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.

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

This article originally appeared on

Click here to see the original article.

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.

Sean Fills Some Space: Saturday, 10/26/2013

Between work and an amazing round of awesome wine things to do, Robin has actually been too busy to get any wine writing done.  Since my schedule is a bit less busy, I thought I’d take some time out of my role-playing game blog to leave some comments over here.

First of all, I’d like to thank Mike and Lynn McHenry of Wedding Oak Winery for letting us stay at their beautiful home on October 26^th.  Not having to make the 2+ hour trip back down to San Antonio after a busy day along the Top of the Hill Country Wine Trail was a tremendous relief and allowed us to enjoy the area more.

The drive out to San Saba had to be one of the most pleasant and beautiful long-distance drives I’ve ever made -- even if we did pass at least a score of dead raccoons on the highways.  (Jebus Cripes, there were so many dead raccoons!)  San Saba itself is charming and we’ll have to make a weekend of just enjoying the town and its sights someday soon; we were stunned by the LCRA San Saba River Nature Park look forward to taking in more of the town and its environs. 

Saturday began by checking in at Wedding Oak Winery where Mike McHenry himself gave us our tasting.  Wedding Oak’s location, nestled right in the heart of San Saba, is gorgeous; I can’t think of a tasting room that exceeds its charm and ambience (even if a handful match it).  Winemaker Penny Adams’ work, of course, exceeds the beauty of its surroundings, slipping more toward the Italian side of reds than the French.  Wedding Oaks’ wines are athletic – playful but not immature, exuberant without being childish – in a way that makes me think they could win the FIFA World Cup.

We stopped for lunch at the Bar D Brewhouse, which was recommended to us on the strength of its home-brewed root beer (I’m celiac and so can’t drink real beer).  Honestly, they seemed a bit understaffed and our food took a good while to come.  Mine was a bit burnt, but still tasty, and Robin enjoyed her meal without quibble.  It was a good thing we weren’t in a hurry.     

From San Saba, we then drove out to Alamosa Wine Cellars where winemaker Jim Johnson stared at Robin for a couple of moments before recognizing her (“Wait… I know that hat.”).  I like wines that punch you in the face -- bold, earthy, ornery wines that swagger about like the Man with No Name – and Alamosa delivers those.  I hope that doesn’t make them sound undrinkable to people who prefer softer, fruitier wines, because they’re very, very drinkable.

We mainly stopped in at Fiesta Winery because it’s conveniently close to Alamosa, but were pleasantly surprised to discover they’ve added some actual dry red wines to their fruit-infused line-up.  Hooray!  I apologize to Pilot Knob Vineyard for not swinging by there because the next event took us out in the opposite direction…

Sandstone Cellars Winery – another one of those awesome, face-punchin’ wineries – had a “Hallowine” get-together on Saturday night where they brought in the rest of the Mason County wineries for FREE TASTINGS!  Compass Rose Cellars, Dotson-Cervantes Wines, Fly Gap Winery, and Pontotoc Vineyard were all there GIVING AWAY WINE!!  FOR FREE!!!

(Also, Santos Taqueria is awesome.)

I’m torn.  On the one hand, I am happy that Hallowine was not packed to the gills.  I don’t like crowds and I was happy to have space to breathe.  On the other hand, I am bitterly disappointed that some of the absolute best wineries in Texas were giving away free wine and the streets of Mason were not a jam-packed bacchanal.  What is wrong with you people?!

Seriously, despite all the love I have for the 290 Trail and the Texas wine industry as a whole, I really think that Mason County has the capacity to be our Bordeaux, our Napa, our breakout wine region.  There’s something distinctive about the Mason wines, something that unifies them into one distinct taste sensation (with the exception of Gotas de Oro, which is still awesome).  Maybe it’s the terroir, maybe it’s the Touriga Nacional; I just know I like it.

We also met Bill Worrell.  He's fun.  And we finally met winemaker Don Pullum in person.  He is also awesome.

Unfortunately, all of this awesome was then followed by a terrifying drive back to the McHenry’s house as we kept our paranoid eyes peeled for small, furry mammals.  We really didn’t want to add to the heap of dead raccoons.  We got back to the McHenry’s amazing, bread-and-breakfast-worthy guest suite and promptly fell asleep.

Catching Up Part 2: A Love Letter to Hye Market

May ended up giving me a few opportunities to travel up to the Texas Hill Country. In mid-May, we headed up to the farther side of the 290 trail. After a visit to Pedernales Cellars -- to pick-up the Double Gold Viognier Reserve -- we made a stop at William Chris Vineyards' most recent neighbors, the Hye Market. I had been following the Market on Facebook for awhile and found myself constantly eager to visit. Every week they showcase some incredible Texas wines, and I wanted to try many of those wines. Sean and I chose a great day to visit, as we tasted three great wineries: FlyGap, Hye Meadow, and Compass Rose.

Fly Gap Winery

I had been curious about Fly Gap's wines since our visit to Mason last November. Scott Haupert from Sandstone Cellars told Sean and I a little about Brock Estes and his dream. We didn't get a chance to buy any of the wine at that time -- we are always on a budget and stuck to Sandstone wines and one from Pontotoc Vineyards. Then earlier in the month, Texas Wine Drinkers -- a group on Facebook -- had a label contest; Fly Gap's Dank label competed. That reminded me that I needed to try this wine. When I noticed that they were at Hye Market, we headed in.

Brock Estes, owner and wine maker, greeted us as we walked up. We quickly hit it off and started talking about wine, especially the wines we love. He, Sean, and I all have an appreciation for Portuguese wine -- Brock informed us he will be headed to Portugal to gain some more wine making experience. So of course, we were blown away by his Mason County grown Tempranillo and Touriga blend -- Dank - Vox Populi. It hinted at the blends at Sandstone, but it was as if I was immersed in it. There was a strong sense of all the work and love that went into this wine.

If you are interested, check out their website and their Facebook page.

Hye Meadow

For awhile now, I  have been following the progress of Hye Meadow Winery on Facebook. They are not only creating a great winery, but a unique space for wine tourism (for more on that, check out the recent post on Hye Meadow from the Grapes Around Texas). When we finished tasting with Brock, we shuffled over a few steps to be greeted by a friendly face, Chris Black. We met Chris over a year ago when we was with Cap*Rock. I was glad to see him at a winery close to home.

Right now, the wines from Hye Meadow are made from grapes from the Pacific Northwest. Texas grapes are making themselves into Texas wines as we speak, and they will find their way to all of the picky Texas wine drinkers in the future. The three wines we tasted presented a diverse range, from dry red (Sangiovese), a slightly sweet white (50/50 Riesling & Gewurztraminer) and a slightly sweet blush (mainly Gewurztraminer with a bit of Cab). Normally, I am not a sweet person, but the sweet wines had a hint of crispness that made them possible summer favorites. I am eager to see what they are doing with Tempranillo and other popular pro-Texas grapes.

They are working furiously to open the doors to their winery, next to Hye Market. Keep an eye out by visiting their Facebook page.

Compass Rose

Honestly, I didn't know much about Compass Rose when we got to Hye Market; however, I was eager to know more. We met Mark Watson, the winery's president. He expressed their goal to make great wine for those who wanted to enjoy it -- a sentiment I hear throughout the Texas wine industry. This winery takes great care in their wines.

This boutique winery out of nearby Mason is drafting some strong Texas wine. We were lucky enough to try the Merlot -- which was nearly sold out at the time and is now sold out -- and the Papillon (a Pinot Grigo).

Both dry wines provided great contrasts. Sean and I were in love with the Merlot and had to make sure to leave with a bottle (a promise to post pics once we opened it). But before then, we wanted to make sure that everyone knew this little winery has a lot to offer.

Check them out on Facebook and at their website. Try Papillon at Hye Market.

A Love Letter To Hye

Age shows through the paint, creases
like wrinkles are badges from years
of the Texas sun beating down
and wild winds wiping by.

At the heart, life
beats on, invigorated by a spirit
of what has come before
and what has yet to come.

Here, there are whispers
of long grown children's letters to santa,
of pronouncements of future weddings, births,
and even of debts that snatch every dollar earned.

Here, voices ring out
with greetings to a friend not yet met ,
jokes told anew, again and again,
and of new memories being made at the old post office.

We left Hye Market satisfied and grinning from ear-to-ear. The handmade Texas Gelato was the ice cream on the cake (we skipped on the other great foods). A visit to the Market will leave anyone well hydrated -- between the great wine and the wonderful libations from Garrison Brothers -- and well fed.