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A CAPTIVATING TOUR OF ESTABLISHED, ESTATE, AND BOUTIQUE WINERIES
In the words of my husband Ed Auler, “Texas is a whole other country.” Likewise, Texas wine country offers an experience wholly unlike that of any other wine region in the world. After all, historical accounts record evidence of grape growing and winemaking from the 1600s on in areas that would later become Texas. Such a far-reaching history gave a handful of Texans the inspiration and the motivation
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to put vineyard plantings and wine dreams into motion about a quarter of a millennium later. In 1973, I made a seemingly uneventful comment to Ed: “I’d like to take a trip to France and learn about wine.” Spurred on by our friends Betty and Jim Wilson, who had let us taste some French wines at their Austin home, we were encouraged to follow Frederick Wildman’s A 21-day Driving Tour of France. Rancher Ed had been crossing some French cattle breeds with our Aberdeen Angus herd, and he thought it would be an opportune time to survey cattle operations while visiting wine regions. Once there, we spent a scant three days on cattle properties—followed by three weeks in wine châteaux. We had no choice but to develop an immediate love and appreciation of the native culture, wine, and food, as well as an intense fascination with the complete grape growing and winemaking process. In certain rural areas on that trip, Ed looked at the soil and climate and wondered aloud why we could not grow grapes in Texas. As we searched for answers to that question, we discovered that the history of viticulture in Texas spans three centuries and predates the introduction of wine grapes to California by almost one hundred years. It all began in 1593 when missionaries from Spain armed with native vitis vinifera started planting grapes and cultivating the wild vines all along the fertile Rio from Mexico to West Texas. Colonist settlers arrived in Texas in 1821 under the Austin, who had found certain areas of the state perfect for growing the finest cotton, sugar
Grande valley guidance of Stephen F. cane, and even grapes.
When European immigrants joined the original settlers a few decades later, they brought with them viticultural knowledge that proved infectious among the population. By the early 20th century, Texans were growing native grapes like mustang, post oak, sand, and black Spanish and wineries and vineyards were multiplying—although Prohibition in 1920 forced the closing of all such operations. By the 1970s, Prohibition was long over and the time was ripe to usher in a new era of winemaking in Texas by rekindling our history with the grape. And we weren’t the only ones wondering, “What about growing grapes in Texas?” at that time. There were also Texas Tech professors Clinton “Doc” McPherson and Robert Reed—whose experimental vineyard became Llano Estacado Winery in Lubbock—and Bobby Smith of La Buena Vida Vineyards near Fort Worth. Of course, comparisons were made between California and Texas, but viticulture authorities like H.P. Olmo, Vince Petrucci, and Leon D. Adams stated flatly that the entire state of Texas—and its host of distinct regions—is quite different in terms of climate and terroir. There would be no template; trial and error became the only real method of determining success. Thus everything we did then was an experiment, and the University of Texas even joined in—bolstering our early efforts tremendously—by planting a test vineyard near Bakersfield in West Texas to see if grape growing could be a viable crop for farmers.
Foreword Our own enterprise, Fall Creek Vineyards, began in 1975 along the northwest shores of Lake Buchanan in the Hill Country. As more and more vineyards and wineries cropped up and Texas winemakers honed their skills, several of these early wines received national and international acclaim. To receive such praise so soon energized the Texas wine industry pioneers, keeping spirits high despite violent and oftentimes abrupt weather changes and challenges ranging from blistering heat to freezes 13 degrees below zero, hailstorms, disease, droughts, and torrential rains. Texas seems to be a country of heightened extremes, and grape farmers
It is a contest that never ends, but when the sun slowly becomes visible after an unending rain, the wine grower’s spirit is lifted and renewed by the glistening raindrops on the tendrils of the vine. Walking the rows of verdant vines laden with tight clusters of luscious fruit lends refreshing clarity to the goal at hand. Surely, starting a new industry is never easy, but these pioneer winegrowers have too many vivid memories, too many bonds forged with winemakers around the world, and too much passion for sculpting a beautiful wine to ever forget why this is their chosen profession. Texas is a vast state, almost a thousand miles by a thousand miles, with land as varied and diverse as dry deserts and wetlands, gulf coastal beaches and towering rugged sierras, black land soils and sand dunes, thick forests and treeless plains. Not all of the early visitors saw beauty in Texas, and not everyone thought the immense portions of seemingly worthless land were worth fighting for in the 1800s. Little did they know that many of those regions would later become the backbone of the oil and gas industry, catapult Texas to a position as one of the top two agricultural states in the nation, and create not only a tourist destination but one of the strongest economies in the world. Today, many of these regions possess wines competitive with the best in the world. As the Texas grape and wine industry proceeds forward, it is our mission to bring it side-by-side with Texas’ greatest successes.
Susan Teeple Auler Founder, Texas Hill Countr y Wine & Food Festival
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have all learned to live with these challenges.
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Bar Z Winery, page 85
Introduction As the old Texas saying goes, “It ain’t bragging if it’s true.” Well, the truth is that the Texas wine industry is garnering national cheers. As the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the nation, Texas is home to more than 200 wineries established and maintained by spirited entrepreneurs who blend the pride and mystique of the Lone Star State into each and every bottle. The growth and recognition are even more impressive considering the modern Texas wine industry generates more than $1 billion and jumped from 50,000 gallons bottled in 1982 to more than 2.9
Along the way, wine connoisseurs, sommeliers, restaurant owners, and consumers have praised the quality and flavor of Texas wines as worthy of world-class distinction. By the time you read this, the numbers and accolades will surely be bigger and better—just like Texas itself! Like the vast Texas landscape, our wineries are diverse in their charm and offerings. From unique establishments tucked away in rural settings to larger operations capable of mass production, the roads to Texas wineries are an adventure all their own. Many even offer overnight accommodations, wine tasting events, tours, and other incentives to beckon visitors to relax, uncork, and enjoy the goodness of the grape. To prepare you for your journey, Spectacular Wines of Texas will take you on an eye-opening tour of the four distinct Texas wine regions—Central, Southeast, Western, and Northern. Off the Vine offers a glimpse into the restaurants, stores, and tasting rooms proud to serve and sell the resulting wines. Gorgeous photography and captivating descriptions make this landmark publication a wonderfully comprehensive guide to falling in love with Texas wine. Of course fine wine takes time, and in the case of Texas, native grapes grew wild for thousands of years along our rivers and streams. In the 1600s, Spanish missionaries began cultivating grapes near present-day El Paso, and by the 1880s, European immigrants planted vineyards across South and Central Texas using cuttings from their homelands. While many grape varieties met with initial success, it was the native Texas grape that ultimately survived and flourished to form the foundation of the contemporary thriving industry. At the Texas Department of Agriculture, we’re proud to partner with the families who make Texas wine worth bragging about. Through our marketing and promotional initiatives, we work to put Texas wines on the map. If you haven’t tried Texas wines, I invite you to taste what you’re missing. If you already insist on Texas wines, we thank you for your good taste. Enjoy Texas wines today and remember: If you’re telling the truth, you’re not bragging.
Todd Staples Texas Agriculture Commissioner
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million gallons in 2009.
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1593
Spanish missionaries plant the first vitis vinifera grapes in the western hemisphere with cuttings from Spain at the San Lorenzo mission in Coahuila, Mexico. Eventually the missionaries move up along the Rio Grande and settle new missions near present-day El Paso, cultivating the flourishing wild grapevines along the way.
1800s
European settlers join the original colonists in South and Central Texas, starting vineyards using grapevine cuttings brought over from their native countries. While the quality European vinifera vines largely fail, this ignites interest in grape culture and winemaking utilizing native varietals.
1888 1876
Horticulturalist Thomas V. Munson, born in Astoria, Illinois in 1843, moves to Denison, Texas.
1883
The French government presents Thomas V. Munson with the French Legion of Honor Chevalier du MÊrite Agricole award for his Texas-grown, phylloxera-resistant rootstock, which saved France’s wine industry.
As Texan interest in grape culture and winemaking expands, Frank Qualia founds Val Verde Winery at Del Rio. It is the oldest bonded winery currently in operation in Texas.
1821
Stephen F. Austin brings 300 colonist families to Spanish Texas, having chosen the best land conducive to growing the finest cotton, sugar cane, and grapes.
1682s
Franciscans establish the San Ysleta mission on the Rio Grande near El Paso and bring grapevines from the Mexican missions. The resulting sacramental wine gains a good reputation.
1919
Prohibition forces the closing of Texas wine operations, except Val Verde Winery which survives by producing medicinal and sacramental wines.
1900
As the century turns, Texas has a thriving wine industry with 25 wineries in operation and 1,800 acres of vineyards.
1909
Thomas V. Munson publishes Foundations of American Grape Culture. It becomes the handbook for U.S. grape growers. By this point, he has developed close to 300 grape varieties suited for Texas and the Midwest.
THE HISTORY OF TEXAS WINES 2005
Texas has more than 85 wineries in operation.
1933
Prohibition is repealed, and the Texas wine industry begins again on a smaller scale.
Llano Estacado Winery wins a double gold award at the prestigious San Francisco Fair Wine Competition, putting Texas wine on the world stage. Susan Auler founds the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, creating a high-profile showcase for Texas wine.
2001
The Texas Legislature establishes a wine industry development fund and approves a bill allowing wineries to ship their wines anywhere in the state.
The Texas Legislature creates the Texas Wine Marketing Assistance Program.
2008
The Texas Department of Agriculture launches the Texas winery passport to promote agriculture tourism.
2004 1970s
Bobby Smith starts La Buena Vida Vineyards in Springtown; the Sand Land Grape Growers Association launches operations west of Lubbock; new wineries emerge for the first time since the end of Prohibition. A fresh generation of Texas winemaking begins.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo launches its first International Wine Competition.
2007
Following dynamic Texas wine industry growth, The State Fair of Texas establishes the Texas Wine Garden.
2010
The Texas wine industry is home to more than 200 wineries, employs more than 9,000 Texans, and produces more than $1.35 billion in revenue annually.
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Spectacular Wineries of Texas
Contents Southeast Region
Central Region Becker Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bella Vista Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brennan Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dry Comal Creek Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . Duchman Family Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fall Creek Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grape Creek Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McReynolds Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pedernales Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perissos Vineyard and Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . Pillar Bluff Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rising Star Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salt Lick Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandstone Cellars Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Solaro Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spicewood Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stone House Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hills Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Legato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woodrose Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 18 22 26 28 32 38 42 46 48 52 54 56 62 64 70 74 78 82 84
Bernhardt Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Braman Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haak Vineyards & Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Messina Hof Winery & Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retreat Hill Winery & Vineyard and Retreat Hill Cellars . The Vineyards at GrandView . . . . . . . . . . . . .
88 90 92 94 96 98
Western Region Bar Z Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 La Diosa Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Llano Estacado Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 McPherson Cellars Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Peregrine Hill Vineyard & Winery . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Ste Genevieve Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Woodrose Winery, page 85
Northern Region
off the Vine
Arché . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Barking Rocks Vineyard and Winery . . . . . . . . . 130 Cross Timbers Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Delaney Vineyards & Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Fuqua Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Grayson Hills Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Inwood Estates Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Kiepersol Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 LightCatcher Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Lone Oak Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Red Caboose Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Red Road Vineyard and Winery . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Sunset Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Tara Vineyard & Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Times Ten Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant . . . . 182 Charlie Palmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 H-E-B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Hudson’s on the Bend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Old Hickory Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Pappas Bros. Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 The Rancher’s Daughter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Texas Department of Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brennan Vineyards exclusive preview
Comanche
A
visit to Brennan Vineyards is like catching a glimpse of Texas history. The tasting room occupies the historic McCrary house—a relic built in 1879—and the vineyard and winery complex is sited at the junction of the state’s most acclaimed wine
grape regions.
Pat Brennan, a Fort Worth physician, was invited by his daughter-in-law to visit, in her words, “the coolest house in Texas” that she had discovered after working at a photo shoot there. In Comanche awaited the McCrary House, one of the oldest remaining homesteads in Texas. Charmed, the Brennan family—Pat, his wife, son, and daughter-in-law—jointly purchased the designated historic landmark for use as a weekend getaway. When they learned of 33 surrounding acres owned by descendants of the house’s original builders, they negotiated with the owners to acquire the land, cleared it, and considered what to do with it. Pat’s friendship with the owner of Becker Vineyards—and he and his wife’s own 40-year-long penchant for wine—led him to consider the prospect of winemaking.
Courses in enology and viticulture followed, and in 2002 the Brennans planted five acres of vineyards—cabernet, viognier, and syrah—on the land. The grapes did well, impressing everyone with their quality, and were mainly sold to Becker. Some, however, wound up in a “garage wine” made with friends. From there, the bug to improve took hold, and a proper winery was planned and opened in 2005, after adding four more acres the year prior.
In addition to its own vineyard, the Brennan winery sources fruit from the acres it leases on additional vineyards and purchases from Lubbock. Head winemaker Pat and his associate winemaker Todd Webster cite the fresh challenges they face every year without fail as their Top Left: The entrance to the winery beckons from Texas State Highway 16. Photograph by BAH! Design Bottom Left: Brennan Vineyards’ Texas viognier is award-winning and refreshing. Photograph courtesy of Brennan Vineyards Facing Page: The logo crowns the modern winery building. Photograph by BAH! Design
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Spectacular Wineries of Texas
favorite part of running a vineyard and winery. After all, with different fruit each year, constant new starts banish any boredom. In fact, Pat states that weather acts as problems one through three of wine production, and realizes he is entirely at the mercy of nature. “Winemaking has been around for 7,000 years and we still don’t have
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it licked,” he admits ruefully.
Viognier is the signature fruit, with cabernet a consistently reliable grape also—like many vineyards in Texas, it’s still up for debate which grapes do best in the unique climate. The winery produces two labels—the more elegant premium line of Brennan Vineyards, and the eclectic Austin Street characterized by blends and sweet wines— for a variety of styles and price points. White blends with colorful names like Three White Chicks have proven terrifically popular among consumers, and the winery deliberately prices its offerings competitively to entice tasters to fall in love with Texas wine. And the tasting room, with complimentary wine tasting throughout much of the afternoon on weekends, is doubly tempting.
The winemaking philosophy is to craft sophisticated wine that can be enjoyed by anyone and stays true to its Texas roots, establishing Texas wine as a true contender on an international scale. With an impressive portfolio of reds and whites and the freedom afforded by two labels and multiple acreages, Brennan Vineyards is establishing itself as more than just its geographical roots—and writing new Texas wine history in the process.
Top Left: Guests toast at the monthly wine dinner at the Austin House Events Center. Photograph courtesy of Brennan Vineyards Middle Left: The table setting for a seated, catered wedding reception at Austin House possesses casual grace. Photograph by BAH! Design Bottom Left: Tasters sample wines at the historic McCrary House tasting room and gift shop. Photograph by BAH! Design Facing Page: Fruit at the vineyard in Comanche ripens on the vine. Photograph by BAH! Design
Brennan Vineyards
Recommended by Chef Grady Spears Viognier
Pair with brunch dishes like ham, biscuits, or egg casseroles, Thanksgiving turkey dinner, seafood pasta or soups, and gruyère, cheddar, havarti, and Swiss cheeses.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Delicious as a “cab and a slab” with pepper-crusted tenderloin steak with Cook’s butter.
Austin Street Red
Pairs nicely with a variety of Italian dishes with red sauces.
Tastings
Open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, year round
Fall Creek Vineyards exclusive preview
Tow
F
all Creek Vineyards is a Texas wine institution and owners Ed and Susan Auler are industry royalty thanks to the couple’s innovation, tenacity, and commitment to quality since 1975.
A 1973 trip to France inspired everything. What was supposed to be a visit to cattle operations for rancher Ed to learn about French cattle breeds became a three-week winery tour—and only a few initial days of farm visits. Ed and Susan’s interest in French wine had just been sparked, and the wine region trip was life-changing—it was “like a yearlong immersion in the wine and food of France,” notes Susan. While in France, the couple noticed remarkable similarities between the soil, terrain, and microclimate of parts of the French wine country and Ed’s ranch land. Convinced that certain parts of the Texas Hill Country would be ideally suited to grape growing, they turned a new eye to the property upon their return.
Fall Creek Ranch of Tow had been in Ed’s family for three generations, and after taking it over from his father in 1970 he had been practicing law and ranching simultaneously. After the France visit, the couple learned that major universities in Texas were encouraging grape growing and winemaking experimentation to bring about agricultural diversification in Texas. The timing was perfect, and a quarter-acre test plot was established in 1975. Over the next five years there was such early success that it grew to seven and a half acres and the couple began to acquire 400 acres of valley land adjacent to the ranch property in order to found Fall Creek Vineyards.
Top Left: Cofounders Ed and Susan Auler—and a cypress tree allée—welcome guests to Fall Creek Vineyards property. Photograph courtesy of Fall Creek Vineyards Bottom Left: Fall Creek Vineyards tempranillo, chardonnay, and super-premium Meritus wines are all excellent offerings. Photograph courtesy of Fall Creek Vineyards Facing Page: Crape myrtle blooms frame the vineyard rows in front of Fall Creek. Photograph by Rick Vanderpool
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Spectacular Wineries of Texas
Fall Creek Vineyards
The vineyard is named after Fall Creek, a 15-mile spring-fed creek that flows through the Auler family’s ranch near the winery, emptying into the Colorado River at the 90-foot Fall Creek Falls. The Aulers also wanted to honor the heritage of Fall Creek Ranch, as their two sons mark the fifth generation to operate the ranch. The land near the falls is historically significant, as evidenced
artifacts that date back 10,000 years. Ed chose the vineyard site for the unique soil and climatic conditions; located on the northwest shores of Lake Buchanan in Llano County, the land possesses many advantages. The limestone, sandstone, and granite hills surrounding the alluvial plain have eroded over millions of years to produce complex sandy loam soil ideal for growing premium grapes. The growing season boasts warm days and cool nights, with low relative humidity, and breezes from the lake constantly cool the vineyards.
Ed has been proven right—the Texas Hill Country is an excellent place to grow grapes. He even established the “Texas Hill Country” appellation in 1989, and has planted chardonnay, chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, sémillon, Johannisberg riesling, shiraz, tempranillo, viognier, and malbec on the vineyards. Ed combines European winemaking traditions with California technology. With style dictated by the grape and the vintage, Ed prefers to let the wines speak for themselves, following the philosophy that “wines are made in the vineyard.” The late André
Top Right: The 90-foot Fall Creek Falls sits on the Aulers’ ranch above Lake Buchanan, both of which are adjacent to Fall Creek Vineyards. Photograph courtesy of Fall Creek Vineyards Middle Right: The patio offers an inviting spot for visitors daily. Photograph courtesy of Fall Creek Vineyards Bottom Right: Oak casks line the Fall Creek Vineyards cellar. Photograph by Rick Vanderpool Facing Page: Cabernet sauvignon grape clusters ripen at Fall Creek Vineyards. Photograph courtesy of Fall Creek Vineyards
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by the exhibit case in the tasting room home to stone
Spectacular Wineries of Texas
Tchelistcheff, internationally renowned California wine authority, endorsed the Aulers’ first cabernet efforts, and Fall Creek wines have been served at four presidential inaugurations as well as to dignitaries around the world. From excellent value wines like chenin blanc to superpremium wines like Meritus—an award-winning red blend made only when the grapes warrant it—the Fall
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Creek portfolio is broad and expansive. Other varietals include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, tempranillo, syrah, lenoir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, viognier, and muscat canelli.
The Aulers and Fall Creek Vineyards have been a driving force for education and growth in the Texas wine industry, and the top-notch wines they have produced have drawn positive attention to Texas wines and the Hill Country as a terroir. Visiting Fall Creek Vineyards is an experience as high in quality as the wines; guests are greeted by an allée of trees reminiscent of those in Bordeaux wineries, and knowledgeable and friendly tasting room staff foster a relaxing ambience. Patrons are encouraged to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings—the winery and tasting room are nestled amid the vineyards—and take in good wine, food, and friendship.
Top Left: Flowers bloom along the front entrance and patio area of Fall Creek. Photograph courtesy of Fall Creek Vineyards Bottom Left: Vibrant bougainvilleas adorn the Fall Creek Vineyards patio columns. Photograph by Rick Vanderpool Facing Page: A cypress tree allée makes for a beautiful entrance to Fall Creek Vineyards. Photograph courtesy of Fall Creek Vineyards
Fall Creek Vineyards
Meritus (cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah) Pair with red miso-marinated beef tenderloin stuffed with wild mushrooms, garlic, and shallots, and a red bell pepper coulis.
Tempranillo
Serve with grilled rosemary and garlic chive-crusted Hill Country lamb.
Chardonnay
Pair with lemon-basil cream farfalle pasta with grilled shrimp.
Chenin Blanc
Serve with roasted butternut Parmigiano cream squash with pork belly croutons.
Tastings
Open to the public daily, year-round
Texas Hills Vineyard exclusive preview
Johnson City
I
n 1995, Gary and Kathy Gilstrap noticed that none of the names of the wineries in Texas featured “Texas.” Considering legendary Texas pride, they found this odd, and decided to buck the trend and call their new wine venture Texas Hills Vineyard.
It all began in Europe while the couple was traveling on business. They became acquainted with several world-class winemakers in Italy, Germany, and France, and decided to someday utilize pharmacist Gary’s biochemistry and organic chemistry knowledge for winemaking purposes. The chance came in 1994, when Gary saw a “for sale” sign along Ranch Road 2766 between Austin and Fredericksburg. The property was situated among the gentle hills of the Pedernales River Valley in the Hill Country. He observed that the land closely resembled that of their winemaker friend in Tuscany’s, right down to the soil type. Though it had already been sold, the deal fell through and the Gilstraps’ bid was accepted—Texas Hills Vineyard was born.
The winery’s construction is quite unique; built of caliche from the back of the property formed into blocks through the rammed earth technique, it’s meant to resemble a village more than a building. Not only does the windowless structure with two-feet-thick walls stay very cool no matter the weather outside, the construction method is strong as well as environmentally friendly—a philosophy closely tied to Texas Hills operations. Water is forced through pipes under the surface of the floor to maintain a pleasant and even temperature. The tasting room is located inside the cool earth winery for a quiet atmosphere generated by the “aboveground cave” and warmed to friendliness by the Gilstraps’ Texas hospitality with an Italian twist.
Top Left: A wagon topped with a used oak barrel decorates the grounds in front of the winery. Bottom Left: An oak barrique, once used in sangiovese production at Texas Hills Vineyard, lends a sense of timelessness to the property. Facing Page: The entrance to Texas Hills Vineyard allows views out to some of the 25-acre vineyard. Photographs by Rick Vanderpool
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Spectacular Wineries of Texas
With Gary as winemaker, Kathy as business manager, and son Dale Rassett as vineyard manager, this is truly a family business. The vineyard strives to be sustainable and organic, with grapes grown using the least amount of chemicals possible. The topography of rolling hills and a soil composition of sandy loam over clay is similar to that in Tuscany, which inspired the couple
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to pursue an Italian wine influence. They planted vines generally considered Italian—plus a few more—and focus on crafting wines that will pair well with food. Pinot grigio, sangiovese, orange muscat, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot, and syrah all populate the vineyard and develop into award-winning wines. Among the most popular and successful offerings are pinot grigio, a red and a dry rosé made of sangiovese, chardonnay, and a cabernet sauvignon known as “Kick Butt Cab” by all familiar with it. Orange Moscato and a tempranillo called Toro de Tejas further diversify the repertoire. Consistent quality is of utmost importance when making the wines—the Gilstraps’ pride is the lack of a bad wine in their portfolio.
After owning a pharmacy for 20 years, Gary and Kathy love the opportunity to do something fun and run a business people are always glad to visit, while still making use of Gary’s same talents and expertise. According to the couple, winemaking is simply applied biochemistry.
Top Left: End-posts mark the edge of the sangiovese block of the estate vineyard. Bottom Left: Used barrels, available for sale, stack up in front of the winery. Facing Page: Afternoon light reveals the beautiful Hill Country vineyard. Photographs by Rick Vanderpool
Texas Hills Vineyard
Pinot Grigio
Pair with the salad course.
Kick Butt Cab (cabernet sauvignon) Great with a thick, juicy steak.
Toro de Tejas (tempranillo) Pair with smoked meats and other Texas cuisine.
Orange Moscato
Serve with dark chocolate and raspberry cheesecake.
Tastings
Open to the public daily, year-round
Haak Vineyards & Winery exclusive preview
Santa Fe
N
ot many are aware that Galveston County is Texas wine country, but it’s one of the state’s rising stars and Haak Vineyards & Winery is at the forefront of the renaissance as the first and only winery in the county. Opened in 2001 by
Raymond and Gladys Haak after 30 years of grape growing, the winery is committed to crafting premium wines of Texas fruit.
1969 saw the Haaks’ 10th wedding anniversary, and Gladys gave Raymond two concord grapevines as a gift. Thanks to a Virginian farmer father, Raymond grew up in Santa Fe, Texas, with a garden, but it took cultivating the grapes as a hobby to show him how much he enjoyed growing things. It was a slow-building passion that developed as Raymond experimented to see which varieties survived the Gulf Coast climate conditions. When he read about a hybrid grape resistant to Pierce’s disease that thrived in hot, humid environments, he knew this blanc du bois variety could be the most successful of all. And it was—the many awardwinning wines that have resulted testify to his foresight.
The once-lonely two vines have multiplied into 1,800 spanning three acres. And in 2000 the Haaks decided to build a winery to craft their perfected grapes—and others in Texas—into high-quality wines. More than 25,000 square feet, including a cellar used to store and age wine in oak barrels, compose the Mediterranean-style building. The artwork, styled after that of Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal, features angels watching over the vines and grapes. A tasting room designed to resemble a Spanish mission accommodates the locals and tourists alike that flock to the Santa Fe attraction. Naturally, blanc du bois is the main wine focus, with dry, reserve, semi-sweet, port, and Madeira types. A trio of rosés and reds accompany these main offerings. Top Left: Blanc du bois vines approach harvest time. Middle Left: The wedding chapel is nestled among the vines. Bottom Left: Spring bud break brings new life to the vineyard. Facing Page: Outside the winery front sits a wine barrel wagon from days gone by. Photographs by Rick Vanderpool
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Bar Z Winery exclusive preview
Canyon
P
anhandle native Monty Dixon and his wife Amber had a dream—to create a contemporary, state-of-the-art winery featuring Texas wines from Texas grapes able to host a variety of sophisticated events. Canyon’s Bar Z Winery, opened in 2009,
is that dream brought to life.
According to Monty, “Every bottle that goes out is an ambassador for this winery and the Texas wine industry. I will sometimes hold a bottle and wonder, ‘Who will drink this bottle of our wine?’” All wines come from Texas grapes hailing from the Texas High Plains appellation. The deep, well-drained soil, low humidity, warm daytime temperatures, and high altitude leading to cool nights create ideal conditions for grape growing. Though the Texas wine industry is still young, decades of experience have led to innovations in pruning methods and irrigation schedules that allow growers to adapt to the often challenging Texas weather. Bar Z takes these high-quality grapes and ferments them according to time-honored methods— hand cap management, French oak barrel aging, and no bottling until the wine is ready. The steady, thorough process yields Old World flavor and character for maximum color, essence, and aroma.
The unique location’s relaxing ambience makes it a great setting for captivating events. Cozy nooks for intimate tastings suit small parties and get-togethers, while a spacious room with a grand view of the canyon regularly accommodates corporate affairs, board meetings, and catered dinners. The winery and venue are the result of Monty and Amber’s careful planning and thoughtful design, and it shows.
Top Left: Texas grapes bring out a wonderful color in Bar Z sangiovese. Middle Left: Wine glasses await the festivities of an outdoor engagement party. Bottom Left: Bar Z exclusively uses French oak barrels. Facing Page: While there are indoor event facilities, many hosts want to take advantage of the lovely views and weather available outdoors, such as at an indoor-outdoor rehearsal dinner. Photographs by Shannon Richardson
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exclusive preview
FUQUA Winery exclusive preview
Dallas
B
ig, rich, satisfying wines. There are wine drinkers who salivate at the thought, and FUQUA Winery is primed to cater to them. Founder Lee Foster Fuqua’s goal is nothing less than to craft the finest wines in the world in his small premium Dallas
winery. The best fruit, the best equipment, and the best team combine to form what aims to be the best wines possible.
Award-winning winemaker Lee is a lifelong wine enthusiast and connoisseur who has been expanding and deepening his knowledge since the early 1990s. An honors graduate of the Grayson County Community College Viticulture & Enology Program, he has studied winemaking in Bordeaux and Tuscany and has even been knighted in Dijon, France.
Lee focuses his considerable expertise on crafting extremely high-quality wines that showcase the distinct terroir of each grape. The rich, concentrated flavors gratify serious wine drinkers. Chardonnay, syrah, merlot, and Texas Summer Cab offerings have been distilled into veritable epitomes of each grape and each vineyard—and the wines have even been vetted by a tasting board of wine writers, retailers, and experts. Lee selects the best fruit from Texas, California, Oregon, Washington, and Europe and brings it to Dallas, leveraging a combination of traditional techniques and high-end tools to draw out the exquisite character of each grape.
FUQUA Winery is a regular stop during the Dallas Wine Trail. Throughout the year, the unassuming Dallas winery also offers a cozy area for hosting wine tastings, dinners, and other small group events. When it comes to winemaking, Lee cuts no corners. He creates the exact type of wine he loves so much—big, bold, and powerful with a lingering finish. Fortunately, Lee is not alone in his love of “wines with an attitude.” Undoubtedly, FUQUA Winery is set to see big success from its modest operation. Left: Winemakers Lee Fuqua and Courtney Key in the FUQUA Winery tasting room; the winery uses many French and American oak barrels supplied by preeminent coopers worldwide. Facing Page: FUQUA’s awards include a Dallas Morning News gold medal and San Francisco International double gold. Photographs by Daniel Driensky
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exclusive preview
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards exclusive preview
Pittsburg
L
os Pinos Ranch Vineyards is defined by an always unhurried Old World style, where the rules of modern life do not apply. Since the beginning of the winery in 2000, it’s been a safe haven for people to relax and leisurely sip wine with friends or family. The
Los Pinos family believes that wine and food are about sharing and having fun, so the chef has created a menu of wine-friendly tapas to enjoy, as well as some unique and exquisite weekly dinner specials. In addition to fine wine and cuisine, there’s romantic live jazz every weekend, and as is the way of Texas hospitality, no reservations are ever needed. The rustic yet elegant winery architecture and décor, along with lush vineyard views, accentuates the convivial ambience.
The fun side of wine permeates Los Pinos thanks to tasty sweet wines and whimsical labels to match, like Pinky Tuscandero, Sweet Rodeo Red, and All My X’s. However, fine traditional dry varietals and award-winners sangiovese, dolcetto, vermentino, and montepulciano, along with cabernet sauvignon and viognier, have also become favorites among wine lovers of all stripes. Wine tastings are presented in flights of five miniature carafes, allowing guests to savor the wines at their own pace. The Los Pinos family’s passion is to share what they love most, and responsible for the Los Pinos mantra: It’s “the funnest winery in Texas, if not the world!”
The winemaker advises everyone to, “drink wine in moderation... frequently!”
Top Left: Early seasonal fog often hovers above the estate vineyards during cool, crisp East Texas mornings. Photograph by Jeffrey C. Sneed Middle Left: The Chef’s Board selection of imported artisanal cured meats and cheeses pair well with all of the wines, including the limited edition Grand Reserves. Photograph by D. Gerald Jones Bottom Left: The romantic, dimly lit setting of the barrel room offers private fine dining for couples or large groups. Photograph by Keith W. Cooper Facing Page: Intimate seating in the dining room or on the tasting deck overlooking the 40-acre estate awaits those seeking wine and romance. Photograph by D. Gerald Jones
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exclusive preview
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant exclusive preview
Fredericksburg
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Nestled in the heart of the Hill Country is Fredericksburg’s Cotton Gin Village, a complex made up of unique bedand-breakfast cabins offering romantic rustic quarters and amenities. One of the buildings in this quaint community houses Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant, the Cotton Gin’s on-site restaurant boasting excellent food and a top-notch wine list featuring a huge selection of Texas wines. Helmed by chef and owner
exclusive preview
Ross Burtwell, the restaurant is a draw for cabin guests, Hill Country visitors, and Fredericksburg locals alike.
With the structure designed to resemble an oldfashioned cotton gin circa 1800s, Cabernet Grill is quite the unique location. Cabernet Grill’s position in the center of Texas wine country inspired Ross, owner and chef, to construct the wine list as a celebration and reminder of that. Upon entering the restaurant, diners embark on a veritable journey through the world of Texas wines, escorted by friendly and helpful staff happy to match wine, personal tastes, and cuisine.
On the menu are fresh seafood, beef, wild game, and delectable desserts. As much as possible is locally sourced, from preserves made in town to seasonal produce and peaches from nearby farms. There’s even an on-site herb garden, as well as some grapevines. After all, the wine list offers more than 75 selections from Texas vintners competitive with established legends nationwide. Cabernet Grill isn’t just a place to get a fantastic meal, it’s an excellent starting point— or expansion point—for those seeking to intensify a personal knowledge and firsthand familiarity with Texas wines.
Right: Inside a log cabin built circa 1800s, executive chef and owner Ross Burtwell runs the wine country restaurant. Dishes like Tejas mixed grill with jalapeño-stuffed Hill Country quail are ready to pair with Texas wines. Facing Page: Around the restaurant is a constellation of log cabins ready for bed-and-breakfast lodging. Photographs by Steve Rawls
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exclusive preview
Arché . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 228 Wagner Road Saint Jo, TX 76265 214.908.9055 www.archewines.com
Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 2440 Victory Park Lane Dallas, TX 75219 214.397.4111 www.craftrestaurant.com
Haak Vineyards & Winery . . . . . . . . . 92 6310 Avenue T Santa Fe, TX 77510 409.925.1401 www.haakwine.com
Bar Z Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 19290 FM 1541 Canyon, TX 79015 806.488.2214 www.barzwines.com
Cross Timbers Winery . . . . . . . . . . 132 805 North Main Street Grapevine, TX 76051 817.488.6789 www.crosstimberswinery.com
H-E-B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 646 South Main Avenue San Antonio, TX 78204 210.938.8000 www.heb.com
Barking Rocks Vineyard and Winery . . . 130 1919 Allen Court Granbury, TX 76048 817.579.0007 www.barkingrockswine.com
Delaney Vineyards & Winery . . . . . . . 134 2000 Champagne Boulevard Grapevine, TX 76051 817.481.5668 www.delaneyvineyards.com
Hudson’s on the Bend . . . . . . . . . . 192 3509 Ranch Road 620 North Austin, TX 78734 512.266.1369 www.hudsonsonthebend.com
Becker Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 464 Becker Farms Road Stonewall, TX 78671 830.644.2681 www.beckervineyards.com
La Diosa Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 901 17th Street Lubbock, TX 79401 806.744.3600 www.ladiosacellars.com
Inwood Estates Vineyards . . . . . . . . 144 1350 Manufacturing Street, Suite 209 Dallas, TX 75207 254.793.3114 www.inwoodwines.com
Bella Vista Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3101 Mount Sharp Road Wimberley, TX 78676 512.847.6514 www.texasoliveoil.com
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards . . . . . . . . 26 1741 Herbelin Road New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.885.4076 www.drycomalcreek.com
Kiepersol Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 3933 FM 344 East Tyler, TX 75703 903.894.8995 www.kiepersol.com
Bernhardt Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 9043 County Road 204 Plantersville, TX 77363 936.894.9829 www.bernhardtwinery.com
Duchman Family Winery . . . . . . . . . 28 13308 FM 150 West Driftwood, TX 78619 512.858.1470 www.duchmanwines.com
LightCatcher Winery . . . . . . . . . . . 154 6925 Confederate Park Road Fort Worth, TX 76108 817.237.2626 www.lightcatcher.com
Braman Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 One O’Conner Plaza, Suite 1100 Victoria, TX 77901 361.220.1110 www.bramanwine.com
Fall Creek Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . 32 1820 County Road 222 Tow, TX 78672 325.379.5361 www.fcv.com
Llano Estacado Winery . . . . . . . . . . 106 3426 East FM 1585 Lubbock, TX 79404 800.634.3854 www.llanowine.com
Brennan Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 802 South Austin Street Comanche, TX 76442 325.356.9100 www.brennanvineyards.com
Fuqua Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 3737 Atwell Street, Suite 203 Dallas, TX 75209 214.769.1147 www.fuquawinery.com
Lone Oak Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 2116 FM 731 Burleson, TX 76028 817.426.6625 www.loneoakwinery.com
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant . . . . . . 182 118 Boos Lane Fredericksburg, TX 78624 830.990.5734 www.cabernetgrill.com
Grape Creek Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . 38 10587 East US Highway 290 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 830.644.2710 www.grapecreek.com
McPherson Cellars Winery . . . . . . . . 112 1615 Texas Avenue Lubbock, TX 79401 806.687.9463 www.mcphersoncellars.com
Grayson Hills Winery . . . . . . . . . . . 140 2815 Ball Road Whitewright, TX 75491 903.627.0832 www.graysonhillswinery.com
McReynolds Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 706 Shovel Mountain Road Cypress Mill, TX 78663 830.825.3544 www.mcreynoldswines.com
Charlie Palmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 1530 Main Street Dallas, TX 75201 214.261.4600 www.charliepalmer.com
index Red Caboose Winery . . . . . . . . . . . 162 1147 County Road 1110 Meridian, TX 76665 254.435.9911 www.redcaboosewinery.com
Old Hickory Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . 194 1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, TX 76051 817.778.2215
Red Road Vineyard and Winery . . . . . . 166 105 West Front Street Naples, TX 75568 903.897.9353 www.redroadvineyard.com
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . 196 5839 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77057 713.780.7352 10477 Lombardy Lane Dallas, TX 75220 214.366.2000 www.pappasbros.com Pedernales Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 2916 Upper Albert Road Stonewall, TX 78671 830.644.2037 www.pedernalescellars.com Peregrine Hill Vineyard & Winery . . . . . 118 PO Box 130 Fort Stockton, Texas 79735 432.395.2417 Perissos Vineyard and Winery . . . . . . . 48 7214 Park Road 4 West Burnet, TX 78611 512.656.8419 www.perissosvineyards.com Pillar Bluff Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . 52 300 County Road 111 Lampasas, TX 76550 512.556.4078 www.pillarbluff.com Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards . . . . . . . . 160 658 County Road 1334 Pittsburg, TX 75686 903.855.1769 www.lospinosranchvineyards.com The Rancher’s Daughter . . . . . . . . . 200 202B McCown Street Montgomery, TX 77356 936.449.4100 www.ranchersdaughter.net
Retreat Hill Winery & Vineyard . . . . . . . 96 15551 FM 362 Navasota, TX 77868 936.825.8282 www.retreathill.com Retreat Hill Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 211 Liberty Street Montgomery, TX 77356 936.449.5285 www.retreathill.com Rising Star Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . 54 1001 County Road 290 Rising Star, TX 76471 254.643.1776 301 East Highway 190 Richland Springs, TX 76871 325.452.3033 www.risingstarvineyards.com Salt Lick Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 18300-C FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 512.829.4013 www.saltlickcellars.com Sandstone Cellars Winery . . . . . . . . . 62 211 San Antonio Street Mason, TX 76856 325.347.9463 www.sandstonecellarswinery.com Solaro Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 13111 Silver Creek Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 832.660.8642 www.solaroestate.com Spicewood Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . 70 1419 County Road 409 Spicewood, TX 78669 830.693.5328 www.spicewoodvineyards.com
Ste Genevieve Winery . . . . . . . . . . 122 PO Box 130 Fort Stockton, Texas 79735 432.395.2417 Stone House Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . 74 24350 Haynie Flat Road Spicewood, TX 78669 512.264.3630 www.stonehousevineyard.com Sunset Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 1535 South Burleson Boulevard Burleson, TX 76028 817.426.1141 www.sunsetwinery.com Tara Vineyard & Winery . . . . . . . . . . 170 8603 County Road 3914 Athens, TX 75752 903.675.7023 www.tarawinery.com Texas Hills Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 878 Ranch Road 2766 Johnson City, TX 78636 830.868.2321 www.texashillsvineyard.com Texas Legato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 2935 FM 1478 Lampasas, TX 76550 512.556.9600 www.texaslegato.com Times Ten Cellars . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 6324 Prospect Avenue Dallas, TX 75214 214.824.9463 1100 Foch Street Fort Worth, TX 76107 817.336.9463 www.timestencellars.com The Vineyards at GrandView . . . . . . . . 98 10365 Summer Lane Anderson, TX 77830 936.760.5144 Woodrose Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 662 Woodrose Lane Stonewall, TX 78671 830.644.2539 www.woodrosewinery.com
exclusive preview
Messina Hof Winery & Resort . . . . . . . 94 4545 Old Reliance Road Bryan, TX 77808 979.778.9463 www.messinahof.com
SPECTACULAR WINERIES ofTexas ISBN: 9780979265860 Publication: 2011 208 pages with more than 200 images 9¾” x 12” trim size Approximately 4 lbs. per book shipped 5 books per carton
Publisher:
1424 Gables Court Plano, TX 75075 469.246.6060 Fax: 469.246.6062 www.panache.com www.panachedesign.com Publication inquiries contact: Rosalie Wilson rwilson@panache.com 469.246.6060 Distributor: Independent Publishers Group 814 North Franklin Street Chicago, IL 60610 orders@ipgbook.com 800.888.4741