What’s popping in the Texas Wine World this summer? Keep reading to learn about a new winery that opened in Fredericksburg; how Daou is partnering with a supper club; and our recommendations for some Texas Fine Wines that you need to try.

It’s summer which means it’s time to bust out those cold bottles of white & rose, but if you are like me, your love of red wine will stay steadfast. A lot is happening in the wine world so let’s pop the bottle and get into it. 

Halter Ranch Grand Opening

The newest addition to the Texas 290 Wine Road is the Paso Robles based wine brand, Halter Ranch, as they make their big debut outside their California home. With a new location in Fredericksburg, Halter Ranch is excited to combine their Paso Robles roots with Texas flair to craft beautiful wine for many to enjoy, especially in their luxury tasting room. 

Not only does the 32-acre property offer a place to taste and dive into the wine itself, they also offer stunning Texas hill country views and culinary delight in Restaurant H.  Restaurant H is a reason in itself to make a trip out to try their seasonal masterpieces. The Texas sourced menu pairs perfectly with their wine list. 

With outdoor seating and options throughout the week for entertainment, there are many ways to soak up the wonder and beauty of the property. 

Halter Ranch Wine Club 

Another way to stay connected to the brand is to join their wine club. There are two different membership options, Ranch Club and Silver Label Tier. Both memberships get you perks at all three locations and exclusive access to all the best that Halter Ranch has to offer. 

The Supper Club + Daou Wines Collab 

The Supper Club is a members-only community that curates exquisite dining experiences in beautiful settings throughout the world and Austin is the proud home to a few of these events each year. In May, there was a springtime soiree hosted in the beautiful rolling hills of Tarrytown in Austin. 

The mission of The Supper Club is to bring people together in a space to delight and be delighted in. Something that really stood out to me at this event is how you can walk into the room knowing no one, yet be welcomed in like an old friend. The whole concept is built around creating an environment where you can foster authentic relationships while sharing a meal curated by a specialty chef. 

The Supper Club collaborates with leading chefs, artists and brands, such as Daou Wines. Daou partnered with the Austin Springtime Soiree which meant that each course was perfectly paired with different acclaimed wines such as Soul of a Lion and Patrimony. 

Texas Fine Wines 

Last but not least, let’s sip on the latest and greatest of Texas Wines. 

2023 Texas High Plains Trebbiano, Pedernales Cellars ($32)

Tastes of green apple, tangerine, white flowers and steel wet wool similar to Chenin Blanc. 

Pedernales Cellars specializes in Spanish and Rhone-style wines made from 100% Texas-sourced fruit. Its owners are sixth-generation Texans dedicated to handcrafted fine wines and sustainable practices. The estate vineyard, Kuhlken Vineyards, was planted in 1995 in Texas’ oldest AVA, Bell Mountain, which is within the Texas Hill Country AVA. 

2023 Vermentino, Duchman Family Winery ($26)

Back from a three-year hiatus, with notes of lime zest, lemon, pineapple and yellow apple. 

Working with the top growers in the state, Duchman Family Winery makes 100% Texas wines from carefully selected varieties suited for Texas, including many Italian grapes. Focusing on pure expression of fruit and Texas terroir, Duchman wines show precision, character and balance. 

2022 Cabernet Franc, Spicewood Vineyards ($38)

Tastes of dried cherries, black cherries, stewed strawberries, black peppercorn. 

Spicewood Vineyards is one of the first Texas Hill Country wineries, established in 1992 and purchased by Ron Yates in 2007. It produces estate wines from 32 acres and a nearby 10-acre vineyard in Round Mountain. With a passion for Spanish varieties including Tempranillo, Graciano and Carignan, Spicewood Vineyards is also recognized for its estate Sauvignon Blanc.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Bending Branch Winery ($70)

First Reserve bottling of Cabernet from Newsom Vineyards, with notes of cranberry, raspberry, cherry, cocoa. 

Bending Branch Winery is the Tannat House of Texas. It is known for its intense wines – from the high acidity in Picpoul Blanc to the bold tannins in Tannat. The winery was co-founded in 2009 by Winemaker Bob Young, M.D., MPH, and his wife Brenda. Bending Branch uses innovative winemaking processes such as Cryo-Maceration and Flash Détente to improve the color, structure and flavor of red wines.

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Cover Photo Kelsey Knight on Unsplash

A lover of all things travel, pretty running trails and good coffee, Analise Flatt graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University and is now pursuing a position as a FOCUS Missionary. Check out her Instagram to stay updated on her latest travel adventures.