Summer Fun: May 2015

As the temperatures rise, I naturally seek indoors, especially here in Texas. Before long, I find myself without much to do. But, this summer has not followed tradition. For one, it has stayed cooler -- thus far -- and there has been plenty to do. Events quickly filled up my calendar. So in between teaching classes and household chores that I put off until I had time, I have found myself at one place or another. As it all begins to slow down, I finally can sit back and share some of these special occasions.

So first up... May. Things started off quick. I waded through finals and portfolios for the six classes I was teaching, but I often got away.

Annual Kentucky Derby Party @ Bending Branch Winery

We started the month with one of our new annual traditions. For this year's party, Bending Branch made it a ticketed event. This new system limited the number of people so the winery could provide a better overall experience. The party was held at the new production facility out on the crush pad. This location provided plenty of room, shade, and space for a very large screen. Some guests brought snacks and picnics, but everyone also enjoyed a BBQ plate, a glass of wine and bourbon ball. Before the race, guests lined up to complete in this years hat contest. Contestants took the fun to a whole new level, which made me glad I opted out and wore my first wine hat. The afternoon culminated with the race. Who knew we would watch he first Triple Crown win in decades.

Pedernales Cellars Reserve Viognier Release

So, a wine release may not seem like much, unless it is the long awaited Reserve Viognier. Two years ago, this incredible wine took Double Gold at an international wine competition in Lyon, France, opening the door for a growing list of Texas winners. Last year, weather took the crop, and most Texas white grapes, so when a 2014 vintage became available, Pedernales threw a small party. Media came out to sample the wine and pairings. All guests did a vertical tasting of the award winning Viognier (which is NO longer available) and the newest vintage. The current release is clearly a young wine. The 12 leads with rich, golden stone fruit flavors with just enough citrus and acid to create nice balance. The 14 is tart and powerful; citrus notes -- and the sense of citric acid -- dominate to create a crisp wine; the typical stone fruit characteristics are bright and light and show promise to settle this wild child. Drink 12 now and hold 14 till at least 2016.

Memorial Day Weekend

We all know the big story: rain. Sean and I ventured up on Saturday to see some friends from out of town. While lounging at our last stop for the day -- Hye Meadow -- the rain came in. We thought we could wait it out since the rain began relatively earlier (around 3). We were wrong. We finally gave in at 6 and made the long drive home in the downpour. We had to avoid two of our normal routes -- 1376 through Sisterdale and 281 -- because of flooding (after only a few hours). We made it home safe and sound to hear that many areas were devastated. As a Texas State grad, I was saddened by the losses in San Marcos, as well as the neighboring communities (Wimberely and Blanco) where many of the residents I got to know during my three years at school lived. Of course, in the following days, many wineries reached out to help those in need.

Anniversary Weekend

Many Hill Country wineries celebrated their anniversaries in May. We were lucky enough to go to two "first" year ones at the very end of the month.

Fat Ass Winery threw a large party for friends and wine club members. A beautiful sunset set the stage (the weekend after the Memorial day rains). The band jammed all night, and their rhythms just demanded dancing. Of course, a highlight was the wine slushes; these tasty creations went down well. The bit surprise were the two new dry reds now available.

Compass Rose Cellars celebrated 1 year in Hye as well. Of course, the winery is always growing. The new restaurant headed by Bryan Gillenwater headlined the evening, as well as the view. This night was more low key, just like the relaxing mood set by the locale. The winery had lots to celebrate. In addition to the restaurant, they broke ground on new production facilities in Hye and have begun work on their take on a B&B. Year two will have some serious celebrating.

As May came to a close, June beckoned with even more fun.

A Preview of Spring: New Wine in the Texas Hill Country.

Spring hides behind the winter clouds, waiting for just the right moment to emerge and breath new life into bare trees and, for the Texas wine industry, the dormant vines. This bright new year is already upon us, at least for the wineries of the Texas Hill Country. Even though the vines sleep, new wines signal a new year. And this year has already started out exceptionally well.

Lost Draw Celllars

The first major beginning unfolded on a cool, sunny Saturday in January. Many of us gathered in a small courtyard not far from Main Street in Fredericksburg. That afternoon, the ribbon was cut, welcoming Lost Draw Cellars to the Hill Country. Many who had gathered already knew the winery's portfolio, as they opened for tastings in November 2014; however, now the winery's opening was official.

The Lost Draw Family with the representatives for the City of Fredericksburg

Lost Draw Cellars started in the High Plains. Andy Timmons, owner of Lost Draw Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, his nephew Andrew Sides, and Andrew's father-in-law Troy Ottmers came together to offer Texas another great winery. The winery boasts wines made from Lost Draw Vineyards fruit, as well as grapes from other Texas vineyards. At the moment, out of state fruit is used to bring depth and variety to the Lost Draw portfolio; that is until they can make 100% Texas wine.

The two Texas standouts are the Reserve Sangiovese and the Tempranillo. These rich, complex reds do not just join the growing lists of Texas Sangioveses and Tempranillo but take their well deserved place. The Sangiovese has rich fruit flavors and earthiness, much like its Italian counterpart. The Tempranillo is round, accentuated by rich fruit and notes of the High Plains' terroir. The diverse collection of whites and the three blends provide striking contrast to the dusty Texas High Plains reds.

Bending Branch

Just down the highway from Lost Draw, Bending Branch Winery offers some new Texas reds. After a year of firsts, including the use of the first flash detante' in Texas, a new Tempranillo and Tannat have finally seen light. Three Texas whites, Picpoul Blanc, Vermintino, and a Roussane and Viognier blend will deepen Bending Branch's Texas roots.

For now, the 2012 Tempranillo, from Newsom Vineyards on the High Plains, offers a taste of Rioja. The subtle red drinks smooth, a velvety wine with dark red berry notes. After closer inspection, the dusty soil of the High Plains takes over, resembling the dusty flavors of a Spanish Rioja. But Texas predominates, as hints of limestone and more nuanced darker fruit flavors seep in. This wine is a hot day, the sun the only object in the sky; and of course, it could be Spain or Texas. The careful aging produces soft oak flavors that build with the tannins.

William Chris

And as usual, new experiments at William Chris Wines bring new delights to Texas wine. Looking for other ways to produce sparkling wine, they turned to traditional sparkling methods. Instead of using méthode traditionnelle, they decided upon Pétillant naturel.

Also called Pet-nat, a term bandy about at the winery these days, this method completes primary fermentation in the bottle. The bottle fermentation creates natural CO2 as the yeast eats away at the grapes' sugars. This is not any wine drinkers wine. This opaque wine is not filtered, which leaves the lees behind. William Chris's recent Cinsualt Rosé Pet-nat is a creamy dark pink with a lightly frothy head, punctuated by the normal rose fruits and a beer-like flavor from the yeast. However, do not expect a lot of wines like this because this method needs lots of attention as the wine ferments in the bottle; do expect other experiments with this unique French method.


The view of 2015's horizon stretches out into a multi-hued Texas sunset. Old favorites will draw us in, and the new ones will surprise and inspire us. It won't be long, Spring will arrive and the wildflowers will flood the Texas Hill Country. Now is the time dare to try something new.

Texas Wine Month has Started!

The greatest celebration of Texas wine is upon us. October is Texas Wine Month, and wineries throughout the state are celebrating with special events and festivals. For me, that means a trip to the Texas Hill Country Wineries and 31 days on the annual Texas Wine Month trail.

For those that do not know, the wine trail allows those who purchase passes to sample wines from all 42 participating wineries -- without any additional charge. For $35 for an individual pass and $60 for a couple, this is an incredible deal.

When on the trail, guests an enjoy up to 4 full tastings a day. There was some complaint about it at first, as those that can't regularly be in the area would not be able to visit many wineries. This is true, but by moving to 4 a day, they can no offer full tastings (rather than the typical 3), which makes for a more thorough experience. I have already enjoyed my first trail day, and I can say that 4 full tastings is an ample amount. To complete that Herculean task, we devoted almost 6 hours to make those four visits to wineries that were very close to one another (someone within sight distance).  I can honestly say that I enjoyed the fuller tasting; it forced me to slow down and enjoy the wine and the company. Best of all, it allowed me to real get a full measure of what each winery had to offer.

The other new change is the use of a tasting booklet. In years past, trail goers took their paper ticket to each of the wineries. At each winery the ticket was stamped to track each guests' visits. After awhile, the ticket could get full, and so many of the stamps were hard to read. The new book provides four spaces for each of the 31 days of the trail; there is no problem with keeping track. In addition to tracking visits, the book becomes a souvenir.

In addition to the trail, the wineries host a kick-off party during the first weekend. This year it was moved to Saturday, which made it easier to actually come. So from 6-8 on the 3rd, guests enjoyed the beauty of Hye Meadow and drank wines from the host, as well as Alamosa, Bending Branch, Lewis Wines, McReynold's, and Messina Hof. Live music from the Flying Pig provided the evening's soundtrack, and KHill Barbeque served up great food. This night ended up being perfect, with the moon raising on side and the sun setting on the other.

Luckily, this adventure is just getting started. There are still many days to visit the wineries and a second party on Saturday the 25 at Driftwood.To join the fun, head to the Texas Hill Country website and grab a ticket; they may just sell out. And then, let the Texas wine drinking commence.

An Ode to Comfort: Late Winter at Bending Branch

And for the last day of National Poetry Month...

Over the hills, two bird’s call

and answer one another;

a song in balance, a high

and a low, heard but not seen.

Back and forth they continue, high,

higher, their voices reach;

carried aloft, subtle breezes

cannot hide an unexpected discord.

It must be the wind, winter kissed

that ruffle the leaves that hide them.

It must be the cold, slipping past their feathers,

driving through them like a knife.

But, ah, there is the sun, yellow-

white, peeking through slow moving clouds.

The warmth brushes past the chill,

A warmth beneath the pair’s feathers.

The debate calms and settles,

softened by the mounting warmth.

They sing in harmony, together

with a third voice: the wind’s whisper.

Note: This poem is not inspired by any wine; however, it was inspired by a visit to Bending Branch earlier this year. It was quite day that bordered on winter and spring. Sometimes, the setting at the winery is inspiration all on its own.

ALSO, the 4th Annual Bending Branch Derby Party is on Saturday, May 3 from 11-6. s usual, I will be there with a new hat. For more info, see my article on Texas Wine and Trail.

Getting the Party Started: Texas Hill Country Wineries Wine Lovers Kick-Off Party

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Wine Enthusiast recently named the Texas Hill Country one of its Top Ten wine destinations. For those who follow and drink Texas wine, this wasn’t a surprise. Many Texans find their way into the Hill Country and to one of the thirty-eight wineries and tasting rooms that make-up the Texas Hill Country Wineries. With so much goodness gathered together, it can be quite a challenge to enjoy it all. To help, the Texas Hill Country Wineries offer four trail events throughout the year: Wine Lovers (February 7-23, 2014), Wine and Wildflowers (April 4-20, 2014), Texas Wine Month (October 1-31, 2014), and the Holiday Wine Trail (December 5-21, 2014). To start each trail off right, the member wineries also host a Kick-Off Party. These parties are great welcomes to new visitors and a perfect reunion for longtime friends.

Right now, tickets are on-sale for the upcoming Wine and Wildflowers trail and its kick-off party at Perissos Vineyard and Winery.

Introducing the Kick-Off Party

Last year, the Texas Hill Country Wine Trails added an extra event to each of their four trails, a kick-off party. These events allow trail guests to meet and greet with a small group of the Texas Hill Country wineries. Hosted at one of the member wineries, the event provides an intimate setting where wine lovers meet with the Texas Hill Country Wine professionals.

The kick-off party is simple. From 6pm-8 on the first Friday of each trail, a small group of member wineries (6-7) gather at the host location. Each winery usually bring three wines for tastings; this collection gives each guests about twenty tasting options to use their ten tickets on. Guests sip these wines in their own logo glass while enjoying small bites, and, often, local food trucks provide more extensive food options (for an additional fee). A local musical act, usually a regular at one of the many wineries, supplies the evening’s soundtrack. Lastly, the winery owners, their knowledgeable and dedicated staff, winemakers, and growers join the festivities. This wonderful package costs only $25 a person (and comes at a discount of price of $15 for those with trail tickets).

A Texas-Style Start – Unpredictable Weather and a Party

This year’s first kick-off party, to start the Wine Lover’s Trail, had a rough start. As we all know, Texas has seen its fair share of nasty winter weather. For most of January and February, the Texas Hill Country weathered a weekly cold blast that often included icy conditions.  The first trail weekend was no different from the weeks that proceeded it. The Thursday before, yet another arctic blast slipped into the Hill Country. Recent moisture mixed along with the front left the area covered in another round of ice. Though this wasn’t the worst batch of the season, it did cause issues along the main Hill Country route – Highway 290 – where many wineries either opened late or didn’t open at all on that Friday. Comfort, where the party was to be held, suffered a similar fate. So, for the sake of safety, the party was quickly rescheduled for Saturday night.

Check-in at Singing Waters (January Wiese – Texas Hill Country Wine Trail – pictured)

On Saturday, the weather finally gave in and provided warmer temperatures and some winter sun, making the kick-off party possible. Unfortunately the schedule change did cause some issues. Some guests couldn’t attend, but they weren’t the only ones. The scheduled food trucks couldn’t come either. This probably hurt the party a bit, as the light snacks were not quite enough to get a person through the evening. The likely resulted in the guests who left quickly; they probably headed out to get dinner. I easily stuck it out, having wisely eaten a more substantial snack before attending; my prediction, the food trucks were not likely to be able to attend, was right.

The Perfect Party Environment

Despite everything, attendees flocked to Singing Waters Vineyards in Comfort. Singing Waters was a great location for the party. The tasting room is divided into four separate rooms; this allowed for ample space for socializing and wine tasting. Two wineries shared a room, which made it easier to sample and linger at each spot. In two of the rooms – the Freedom Room and Barrel Room – ample setting was also available, with a little in the front entrance. If one dared outside – as the sun went down it did get chilly – a patio and other outdoor seating awaited. Actually, Singing Waters has one of the most unique outdoor seating arrangements. Along the creek bed behind the tasting room, tables, chairs, and benches wind along and up into the trees. On a warm, sunny day, this spot reminds me of playing in a treehouse; luckily, this treehouse is easy to get into and the adventurer can bring wine.

Glasses and Tickets Awaiting Guests

The night of the party, the winery’s main entrance welcomed each guest; here we checked in and could also pay for any wines on our way out.  Moving into the tasting room, Singing Waters and their neighbor Bending Branch Winery greeted everyone in the larger room just off the entrance. The Freedom Room, to the right, housed the two newest member wineries, Hye Meadow Winery (from Hye of course) and Compass Rose Cellars (from Mason). Here, guests could comfortably lounge and enjoy the spread of snacks. In the Barrel Room, to the right, local singer Brittany Shane entertained the relaxing guests, and Kerrville Hills Winery and Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (from New Braunfels) poured their wines.

What’s a Party Without Wine?

Robert Nida, winemaker, Compass Rose

The evening’s wines provided an excellent glimpse into the six wineries. Compass Rose, being relatively small and new, only had one wine available, a rather crisp and enjoyable Pinot Grigio. I spoke with winemaker Robert Nida who said that a number of new wines will soon be joining their portfolio. Hye Meadow brought some crowd pleasers as well, especially their Texas Viognier and Sangiovese. Owner Mike Batek also brought a little of the brand new Dolcetto; I was thrilled to taste it as I had missed the launch the weekend before.

Bending Branch’s new Thinker’s Blend

Singing Water poured their great Vintner’s Reserve, but their Sauvignon Blanc – refreshing with a boutique of peaches and melon – grabbed a lot of attention. Bending Branch brought their signature Tannat with their newest vintage made from 100% Texas fruit. In addition, the recently bottled Thinker’s Blend, a blend of eleven different varietals, made a very public appearance (and not in a keg, as it has only been available on tap at Branch on High).

Wayne and Carol Milberge, Kerrville Hills

For those with a sweet tooth, the Barrel Room was sure to please. Kerrville Hills provided a touch of sweetness with the sneaky Cake Será Será, a slightly sweet Texas Syrah; this is a sweet red that dry red drinkers can easily enjoy. And for those who stuck around, towards the end of the night, owner and winemaker Wayne Milberger shared the new Just Hangin’ Merlot. Dry Comal Creek had three sweeter wine, including their White-Black Spanish and a sparkler, their Demi-Sweet. 

Wine Brings People Together

What makes the kick-off party a great time is a combination of great wine and great people. Getting a chance to meet and talk with those involved with the wineries is always a treat. I am lucky enough to have met and gotten to know many of those who were in attendance at the kick-off party, but that isn’t the case for everyone. Though the owners and winemakers at the Texas Hill Country Wineries do their best to interact with those visiting their wineries, it isn’t always possible. Busy Saturday afternoons often impede such chances, and so do tending tricky vineyards (this is Texas after all) and making extraordinary wine. So, nights like the kick-off party provide a rare chance for those often hard to find folks to meet their fans. And for those of us already acquainted with the owners and winemakers, the evening is a good time to drink, share, and laugh a Texas night away. At this party, there was a rather cool announcement: Bending Branch’s resident wine expert Jennifer Beckmann will be writing a regular wine and drinks article for Edible San Antonio. At the end of the evening, she gifted many of us with a free copy of her first article.

Winemakers and owners – Denise and Mike Batek (Hye Meadow), John Rivenburg (Bending Branch), Robert Nida – with guests

With such congeniality running rampant at the kick-off party, guests found themselves meeting one another. One thing I love about the Texas Wine industry is its friendly demeanor. There is something so basic, so natural about meeting a new person while drinking a glass of wine. Wine brings people together, and time and time again, I have experienced that while visiting Texas wineries and attending Texas wine events. The Texas Hill Country wineries kick-off party just made that much easier. Not long after arriving, my husband and I met a young couple new to the Texas wine scene; we chatted with them on and off all night. We also ran into another couple that we met a few weeks back at Westcave Cellars; at the party, we finally officially met. Throughout the night, it was only naturally to say hello to that person on the left or right; it was just as natural to start sharing thoughts about the wines and Texas wine stories. And we didn’t just share stories, some even shared tickets with people they never met. Camaraderie ruled the evening, all thanks to the intimate setting and casual atmosphere. Sometimes, at the wineries, I have experienced this, but the timing has to be right. I wish festivals allowed for this, but the size and setting often gets in the way. The Texas Hill Country Wineries are lucky to experience such a genial night four times a year.

One Down and Three to Go

As I write this, the first wine trail is in the books. The weather played nice; each weekend saw Spring-like days of warmth and sunshine. On the two Saturdays and one Sunday I found myself out on the trail, the Texas Hill Country Wineries were about to burst with all the happy people. I was glad I attended the kick-off party because it was hard to find the same people I leisurely chatted with that one night.

And though this one party and trail are over, there are still three more chances. With the wildflowers ready to burst, April’s trail and party (at Perissos Vineyard and Winery in Burnet) will be bathed in a rainbow of beauty. October will be here before we know it, along with Texas wine month, and the last trail will be a needed escape from hectic holiday shopping. Tickets will go on sale throughout the year, so it is best to stay abreast by getting the newsletter. And for those sure to join every trail, a Season Pass is still available. With all the traffic sure to make its way into the Texas Hill Country, the best way for loyal Texas wine fans to enjoy the Texas Hill Country Wineries might just be to party with them at the trail kick-off Parties.