitions. Fall Creek's 1997 Sauvignon Blanc was the first Texas wine to receive a BEST BUY rating from Wine Spectator.

The Aulers' 65-acre vineyard and 20,000 square-foot winery has a capacity of 65,000 gallons in stainless steel tanks and French Oak barrels. Yet, Ed Auler says, "I don't believe we've even scratched the surface of our potential." The Aulers opened a visitors center in 1990, and wine-tasting has become a major tourist attraction in the Highland Lakes area. Wine and related gifts are for sale, tours are available, and the winery regularly holds gourmet luncheons, festivals and celebrations. One of the most poular events is the annual Grape Stomp, scheduled this year for August 21 and 28.

The Aulers' vision has encouraged the establishment of many other wineries, and Texas has become the nation's fifth-leading wine-producing state, with many of the best wineries clustered right here in the Hill Country. Travel the Hill Country Art and Wine Trail ...

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