Texas Hill Country Wineries Episodes

On episode 111, listen for the latest Texas wine news, including plans for Austin Wine Week, new tasting rooms coming to the Hill Country, and an article focusing on low alcohol wines. Then I visited Torr Na Lochs in Burnet for a conversation with Blake DeBerry and Colby O'Brien. I'm excited to share the new Viticulture & Enology project that's going on at Texas Tech University and highlights from Blake's recent term as President of Texas Hill Country Wineries. Plus, this episode includes a return of Demerits and Gold Stars! Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all!

On episode 110, in addition to recapping Texas wine news, I'm sharing an interview with Zachary Raines, head winemaker at Augusta Vin Winery in Fredericksburg. Zachary's wines have been earning top medals at wine competition and receiving praise from critics. We talk through how he ended up in Texas, parallels between Paso Robles and Texas wine industries, and how he approaches winemaking at Augusta Vin. Cheers y'all!

This is episode 108, and it's the first podcast of 2026! Today's episode includes Texas wine news, wine competition results, and a replay of the closing session of the Hill Country Wine Symposium. The symposium was filled with great information and tastings, but this closing panel was mostly for fun. It's a walk down memory lane for 6 long-time Texas wine professionals. Their best advice is "Make really good friends," and you can tell that they have. Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all! Image by Peary Photography

My guest on episode 106 is Rarig Ross. Rarig and his wife Ellery co-own and operate Ferris & Fletch Wine Co in Fredericksburg, and Rarig is also the winemaker. You'll hear how his wine story started in California and is unfolding here in Texas. He has some exciting news to share about a significant expansion and a new brand...or two. In Texas wine neww, top stories include the James Suckling report on Texas wine, a Top 50 ranking for a Texas winery in the World's 50 Best Vineyards, and recent wine competition scores. There's a new Texas wine article in Texas Monthly, and more. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

My guest today is Melissa Whatley. She and her husband Tyler are the co-owners of the recently opened Fredericksburg winery, Whatley Wines. Their faith and desire to pour into the community have inspired every aspect of Whatley Wines. We'll discuss the evolution of their brand, how food and wine pairing plays an important role, and how wine trading cards help tell the story. In Texas wine news, let's talk about Texas wine bars and wine-focused restaurants. Plus, I'll recap the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival, share Texas wine real estate news, and more. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

Ron Yates of Ron Yates Wines and Spicewood Vineyards is a returning guest who first appeared in 2021. On this episode, he’s sharing more about "The Get Together", his new boxed wine project, the new tasting room he’s building at Ron Yates, and his thoughts about the 2025 harvest. Then in Texas wine news, we’ll review the new Texas-focused regional guide by Wine Folly, explore a bit of a regional battle between the Texas High Plains and the Hill Country, announce a new podcast for wine lovers from a Texas wine VIP, and announce several new Texas wine events. Demerits and gold stars make a return too. Thanks for listening. Cheers y'all!

Claire Richardson, winemaker at Uplift Vineyard, is my guest on this episode. She’s a talented winemaker who is also the co-founder of Grafted, the organization that was created to support women in Texas wine, and Explore Oeno, her personal brand. You’ll hear Claire's Texas wine story from Texas A&M to New Zealand and back to Texas again. Then in Texas wine news, I’ll share how Texas wineries are responding to the tragic flooding in the Texas Hill Country. Plus, a new partnership links William Chris Vineyards with wineries across the US. Elisa Christopher Wines gets great press in an international drinks publication. Finally, I got new podcast music composed by a Texas wine VIP! Cheers y'all!

IT'S EPISODE 100! Andrew Sides of Lost Draw Wines joins me on this episode to share more about the Lost Draw story, including thoughts on the split from William Chris Wine Co. In celebration of my 100th episode, I’ve got some reflections on this milestone episode and the 5 year anniversary since the first episode aired. Then In Texas wine news, we’ll review which wineries are opening, closing, and rumored to be coming to town. There’s an update on the Farm Winery Permit bill, and a top sommelier shares thoughts about Texas wine. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

January Wiese of Texas Hill Country Wineries has some exciting announcements about new programs for this 25-year-old powerhouse of an organization, which focuses on marketing wineries in the Texas Hill Country AVA. In Texas wine news, thanks to a tip from a listener, I’ve got the scoop on a new Texas boxed wine project. Plus a new article about Texas in Wine Enthusiast, a focus on the wine scene in East Texas in a regional newspaper, and a North Texas winery campsite is named one of the country’s best. Cheers y'all!

On episode 98, my guest is Doug Lewis of Lewis Wines near Johnson City. Doug shares the history of Lewis Wines, the importance of a region’s agricultural heritage, and the pending Farm Winery Permit. In Texas wine news, we’ve got new statistics from Wine America on the enormous impact of Texas wine on the state’s economy, a new article on local wine from Amy Beth Wright, and big awards for Dr. Justin Scheiner of Texas A&M and Dr. Julie Kuhlken of Pedernales Cellars. Thanks for listening. Cheers y'all!

My guests Remi and Tate Gregory are two rising young stars in the Texas wine industry. They hold important roles with some very established wineries in the state, plus they’re promoting their own wine brand – The Burg Wine Company. They’ve already garnered serious acclaim for their minimal intervention wines. In Texas wine news, Newsweek has a new article about the popularity of Texas wine, Wine Enthusiast published a list of Texas wine grapes to watch, the Bending Branch Texas white oak project continues to gain attention, and both Texas Hill Country Wineries and Texas Wine Growers are promoting creative new events to get Texas wine into more glasses. Cheers y'all!

My guest on this episode is Brian Heath, owner of Heath Family Brands. The portfolio includes Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Invention Vineyards, Jenblossom Cellars, and most recently, Kuhlman Estate, formerly known as Kuhlman Cellars. Brian and his wife Jennifer got into the Texas wine industry in 2006 when they purchased Grape Creek Vineyards from the family of founder Ned Simes. Brian and I talk about what makes the Texas wine industry a solid bet for business and his vision for the wineries within Heath Family Brands. In Texas wine news, I’m thrilled to announce new ownership for Fall Creek Vineyards. Plus, you'll hear about a legislative development concerning the Texas Wine Growers-supported Farm Winery Permit and the crazy spring weather across Texas. Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all!

In episode 95, my guest on this episode is Dr Akhil Reddy, CEO of Reddy Vineyards. Most people who follow Texas wine know the name Reddy Vineyards. Established in 1997 by Akhil’s parents, Reddy is one of the larger vineyards in the Texas High Plains. We’ll hear from Akhil about his vision for the brand, the new tasting room in Stonewall, and how wellness and wine intersect. In Texas wine news, Joey Bagnasco joins me to talk about Rootstock: A Texas Wine Festival which will take place on April 6 in Waco. Plus, hear about the final James Suckling report on Texas, TEXSOM Awards results, and a Texas Riesling is in the spotlight. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

On episode 94, I’m thrilled to be talking with Dr. Bob Young, owner and winemaker of Bending Branch Winery. Bending Branch's focus on innovation and sustainability was a key reason for their inclusion in Wine Business Monthly's list of Hot Brands 2024. In an exclusive podcast interview, Dr Bob is announcing an exciting new Texas white oak program and debuting three new wines that feature Texas white oak aging. He also makes a big announcement about a new tasting room on the property. You’ll only hear it here. In Texas wine news, I'll announce the TWGGA award winners. And a very special guest joins me to discuss the Rhone Rangers’ upcoming visit to the Hill Country and to Austin for tasting events. You’ll hear from Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines who is the current president of the board of directors for Rhone Rangers. Cheers y'all!

My guest today is award winning winemaker Jackie van Sant Downes, a native Texan who learned to make wine and had a flourishing career in Sonoma, and then returned to Texas to make wine for Driftwood Estate Winery. You may also know her personal brand, Jaclynn Renee Wines. She joins me for a really insightful talk about her winemaking approach, what she’s learned in 18 years in winemaking, and the exciting things that are coming for both Driftwood and Jaclynn Renee Wines. In Texas wine news, I’ll share the scoop on big news on Lost Draw separating from William Chris Wine Company, a new alliance for Texas Hill Country Wineries association, an article about old vines, and more. Cheers y'all!

I’m kicking off 2025 with Bryan Chagoly of Sandy Road Vineyards. He’s back to tell us how Texas wine performed in wine competitions in 2024, what Texas wine is winning awards, which wineries are winning most often, what is new at Sandy Road Vineyards. 2025 started out with a bang in the Texas wine news department. In our news segment, I’ll share how Llano Estacado, one of the oldest wineries in Texas, has new owners and big new plans. Plus major kudos to Bending Branch Winery for being named a Hot Brand for 2024 by Wine Business Monthly. Cheers y'all!

Today my guest is Landon Miller of Signor Vineyards. He’s responsible for production and seems to have his hand in many different aspects of the Signor brand. You'll hear more about the care with which Signor approaches winemaking, the strong ties to the land, and how Signor is truly a family business. It's harvest time in Texas! In the Texas wine news, there’s a new wine competition in Cowtown, sad news of a newer Hill Country winery that’s closing, and a distinctively Texas wine focused-preview week for the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival that will be coming up this fall. Cheers y'all!

Henry Crowson of Crowson Wines in Johnson City is always a ton of fun. Both his "0-0" winemaking style and his plans for his brand are pretty unique in Texas. Henry tells all about a future move and his long-term vision for Crowson Wines. In the Texas wine news, there’s a focus on news from North Texas, wine competition results – including some that may surprise you – and a new organic designation that was awarded to a property in Fredericksburg. Cheers, y'all!

Jeremy Wilson joins me for episode 84. He's a sommelier and brand ambassador for Adega Vinho Winery and my latest guest in an occasional series of Texas Wine Country Personalities. Jeremy has been around the Texas wine industry for quite awhile not only as a winery employee, but also as a Texas Wine Lover writer and even as a podcaster back in the day. Listen in to hear about his new personal wine project, his thoughts on the Texas wine industry, and the other beverage he loves almost as much as wine. In the Texas wine news, you'll hear about a major winery acquisition, wineries opening and closing, winemakers on the move, weather woes, and more. Cheers y'all!

This is episode 81, and my guest today is Mike Batek. Mike and his wife Denise own Hye Meadow Winery in Hye in the Texas Hill Country. Mike is also the current president of the Texas Hill Country Wineries association. His story starts at the beginning of his wine journey and ends with upcoming travel and a winemaking "stage" in Slovenia! In the Texas wine news section, I’m talking about wineries opening and expanding, Texas wine women are getting a shoutout in Men’s Health, and I’m reviewing my recent France trip with other Texas wine enthusiasts. Don't miss the ticket giveaways to two events the weekend of May 4-5. Cheers, yall!

My guest on episode 80 is Tim Drake. He’s winemaker at Michael Ros Winery in Fredericksburg and also makes wine for Farmhouse Vineyards and Majek Vineyards. Tim has been in the Texas wine industry for quite some time, and he started his wine career in Washington. He's an entertaining subject with lots to say about winery design, winemaking philosophies, how the Texas wine industry has evolved, and more. In the Texas wine news section, we’re anticipating the April 8 eclipse, reviewing Texas wine stories from large regional magazines, and discussing the magic of wine, a new campaign by WineAmerica to change the way we talk about wine. Cheers y'all!

My guest today is Bret Perrenoud, is one of the owners of a newer winery in Fredericksburg called Airis'Ele Vineyards. Many in the Texas wine industry know him from his long stint as the general manager at Becker Vineyards. During this interview, Bret shares a lot of stories and lessons learned during his years at Becker and explains how those experiences prepared him to open Airisele in 2022 with his wife Chris and their partners John and Susie Bernard. In the Texas news section, wineries are opening and closing and moving. And People moving too. We’ve got Texsom Awards results, a big Texas wine and travel article, an American wine drinking challenge, and several marquee events featuring Texas wine that you won’t want to miss this spring. Cheers y'all!

Katy Jane Seaton is co-owner of Farmhouse Vineyards in the Texas High Plains. We’re talking about Texas agriculture, Farmhouse’s best damn client list, the eclipse, the quest for unity in Texas wine, and much more. ⁠ In the Texas news section, we’ve got some breaking news from Daniel Kelada at Vinovium, good press for Texas white grape varieties, and a special Texas wine event for International Women’s Day.⁠ ⁠ Cheers y'all!

My guests today are Kristin and Mike Nelson of Ab Astris Stonewall. In 2020 I answered a call for harvest help, met the Nelson family, and have enjoyed getting to know them and their wines ever since. Our conversation includes their thoughts on the family business, sustainability, authenticity, and much more. In the Texas news section, we’ve got ownership changes, new tasting rooms, travel news and spring events you won't want to miss. Cheers y'all!