Paul and Brooke Michie
open a local nanobrewery and taproom
2022 EPICUREAN PROSPECTUS OF CENTRAL TEXAS and everything fineverything
ARTSGALLERYGORMANARTSROSS GALLERY 114 N. Live Oak Street Fayetteville, Texas 78940 979-378-2113 arts.for.rural.texasARTSforRuralTexas 1201. S 979-773-8668Texas,Schulenburg,Kessler78956
FEATURES Round Top Brewing Company....................4 Wendish WeisewithHowOktobierfestSchutzenfest...........................................24TexasARTSBackroadOktoberfestFestival............................................10inLaGrange...........................14CountyTours................................16forRuralTexas.....................................18IndependenceWineTrail..............20-RoundTop...........................25toPairWineDifferentCutsofMeat........................26Farms..................................................28 ADVERTISING Advertiser Index............................................30 p.4 p.10 p.16 p.18 On the Cover Round Top Brewing CompanyPhotobyLindsey Fojtik of Studio 94 2022 EPICUREAN PROSPECTUS OF CENTRAL TEXAS and everythingfineverything PaulandBrookeMichieopenalocalnanobreweryandtaproom SPECIAL SECTIONS STAFF PUBLISHER Regina B. Keilers EDITOR Jeff Wick DIGITAL EDITOR Andy Behlen STAFF WRITER/OFFICE LouAnn Adcox Tammy Browning ADVERTISING Becky Weise ACCOUNTING Theresia Karstedt Nonnie Barton Feature Writer Kirsten Cornell PRODUCTION John Castaneda - Newspaper Lindsey Fojtik - Special Sections CIRCULATION Nicol BobbyGeorgeKrenekKanaBedient127S.Washington St. | P.O. Box 400 La Grange, Texas 78945 Ph: 979.968.3155 | Fx: 979.968.6767 Email: Thewww.FayetteCountyRecord.comeditor@fayettecountyrecord.comFayetteCountyRecordispublished every Tuesday and Friday, except the publication immediately following Christmas by Fayette County Record, Inc. serving Fayette County since 1922. The Fayette County Record is locally owned and operated by the Barton family since 1976. (USPS 188-440) TABLE of CONTENTS p.28 32022 VINE & STEIN
by Kirsten Cornell OF ROUND TOP The Cheers Paul and Brooke Michie open Round Top Brewing, a local nanobrewery and taproom Photo by Lindsey Fojtik2022 VINE & STEIN4
In later travels to France and the United Kingdom, she was of legal age to experience beer and wine culture in a way she had not yet understood back home. “The notion of pairing flavors from the same regions or seasons struck me as such a natural thing to do,” she says. “The magic of these meals forever colored my joyful wonder around food and drink and the way those experiences get shared by true and caring professionals.”
Weekly specials available
Deviled local farm eggs
After a decade of restaurant kitchen experience, Paul earned a culinary degree and then followed it up with over a decade more experience at a restaurant group which proved to be a fruitful decision. Today, he is still making the food and bev decisions, only as a chef, owner, and brewer at Round Top Brewing. Magic in Meals
Photo by Barry Fantich
While Brooke grew up the only daughter of two Psychology graduate students and teachers, it was her love for travel and culture that would bring the spice to their destined venture. Traveling the world on frequent flier miles thanks to her dad’s sales calls, Brooke quickly fell in love with exploring. “When I was a child, I was particularly smitten with Austria and Germany,” she recalls. “I kept a journal and drawing notebook that recorded the places and sense memories I saw, heard, smelled, and tasted. I remember being blown away by the beauty of Bavaria.”
Photo by Lindsey Fojtik Round Top Brewing interior
One particularly momentous trip was when Brooke and Paul took some time to explore Belgium and the Netherlands. From a true local, they were able to root into the beer
Pairing their passions for food, beer, and hospitality, the couple opened Round Top Brewing which has quickly become a destination for locals and travelers alike. Culinary Roots
For Paul, an appreciation for good food started at an early age as he worked and cooked alongside his mother who was a caterer for decades. “Her creativity, passion, and drive were inherited and infectious,” he shares.
It is not often that our careers marry our favorite things in life. However, for Paul and Brooke Michie, their culinary adventure has done exactly that.
During this time, he connected with the Craft Brewer’s convention and hosted a series of wildly popular events, building relationships with other brewers. “This community of brewers and craft beer folks is known for its collaborative nature, and I found myself understanding the appeal of brewing at a different scale, professionally,” he adds.
Paul carried those skills with him to college at the University of Texas – Austin where he worked as a line cook while studying Fine Arts. And where he would meet his bride, Brooke. After graduation, he continued working in the food and beverage industry, landing at Alamo Drafthouse. As the director of food and beverage as well as kitchen design, Paul was instrumental in creating what is now a vast beer program for the franchise.
As they traveled through Austria and Italy, the hospitality left quite an impression on young Brooke, making her feel both welcomed and excited by life.
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Photo by Barry Fantich
and food of Belgium which they describe as elegant and approachable at the same time. “Ancient beer recipes and production methods are simply standard and enjoyed as a part of everyday life for all different types of people,” she says.
Paul took his love of beer to the level of “quest for understanding by doing” and was curious about what made beer taste and smell like it did. His family has an agricultural background and was always growing, fishing, hunting, cooking, and making useful things. “It was a natural inclination to do it yourself in our family,” he laughs.
“An Incredible
PatioComfortableExperienceCulinaryataPlace...thefoodisaboveaverageandtheenvironmentissocomfortable.Youcaneasilyspendhoursherewithfriends.Greatspace.There’scornhole,afirepit,andlotsofoutdoorseating...”-CarrinaR.
Brooke and Paul checking metrics on their brew.
Inspired by their own experiences with travel and with so many years in the hospitality and service industry, the Michies knew that this was what we wanted to do for others. “It is what led us to the next part of our long journey of learning, working, and sharing our love of food and beer,” Brooke shares.
Photo by Lindsey Fojtik
Photo by Lindsey Fojtik
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On A Quest After years of homebrewing and working in the food and beer business, Paul met and befriended many talented people. “I volunteer brewed over the years with friends at various places including Real Ale at their tiny first location, 512 Brewing, Family Business Brewing, NXNW, and have held many beer dinners and events with conventions, supper clubs, and restaurants I worked with,” he says. “At one such event, I was introduced to industry leaders and forged friendships that I value and connect with to this day.”
Those shared experiences and ignited passions would inform many of the decisions that led to what now stands as a nanobrewery and taproom.
In the Moment
While they waited for the finishing touches on their nanobrewery, they were able to roll out the kitchen and guest beers, dialing in the menu and playing with seasons and specials—showing guests what they could expect from the new hot spot. Paul’s duck confit tacos are now a frequently requested item.
qualities are goals we try to achieve,” says Brooke. “At the end of the day, if it pleases the palate and helps someone enjoy their life at that moment, that is a good beer.”
“Flavor is subjective, but metrics for certain
The couple always knew food would be an important part of their brewery and wanted to showcase beer with food as a natural pairing. “It is such an important part of our lives that it would certainly be integral to our model,” Brooke says.
“Hops are added at specific points in the process to achieve either flavor, aroma or bitterness depending on the timing of the addition and type of hop used,” Paul explains.
Round Top Brewing exterior
“We care deeply about our guests, their experience here with us, and the quality of food and drinks,” Brooke adds. “Our biggest care is how they feel when they are here, and we hope they remember their time fondly when they leave.”
Palate Pleasing Creating new brews is part of the challenge, but also part of the fun. “We usually start with something we are excited to brew or drink,” Paul explains. “We really appreciate a simple approach to classic styles where the fine ingredients and careful techniques can speak for themselves.”
While it may sound like a simple concept, the process takes time and well-balanced chemistry.
First, malted barley (and other grains depending on the brew), is heated creating a “mash.” The sugary liquid from this mash, called wort, gets transferred and heated again.
“Paul is hardworking and talented with more experience than
The Michies describe a good brew as one that begins with a clear direction of what you wish to create, a precise recipe, methodical production and record-keeping, and pristine sanitation.
Guest Experience
Once the liquid is cooled rapidly and transferred again, yeast is added to consume the sugars in the wort and begin fermentation, which produces alcohol. It will ferment for a period before the yeast is removed, and then it will sit (usually cold and temperaturecontrolled) to clarify, develop flavors, and mature to be a great brew.
While this husband-and-wife team still considers themselves as “starting out,” they are excited to be doing something they love and seeing each other shine in the process.
Photo by Lindsey Fojtik
Early fan favorites included a SMaSH pale ale, brown ale, and an old-world-style pilsner. Currently, they are excited to be working on a Kölsch-style recipe.
BY FOR A www.roundtopbrewing.comROUND!
STOP
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The couple enthusiastically invites everyone to visit the Cheers of Round Top. “Our crew is kindhearted and enthusiastic,” the couple shares. “We literally know your name and are always glad you came.”
Our popular pulled pork sandwichpaired with our Kölsch Hour beer
Photo by Barry Fantich
Photo by Lindsey Fojtik
he’d ever feel comfortable sharing,” Brooke shares with a smile. “He has everything it takes, and it is very gratifying to see him move forward in his passion and skill.” They approach everything with unbridled curiosity and express that life still has much to teach them. “If it takes 10 years of doing something to be an expert, we are honored to be on that first leg of the decade, at least professionally speaking,” Paul adds. This phase of their venture is ever-changing, exciting, and interesting with new experiences and full of massive physical output. It undoubtedly keeps them on their toes and in the moment. “We work in different areas of the business as well as alongside each other,” Brooke explains. “We love to cross-train and so I’m learning kitchen skills from the best and he’s learning customer service from a true pro, too.”
@roundtopbrewing RoundTopBrewing.com512.294.8641 101 W. Austin St. Round Top, TX 78954 Corner of Washington (HWY 237) and AustinRecordCountyFayette©The Locally Family Owned, Operated and Brewed MUSICLIVECUAMAZING ISINE BREWSLOCAL Guest Taps, Wines, Ciders • Seasonal & Weekly Menus Shady Deck, Outdoor Games & Seating • Cozy & Inviting Bar in a Historic Building European Inspired Texas Cuisine
by Chelsea Beck, Texas Wendish Heritage Society Executive Director WITAJĆE K’NAM, Welcome to Wendish Fest, Y’all! Celebrating 50 years of TWHS because of these ladies who founded the society. 2022 VINE & STEIN10
Photo by Joyce Hinze
Photo by Joyce Hinze Kids participating in the cross-cut saw demonstration
Evelyn Buchhorn demonstrating cutting Wendish noodles by hand.
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Where do homemade noodles, sauerkraut, a bird wedding, Christmas, Easter, stick horse races, greased flagpole climbing, beets and beer come together? Wendish Fest in Serbin, Texas, that’s where! Wendish Fest is a special day of celebration dedicated to sharing the compelling history, culture, and heritage of the Wends, a slavic group, who came to Texas in 1854, eager to build their homes and preserve their faith and traditions. The Texas Wendish Heritage Society and Museum in Serbin, Texas will host the 34th Annual Wendish Fest on Sunday, September 25, 2022. The Texas Wendish Heritage Society (TWHS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary and all are invited to come and join in the festivities.
Wendish Fest begins at St. Paul Lutheran Church, one of the painted churches of Texas, with worship services in English & German . After that, everyone comes down to the picnic grounds for a noon meal of Wendish noodles, sausage, sauerkraut, beets, green beans, peaches, and homemade bread. Dessert is homemade coffee cake, a Lee & Fayette County delicacy. During Wendish Fest, the TWHS holds a coffee cake competition and auctions off the winning cakes to benefit their scholarship program. If you’re still hungry after all of that, at two in the afternoon, the snack booth opens selling sausage, sauerkraut, drumsticks, and noodles. We also serve iced tea, coffee, sodas, and, of course, iced cold beer. A few area schools raise money by selling popcorn and snow cones in the afternoon. If you’d like to take a taste of Wendish Fest home with you, we sell dry noodles, raw sausage, mustard and candy from Germany, pickles, sauerkraut and more.
The day is jam-packed with all sorts of activities for all ages. Don’t miss the Ptaci Kwas (the Bird Wedding) as students from St. Paul Lutheran School share a fun Wendish tradition on stage. The Shiner Hobo Band will take the stage from 1:30 to 4:00 following the live auction. Sprawled across the picnic grounds and museum complex, there will be many demonstrators including Wendish egg decorating, noodle-making, sausage stuffings, sauerkraut making, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, looming, basket weaving, a Civil War living history booth, and much more! Some of these demonstrators offer small vendor booths with products like fresh ground cornmeal, homemade soap, wine, handmade bonnets, and other handmade items. There will also be German-style Christmas and Easter markets in the museum complex. Other activities including a washer pitching tournament, silent auction, and a cross cut sawing demonstration will take place throughout the day. For the kids, there are a number of fun, classic activities to participate in. There is a Wendish coloring contest, a kid’s
Photo by Joyce Hinze The buffet line at Wendish Fest 2021
“UNIQUELY TEXAS” COUNTRY WINERY We invite you to visit our quaint, Texas country winery and tasting room nestled at the edge of our 4 acre vineyard. We are located a little “o -the-beaten-path”, but once you arrive, we hope you’ll sit back, relax and enjoy the laid-back and fun atmosphere of our little piece of the Texas countrycountryside.wineryand 1211 Co Rd 273, Weimar | 979.942.6420
Also, have the kids on the lookout for the Midday Lady, “Přezpołdnica”, dressed in white, the Braska, who leads the wedding party in a top hat, and, perhap others dressed to introduce the crowd to Wendish folklore and traditions.
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coffee cake competition, face painting, a train ride and stick horse races for a full afternoon’s worth of fun.
Photo by Joyce Hinze
www.whistlingduckwinery.comRecordCountyFayette©The
If you enjoy history, the museum and church will be open for tours all day. In the museum complex, you can learn all about Wendish history, culture and heritage as well as life in Texas from the 1850’s on. If you are of Wendish descent and want to learn more about what it means to be a Wend, genealogy, and all things research related, please visit the main museum building to speak with our volunteers in the only Wendish genealogical research library outside of Germany. Our volunteers would love to share their knowledge and deep pride in all things Wendish with you and your family. We invite you to wear your bonnet or straw hat and join us for a fun-filled family day of all things Wendish - Food, folklore, folkways and fun! “Kletternpfostern,” or greased pole climb
If your kids are brave enough, they can participate in “Kletternpfostern,” or greased pole climb and try their hand at climbing a flagpole, a long-standing tradition.
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The Texas Wendish Heritage Society Presents: 34th ANNUAL WENDISH FEST SEPTEMBER 25, 2022 Texas Wendish Heritage Museum & St. Paul Lutheran Church Picnic Grounds, Serbin, Texas Located 6 miles SW of Giddings @ FM 2239 & CR 212 Schedule of Events 9:30 Drive Thru Meal Line Opens 10-2 Silent Auction 10-3 Exhibits & Demonstrations 10-5 Museum Complex is Open 10:30 Co ee Cake Bake-O Entry Deadline Meal Announcements & Prayer Meal Line & Refreshments Open 11:30 Ptaci Kwas - Presented by St. Paul Students 12:15 Introduction of TWHS Scholarship Recipients 12:30 Co ee Cake Bake-O Winners Announced 12:45 Live Co ee Cake Auction (benefitting the TWHS Scholarship Fund) 1-4 Shiner Hobo Band 1:00 Children’s Stick Horse Races 1:30 Children’s Coloring Contest 2:00 Coloring Contest Winners Announced SLCVFD Train Rides for the Kids Snack Booth Opens 3:00 Washer Pitching (sign up at 2:30) 4:45 Cross-Cut Sawing Demonstration Plan to wear your bonnet or straw hat in honor of our TWHS founders in celebration of our 50th year! (or get one at Wendish Fest) For more information: www.texaswendish.org 979.366.2441 museum@texaswendish.org FUN FOR ALL AGES! We invite you to worship with us at St. Paul Lutheran Church, one of the Painted Churches of Texas English Service at 8:30 & German Service at DEMONSTRATIONS10:30&EXHIBITS ENTERTAINMENTFEATURED THE SHINER HOBO BAND Zetkamy so w Serbskim Festiwalu! No reservations or presale tickets for the meal, just come on over & buy your plate at the event or drive thru! Scan here for Giddings Lodging information!
The general admission ticket includes 12 samples of either beer or wine, entrance into the event tent with live music, and a commemorative pint glass. A commemorative t-shirt will also be available for purchase. Only 500 tickets are available for this year’s event which is designed for the entire family, including activities to entertain the kids provided by Pure Country 4-H.
Fayette County has deep German roots and the Rotary Club of La Grange’s Oktoberfest on the Square pays homage to those roots. This year, October 1st marks the welcome return of the best little Oktoberfest in Texas, right on the Fayette County Courthouse lawn.
by Caleb Parks
Many attendees dress in fraulein and lederhosen attire to get in the spirit of Oktoberfest at this family-friendly event. The annual festival will feature live music from the Dujka Brothers and Michael Mach. And of course, Oktoberfest would not be complete without a meal of Pork Schnitzel and Sausage, complemented with sides of homemade sauerkraut and German noodles, topped off with a dessert of German Chocolate cake. If you don’t have room for it all, then you didn’t come prepared!
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Oktoberfest on the Square benefits the fundraising efforts of the Rotary Club of La Grange. This local Rotary Club supports programs that annually provide $12,000 in local scholarships to graduating high school seniors as well as donations to many local charities throughout the year. Organizers advise purchasing your tickets prior to the event. Once the schnitzel is gone, it’s gone until next year, of course, unless you have an “Oma.” General admission and meal tickets are available both online and at the Historic Casino Hall in La Grange. For more information on Oktoberfest on the Square, contact the La Grange Visitors Bureau at (979) 968-3017 or visit www.VisitLaGrangeTX.com.
Going into its 7th year, the festival will feature more than 80 varieties of craft beer, wine tasting, authentic German cuisine, and live music.
Oktoberfest in La Grange
When you’re ready for some authentic German cuisine, grab a seat on the Fayette County Courthouse Lawn.
Oktoberfest staff are sure to serve you with a smile! 152022 VINE & STEIN GOLDSILVERSPONSORS LA GRANGE ElectricMotor Service Ginger Petroleum Chuck Mazac Saturday, October 1, 2022 • 3pm-7pm Fayette County Courthouse Square $30ADVANCE TICKETS Rotary Club of La Grange presents GERMAN CUISINE KIDS ACTIVITIES LIVE MUSIC CRAFT BEER & WINE www.VisitLaGrangeTX.com 979-968-3017
It was at this point that the light bulb went off; Brad saw a need in the community for a bus tour offering shuttle service to the local country stores, bars, wineries, distilleries and breweries. What a better way to bounce between local watering holes without having to worry with who the designated driver would be.
by Brad Voelkel
On July 4, 2021 Backroad Country Tours was born! What better way to kick it off than being part of one of the oldest Independence Day parades in Round Top, TX. The first guests on board, of course, were the family members that inspired him to start the business in the first place. It was a rainy day, but it didn’t stop everyone from having a good time celebrating America and Backroad Country Tours.
Backroad Country Tours provides front door pickup from local residential homes, bed & breakfasts and various assigned locations in the area. You can choose a 4-hour tour which visits 3 venues or a 6-hour tour which visits 5 venues in the Round Top/Fayetteville area. The 14-passenger bus has perimeter seating so everyone faces each other, which is great for conversation. If you have a large group and would like the bus to yourselves, chartering a private tour is also an option.
If you like wine, beer, whiskey or mixed drinks you can
Have you ever been somewhere or had a conversation with someone and it sparks an idea that you just can’t quit? That is what happened to Brad Voelkel one afternoon at a family gathering in March 2021 at the Shelby Store in Shelby, Tx. There was a lot of conversation about how fun it would be to charter a bus and go down all the backroads visiting little country stores in the area for drinks, food and shenanigans. It was at that moment that Brad said he wanted to try and organize a family field trip! The next day after much research on charter buses, he found that nothing like this existed in the Round Top or surrounding areas. He could only find this service in Houston, Austin or College Station.
TOURSBackroad County
Over the next few months, Brad put together a business plan and budget for a possible new venture and exit plan from the corporate world! He spent countless nights staying up late researching this new endeavor and the more research he did the more excited he became about the idea of becoming a business owner and living the American Dream. In April 2021, only one month later, he purchased his first bus in Houston. Over the next couple of months, he worked on making minor repairs, updates and re-upholstering each of the 17 seats in the bus.
So, what does Backroad Country Tours do and where do they go?
The tours rotate on a regular basis between 12 different venues in the Round Top area. You can find out more about what each has to offer by visiting their website at www.backroadcountrytours.com
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Tours
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If there is a special occasion or you just want to get away and have a little fun without the worries of who will be driving after the party is over, then do yourself a favor and book a tour with Backroad Country Tours and let them do the driving, while you do the drinking. Come and take a ride on the “wine” side with Backroad Country Tours!
Brad Voelkel greets you with a smile
Over the past year Backroad Country Tours has hosted many special events aboard their bus. Bachelorette parties, company Christmas parties, a veterans get-together and end of year teachers parties, just to name a few.
THE ORIGINAL OFDISTILLERYBREWERYWINERY,&TOURROUNDTOPANDANTIQUEWEEKEND
always count on Backroad Country Tours to take you to the places that are fun! Many of the venues provide live music, games and food on the weekends.
Many of his guests say that being on his bus is like a party on wheels – and you can’t have a party without music! Brad gives you the option to take control by listening to your personal music or you can listen to the playlist that has been specifically tailored for his tours. There is rock, country, German polkas, drinking songs and the most favorite of them all are the sing-along songs! You can always hear them rolling down a backroad singing “Take Me Home Country Road” or “ Sweet Caroline…good times never seemed so good!”
Operate - Thurs. - Sun.: 12pm-6pm Book today and come take a backroad with us!
Backroad Country Tours provides shuttle bus service to local wineries, breweries & distilleries in the Round Top/Warrenton, Carmine, Brenham and Fayetteville areas.
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www.backroadcountrytours.com
Visit www.backroadcountrytours.com for ticket prices, specials and more info. If you want to check out photos from recent tours, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram.
979.557.8220
In addition to presenting professional works, each August, the gallery is filled with artwork by students in grades 6 through 12, all participating in the annual Emerging Artists competition and vying for the $3500 in prize money. Then in December, the creatives from the region bring delightfully unique, original works to present in the Holiday Show when ARTS celebrates all the talented residents in the region. It’s a time to share and to celebrate. ARTS’ Ross Gallery provides leading artists in quality, yet friendly, exhibitions. Leading the region in its display of artwork, the gallery welcomes everyone to visit and stay awhile. ARTS offers education and cultural experiences to the rural communities in south central Texas. The gallery also offers a space where performances, lectures and art talks are given. It is a gathering place, a place to learn, a place to enjoy, a place to share.
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Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS) provides fine art exhibitions for residents of and visitors to Fayette County. These exhibits are held in the Ross Gallery located at ARTS’ main campus in Fayetteville and feature artists of national recognition along with special events that highlight regional artists. In the gallery, visitors can find artwork that varies from paintings to fiber arts to sculpture to woodworking and more. Here, patrons can view world class art in a friendly and open environment.
The organization is currently approaching its twentieth year in service and has a mission to enrich lives through art education with an emphasis on programs for children. ARTS is guided by the belief that the children in rural communities must have art experiences as part of their basic education to develop skills in creativity, confidence, dedication, problem solving and accountability, traits that lead to success in work and life. Arts for Rural Texas not only encourages children to create with their hands and minds, they teach the children of today to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Skills gained through engaging in the creative process are applicable to all careers and lifestyles. Creativity is perhaps the greatest asset a community can possess and cultivate. It is essential that children in rural areas be offered these learning opportunities in order to better compete in the workplace with those growing up in urban communities. In conjunction with the youth programs, ARTS has a bevy of activities for adults as well. Along with the gallery exhibits, the organization offers the Spectrum Lecture Series, an informative series from people of diverse and interesting backgrounds. Performances and art exhibitions are included along with adult workshops and classes. There is a diverse offering for all interests. Because the arts contribute to the economic development and growth in communities, the organization brings an exceptional offering to the rural area it serves. At ARTS families can share time, play together, learn together, and grow together. ARTS offers visitors the opportunity to discover the quality of a small town, the deep roots of families, fun filled education, and accessibility to successful lives. Arts for Rural Texas – small town, big dreams.
It is the organization’s desire to nurture artistic excellence and creative thinking while elevating the quality of life and economic development in all of the communities. Through the gallery exhibits, ARTS provides cultural experiences that are generally only found in the metropolitan areas. Quality artwork, exquisite performances, educational speakers all come together to provide exceptional opportunities to all that live in or visit the region.
ARTS ROSS GALLERY Offers the Finer Things by Harley Good
192022 VINE & STEIN www.bluemulewines.com The Tasting Room is set on a hill north of Fayetteville, just two miles from Warrenton. It's a farm for sure, so you'll see our 60+ free range chickens, 6 alpacas, 5 donkeys, and the vineyard. So, come to our tasting room, drink wine, listen to stories, make new friends (furry and feathered alike) and stay a while. There's a stool waiting for you! RecordCountyFayetteThe©2021 Just Hours:1mileoffHwy237!Wed,Thurs, & Sun Noon-6pm; Fri & Sat Noon-7pm 8127 N FM 1291 • Fayetteville, TX 78940 • 713-226-9344 NOW’S THE TIME. BECOME A MEMBER. With an Award Winning 9 Hole Bermuda Grass Golf Course, Swimming Pool, Tennis and Pickleball Courts, Picturesque Outdoor Dining, Club Hosted Events, and Banquet Rooms for Events or Parties, all yours to enjoy with a single membership. VISIT US AT WWW.FAVCC.CLUB | 979.968.3965 | COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE, LA GRANGE, TX RecordCountyFayetteThe©2021
Who’s on the Trail? BLISSFUL FOLLY FARM BLUE MULE WINERY BUSTED OAK CELLARS CAST IRON WINERY MAJEK VINEYARD & WINERY ROSEMARY’S VINEYARD U BAR WINERY WHISTLING DUCK WINERY 2021 VINE & STEIN20
WINE TRAILTexas Independence Fayette County’s Wine Trail Guide by Kara Koether
What exactly is a wine trail, and how long have they been around? Well, a wine trail is essentially a group of wineries that have formed an association, of sorts, and work together to bring visitors and customers to both their wineries and local regions.
Initially, wine trails began forming in the northeastern United States before spreading to the Midwest and across the Atlantic to Europe. The wineries that make up a single wine trail continue to compete with one another, while also coming together to form an entirely new “brand.” For wine and mead enthusiasts in Fayette County and the surrounding area, the “brand” is the Texas Independence Wine Trail.
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A local favorite, Rohan Meadery’sCranberry Artisanal Honeywine.
Busted Oak Cellars has a varied wine selection along with many items on their menu including a charcuterie board. The Texas Independence Wine Trail is made up of eight wineries and meaderies: Blue Mule Wines in Fayetteville, Blissful Folly Farm (also known as Rohan Meadery) in La Grange, Rosemary’s Vineyard in La Grange, Cast Iron Winery in Sealy, Whistling Duck Winery in Weimar, Majek Vineyard & Winery in Schulenburg, U Bar Winery in Bellville and Busted Oak Cellars in Carmine.
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What makes this wine trail unique is that all of the wineries involved are smaller wineries, sometimes called “boutique wineries.” This implies that when guests visit the winery, the owner and winemakers are typically there, which makes for a much more personal experience. It also enables guests to learn more about the wine they’re tasting. Additionally, each winery has its own events held throughout the year, including live music, grape stomps, yarn festivals, and more. However, there are also certain seasonal events which are held throughout the year that all eight of the wineries participate in. This year they are doing a “Christmas Ornament Hunt” where participants will get a full tasting and Ornament from each of the wineries they go to. The event runs from Nov 1- Dec 31, 2021.
The Texas Independence Wine Trail is a self-guided tour that guests can traverse any time of the year. There’s no particular order necessary, which is nice for guests as it allows them to take their time and enjoy each experience at their own convenience.
232022 VINE & STEIN Maker of Premium Handcrafted Aged Rum. Locally Produced and Distilled in Hallettsville, TX. Tasting Room Hours: Saturdays 12 - 7pm • Distillery Tours Available 3337 County Road 122, Hallettsville, TX • highhilldistillery.com RecordCountyFayette©The
The Bavarian Band will be presenting a Bavarian Evening complete with yodelers, singers, alphorns, beer drinking contest and a stein holding (Masskrugstemmen) contest. This special presentation will again be performed on Sunday, beginning at 3:00 PM. On Sunday, the shooting competition will commence early in the morning and conclude once the new Schuetzenkoenig (Shooting King) has proven that he is the best marksman. This event is closed to the public due to liability concerns. The Schuetzenhalle (Rifle Hall) will open at 2:00 PM and the celebrated performance of the Texas Bavarian Band will commence at 3:00PM. At 5:PM the crowning of the new Schuetzenkoenig ceremony will begin. After leading the victor’s march, he will be hoisted high into the air 3 times to the strains of the shooter’s fanfare Hoch soll Er leben….. drei mal hoch (Hail to the King, 3 times Hail). The Koenig, as tradition has it, must tap the Ceremonial Keg and serve his subjects free beer. An evening meal of pork steak, sausage and all the trimmings will be available at a reasonable price. Meal to be catered by Gary Goebel and Crew. The evening culminates with dancing to the Gary Kunkel Band. All activities are free of charge. Visit www.roundtoprifle.com for more information or visit them on facebook.
The two day festival begins on Saturday at 4pm with musical performances by Texas Bavarian Band from Erkheim in Germany and the ever popular yodeling group, Enzian Buam from Frelsburg. Of course, on tap will be some very fine beers along with Wurst, Kartoffel (potatoes) and kohlsalat (coleslaw) for an evening meal.
Schützenfest Celebrating 150 Years
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by Ronny Sacks
This year marks the 150th Annual Schuetzenfest. A very special milestone for the club and community. Such an achievement deserves a party!! And the party has been planned. Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th, have been set aside for this once in a life time event. An entourage from Germany, inclusive of a 20 member Bavarian Band, are scheduled to help the Texans celebrate.
The year was 1873. The newly formed Round Top Schuetzen Verein was organized, and staged its first Schuetzenfest on the outskirts of Round Top somewhere along Boggy Branch. The German immigrants, by this time, had their farms, businesses and the Town of Round Top incorporated and up and running. The Civil War, and the ensuing aftermath of this major event was now behind them. It was time to re-awaken the time honored shooting festival, which had been so popular in their homeland. Eight short years after this formation, the Verein purchased 5 acres of land on the banks of Boggy Branch from the Graf family. The following year, the Verein purchased an additional 5.5 acres from the same family and erected a dance hall, a shooting stand, and a beer stand which was completed in time for the 4th of July Celebration in 1882. This shooting feast has been ongoing, without interruption during 2 World Wars, the Great Depression, and several other major wars and events. Many of the current members can trace their ancestry back to the gentlemen who formed the club in 1873.
Entertainment scheduled include Auf Geht’s, a great Alpine/ Bavarian group excelling in yodeling/singing and master’s of their instruments, Enzian Buam, another excellent yodel/ singing ensemble from Frelsburg, Tx., and the Round Top Brass Band bringing that real taste of “Blasmusik” from the old country. Some fun Oktoberfest games such as Masskrugstemmen (Stein Holding contest) and the good old Saufmaschine (drinking machine) are on tap (pun intended). All in all, a great combination of food, drink and Musik, that is hard to beat. Come and have some Bratwurst & Pork Chops with us. You won’t be disappointed!
For more info please visit www.roundtoprifle.com and of course on Facebook. Schuetzen Park is located at 710 FM1457, Round Top, Tx. 78954
OktoBierFest 252022 VINE & STEIN
It’s hard to believe, but 10 years have passed since the first OktoBierFest was held at the Round Top Rifle Assn., aka Round Top Schuetzen Verein founded in 1873. The first one was all about “beer tasting” but quickly evolved into a full fledged Oktoberfest ie. Bavaria’s Munich’s salute to Bier and Bavarian folk culture. And for Texas, what better place than in Round Top, Texas which was known as “klein Deutschland” years ago due to the heavy influx of German immigration during the last half of the 19th century. Being sponsored by the Rifle Assn., the oldest German club in Fayette County seemed to have a nice fit. The members of the Assn., have been honing their skills for generations, not only marksmanship, but putting on a party that rivals the best!
Success has been achieved by having a beautiful setting known as “Schuetzen Park” developed in 1881 and 1882, some of the best German cooking this side of the Atlantic and true German musical entertainment, the best found anywhere in the States! But let’s not forget our middle name, Bier. Many varieties imported from Germany, such as Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner and many others, plus great state side brews such as Altstadt Biers from Fredericksburg. Most are on tap, straight out of the barrel!
This year’s Fest is scheduled for the 4th Saturday in Oktober on the 22nd beginning at 11AM, the tapping of the traditional ceremonial keg at 12, and continuing all day til closing at 8PM. by Ronny Sacks
How to pair wine withDIFFERENT CUTS OF MEAT
The wine experts at Wine Folly (winefolly.com) note that leaner cuts of meat tend to pair well with lighter wines. For fans of richer, fattier cuts of meat, high tannin wines can cut through the fat and make for a flavorful pairing. If that isn’t specific enough to make pairing wine and meat less confusing, individuals can consider these pairing suggestions for popular cuts of meat.
New York strip steak, sometimes referred to as shell steak or Kansas City strip, should come out tender when cooked correctly. The meat experts at Massachusetts-based Butcher Boy Market note that a Cabernet Sauvignon-New York strip pairing is a classic combination. Though red wines are often the recommended pairing with meat, Butcher Boy Market notes that white wine, and champagne in particular, pairs well with New York strip steak. Wine Folly also notes that reds like Blaufränkish, an Austrian red, and a blend of Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre (GSM) also pair very well with New York strips.
Sirloin Sirloin is a leaner cut of meat that can still taste great when grilled. Wine Folly recommends a range of reds and cooks can choose one based on how they’re seasoning the meat or which sauce they’re using. For example, a French Syrah pairs well with butter sauces. Wine Folly also notes that Spanish Tempranillo or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo pair well with sirloin. The right wine can make cuts of meat like filet mignon, ribeye and sirloin taste even better.
Filet mignon
Rib-eye An especially flavorful cut of steak, the rib-eye is favored by people who like a big cut of meat. Wine Folly notes that a Sonoma or Napa Valley Zinfandel pairs very well with grilled ribeyes. High tannin wines can cut through the fat of ribeyes, but Wine Folly also notes that wines such as an Amarone della Valpolicella or Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso that have a strong fruit flavor can pair well because they contrast the natural flavor of the ribeye.
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Filet mignon is among the most popular and expensive cuts of meat. The cost of filet mignon can make pairing it with wine even more intimidating. Wine Folly recommends pairing filet mignon with a Merlot or Merlot-based red blend, a Touriga Nacional or a Mencía. Each of these wines capably complements the subtle flavor of filet mignon and bring out its natural flavor.
Wine enthusiasts insist that nothing can make a meal more flavorful than a good wine. A great pairing of wine and food can make for a memorable meal that people can savor long after the last dish has made its way into the dishwasher.
New York strip steak
It’s easy for novice wine drinkers to become intimidated when tasked with pairing wines. That’s especially the case when pairing wine with meat. No two cuts of meat are the same, which means a wine that pairs well with one cut may not pair as well with another.
272022 VINE & STEIN RecordCountyFayette©TheYour Favorite Drive-Thru Liquor, Beer and Wine Store! Your full service provider of distilled spirits, beer, wine and mixers. A wine best served with For more information call 281.795.2588 6195 Round Top Rd • Carmine, Texas Hours of Operation: Mon. 1:00-4:00pm Thurs. 4:00-8:00pm Fri. 12:00-9:00pm Sat. Sun.12:00-9:00pm1:00-6:00pm “I loved everything about my experience at Busted Oak. The wines are unique and the employees are very knowledgeable...” - Nancy G. RecordCountyFayetteThe©2021 Fayette County Courthouse Square S AT U R DAY, FEB R UA RY 11 , 202 3 D o wnt o wn Win e St r o l l www.visitlagrangetx.com T ic ket prices increase day of event. 979-968-3017 RecordCountyFayette©The
In our research, we found that some Wagyu cattle carry a special mutation of a gene known as Stearoyl CA desaturase, or SCD, that changes fat into a rich Omega 3 healthy fat. This preferred fat has a low melting point, similar to coconut oil. Not all Wagyu cattle will have this gene, but we wanted ours to have it. And since we prefer grain-finished beef, this gene allows us to have a healthy fat, with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that we all know and love.
We raise happy, healthy, pastured animals, and finish them on grain from locally owned feed mills who buy locally grown grain from local farmers. We process the meat locally at USDA and State certified processing plants to ensure quality.
Knowing where your food comes from is so important. Find a farmer you trust and buy local. by Becky Weise
It takes approximately 3 years to raise a purebred Wagyu to the appropriate size for the freezer. And very soon, we will enjoy our first 100% Wagyu Beef. I can’t wait!
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Our goal was to have the best of both worlds. We wanted to raise pure Wagyu, but also raise the perfect cross with Angus. The result is deliciously marbled Wangus.
After one bite of Wagyu Beef we knew it was something we wanted to raise on Weise Farms. The flavor is rich and delicious, marbled and tender.
Mission Accomplished. We bought a bull that had been DNA tested to have the preferred SCD AA gene while also scoring a 7 on the tenderness scale from 1-10. And even better, he had an ultrasound that gave a glimpse of a very nice long ribeye area. We also decided to buy a couple of registered Wagyu cows. With the help of the American Wagyu Association, we located two cow-calf pairs, all with the same SCD AA, DNA tested low melting point, healthy fat gene, and tenderness scores of 6 and 7. The calves that came with the cows were heifers, and that gave us four purebred breeders and the bull.
Raising delicious beef and offering it to the local community is something we feel passionate about. Our calves are weaned in the pastures of Weise Farms where they spend the first part of their life grazing in open fields. Our grain-finished calves are indeed healthy because of the genetics we have chosen.
At the time, our herd was predominately Black Angus. And there is nothing wrong with a good Angus steak. But, since it was time to replace our Angus bull, buying a Wagyu replacement bull was on the the table.
Oh! Mega 3 WEISE FARMS WANGUS
Angus and Wagyu are both known for low birth weights and ease of calving. A notable difference between the two is that Angus mothers produce more milk, allowing the calves to grow much faster than purebred Wagyu.
In addition to beef, Weise Farms sells lamb, chicken, turkeys, eggs, and homemade noodles and pastas. 292022 VINE & STEIN Fine grilling starts with Wagyu Beef from Weise Farms 979-540-7164 | weisefarms.com
Arts For Rural Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Backroad Country Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Blue Mule Winery 19 Busted Oak Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Das Meyer Haus 23 Frisch Auf! Valley Country Club . . . . . . . . 19 Hatfield Dental Clinic, PC 31 High Hill Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 La Grange Brewing Company 12 La Grange Rotary’s Oktoberfest . . . . . . . . 15 La Grange Uncorked 27 LG Spirits, Beer and Wine . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Round Top’s Oktobierfest 25 Rosemary’s Vineyard & Winery . . . . . . . . 15 Round Top Brewing Company, Inc 9 Round Top Real Estate - Main . . . . . . . . 32 Schützenfest 24 Texas Wendish Heritage Museum . . . . . 13 The Fayette County Record 30 U Bar Wines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Weise Farms 29 Whistling Duck Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ADVERTISER INDEX YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER, TWICE EVERY WEEK 979.968.3155 127 S. Washington St. | La www.FayetteCountyRecord.comGrange LIKE WHAT Do you have a brewery, distillery, or winery? Is your business represented here? We can help bring customers to you! YOU SEE? Reserve your spot in the 2023 Vine & Stein Issue. 2022 EPICUREAN PROSPECTUS OF CENTRAL TEXAS and everything fineverything Paul and Brooke Michie open a local nanobrewery and taproom 2022 VINE & STEIN30
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