TEXAS SOMMELIERS, Wine Experts Select Top Lone Star Wines

AUSTIN, Texas – Feb. 22, 2011 – In the first-ever Texas Sommelier Tasting, nearly a dozen sommeliers and wine experts blind tasted more than 100 Texas wines to select their favorites that best represent Texas and its terroir. From Blanc du Bois grown in Coastal sandy soils to Mediterranean varieties like Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Vermentino that are flourishing in the High Plains, Texas is producing high-quality wines that appeal to a wide range of wine consumers.

“While Texas makes some outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Chardonnays, winemakers across the Lone Star State are not afraid to introduce wine consumers to new wines well-suited for our climate and our Southwestern foods,” said Robert Champion, state coordinator of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Wine Marketing Program.

The first in what will be an ongoing Texas Sommelier Tasting program, the blind tasting was designed to provide a snapshot of wines consumers can look forward to tasting this year in winery tasting rooms or when purchased at retailers and restaurants. The tasting took place in Austin on Jan. 17.

“This tasting showed the strength of the Texas wine industry and how well Mediterranean varieties are doing,” said Drew Hendricks, MS, director of beverage education and wine for the Houston-based Pappas Restaurant Group and one of the sommelier tasters. “There are many new and exciting wineries as well.”

“The list of wines below provides a great start to finding the perfect Texas wine for any meal, cheese or dessert pairing. There are many Texas award-winning wines that you might enjoy,” Champion said. “Your best bet is to try Texas wines for yourself and see what you like.”

Here are the favorites among the wine professionals:

Chardonnay
Llano Estacado, 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay
Fall Creek Vineyards, 2009 Chardonnay

Viognier
Lone Oak Winery, 2010 Viognier
Brennan Vineyards, 2009 Viognier

Blanc du Bois
Haak Vineyards and Winery, 2010 Dry Blanc du Bois
Lone Oak Winery, 2010 Blanc du Bois
Enoch’s Stomp, 2009 Off-Dry Blanc du Bois
Haak Vineyards and Winery, 2010 Semi-Sweet Blanc du Bois
Pinot Grigio
Texas Hills Vineyard, 2008 Pinot Grigio

Riesling
Bell Mountain Vineyards, 2007 Late Harvest Riesling

Other Whites
Duchman Family Winery, 2009 Vermentino
Llano Estacado, 2009 Viviana
Landon Winery, 2010 Gewurztraminer

Rosé
Driftwood Estate Winery, 2010 Dry Rosé
McPherson Cellars, 2009 Rosé of Syrah
Messina Hof Wine Cellars, 2010 Sophia Marie Rosé

Rhone and Bordeaux Blends Becker Vineyards, 2009 Prairie Rotie Inwood Estates Vineyards, 2006 Magellan
Messina Hof Wine Cellars, 2006 Paulo Bordeaux Blend

Merlot
Grape Creek Vineyards, 2008 Merlot
Pedernales Cellars, 2008 Merlot

Syrah
Brennan Vineyards, 2007 Syrah

Petite Syrah
Torre di Pietra Vineyards, 2008 Petite Syrah

Tempranillo/Tempranillo Blends
Inwood Estates Vineyards, 2008 Cornelius
Inwood Estates Vineyards, 2007 Tempranillo-Cabernet
Pedernales Cellars, 2008 Tempranillo
Red Caboose Winery and Vineyard, 2007 Tempranillo
La Buena Vida Vineyards-Springtown, 2005 Smith Estate Tempranillo

Cabernet Sauvignon
Crump Valley Vineyards, 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Brennan Vineyards, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Kiepersol Estates Winery, 2007 Texas Cabernet Sauvignon

Red Blends
Brushy Creek Vineyards, NV Trois Amis
Pedernales Cellars, 2008 Kuhlken Vineyards Reserve
Red Caboose Winery and Vineyard, 2008 Lenoir/Tempranillo
Sandstone Cellars, 2009 X Llano Estacado, 2007 Viviano
Fall Creek Vineyards, 2006 Meritus
Other Reds
Duchman Family Winery, 2009 Dolcetto
Duchman Family Winery, 2009 Montepulciano
Messina Hof Wine Cellars, 2009 Private Reserve Cabernet Franc
Sandstone Cellars, 2009 VII

Dessert/Port
Enoch’s Stomp, 2009 Sweet Lenoir
Grape Creek Vineyards, NV Port
Pleasant Hill Winery, NV Tawny Rosso Forte
Texas Hills Vineyard, 2008 Moscato
Stone House Vineyard, NV Scheming Beagle Port
McPherson Cellars, NV Chansa Solera Reserva Sherry
Enoch’s Stomp, 2009 Ellen’s Sweet Song

With more than 215 wineries, Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing state and seventh-largest grape producer. For more information about Texas wine, go to www.gotexanwine.org.

Texas Wine & Rogue Art Fest 2010

: March 27-28

We’re looking for artists to join us for our next festival! http://saladowinefestival.com/vendor-registration/

We’ve got Texas wineries coming to join us, we’ve got music, food and most important, we’ve got ART!

So save the date:

Saturday March 27 & Sunday March 28

For more information: ww.saladowinefestival.com

Pick up a Texas Winery Passport

Come by Salado Wine Seller and pick up a Texas Winery Passport and earn free gifts. Getting Rewards is fun and easy! Simply take your passport to the Texas wineries and follow the directions on the passport. We’ll be happy to stamp it as well. If you forget to ask us for a stamp, don’t worry, just take a look at your receipt and you’ll find our code on the bottom.

Some wineries have a display in their visitor area that will show their code. Once you get your four stamps, log on to www.gotexanwine.org. Click on PASSPORT REWARDS tab and enter the codes from your passport, fill out the forms and your free reward-item will be shipped to you. Keep collecting and filling out new passports to earn additional rewards. Filled passports can be collected and used to track your favorite Texas wines.

Poster Signing by Rick Vanderpool

Poster available at Salado Wine Seller

Saturday, October 27th, 12- 7pm

Take a break from the activities of Salado’s Founders Day, come have a glass of wine and meet photographer Rick Vanderpool. His most recent poster, “90 days in Texas Wine Country” will be for sale and he will be available for signings & stories.

Check out this article from the Dallas Morning News:

Photographer Rick Vanderpool raises a glass to Texas wine country

12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, October 4, 2009

By KATHRYN STRAACH / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
Kathryn Straach is a freelance writer in San Antonio.

Just in time for October’s Texas Wine Month, photographer Rick Vanderpool has released a new poster, “Ninety Days in Texas Wine Country.”

It’s a montage of about 90 photos of the 90 or so wineries Vanderpool visited over 90 days this year. The colorful pictures depict aspects of the Texas wine industry, including the grape growing season, vineyards, grape stomping and festivals and barrels, along with children.

The poster was set to debut with signings as part of Texas Wine Month at the fifth annual Texas Fall Fest this weekend at Fall Creek Vineyards in Tow, northeast of Llano, and other festivals in the Texas Hill Country (www.texasfallfest.com).

Vanderpool photographs Texas icons and turns them into pieces of art. In one project, he drove more than 20,000 miles throughout the state looking for the word “Texas.” From more than 1,000 photos, he created a poster that was released in 2000. “Looking for Texas” is a montage of the word and includes a legend that identifies each photo’s county.

“Looking for Texas” became so popular that it was decoupaged on restaurant tables at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin and turned into a popular quilting fabric and puzzle.

Other posters created by Vanderpool, some featuring specific towns, have showcased Texas wildflowers, barbecue joints, hamburger stands, spurs, windmills, hot-air balloons, stars, cactus, movie marquees and Aggieland.

To order an autographed copy of the 18-by-24-inch wine country print, visit www.whatssograpeabout texas.com. Cost with shipping is $19.95. For other posters, visit www.stateart.net.

Kathryn Straach is a freelance writer in San Antonio.

Chocolate Festival at Salado Wine Seller

5 desserts to be matched with 5 wines

Salado Chocolate
& Art Festival

Evening of Chocolate & Wine

Friday, September 25th, 7:30 – 10 pm. The festival kickoff begins on Friday evening with an Evening of Chocolate & Wine from at Salado Wine Seller. Guests will be invited to savor the taste of premier Texas wines paired with decadent chocolate desserts by Dave Hermann from The Range. Free shuttle transportation will run from 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are $45 and can be ordered by phone (254) 947-8011 or http://www.saladochocolatefestival.com/tickets.htm

Meet Wiseman House Chocolatier

Saturday, September 26th, 12 – 5 pm. Thirteen years ago artist and Chocolatier Kevin Wenzel first opened the doors to the Wiseman House to begin offering fine handmade chocolates to the public. Having studied fine arts in Europe, Asia and the U.S., and chocolate making at a fifth generation chocolate school in Pennsylvania, this confectioner’s son possesses the perfect combination of talent, training, and heritage for this delicate art. Meet the artist and sample the goods! No charge for admission.

Fajitas, Folk, and Chocolate

Saturday, September 26, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Music will be provided by Schade Tree. Acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle are the instruments of choice for members of the Schade Tree Band. The Belton based folk-bluegrass band has been playing together for the past 6 years locally for private parties, restaurants, and festivals. The variety of musical selections is one of the traits of the band as are the three-part harmony spicing up the band’s sound. Song choices range from rock-n-roll to country from bluegrass to old-time and folk music from the 1800s

$30 for glass of wine, fajitas by Johnny’s Steaks & BBQ, & chocolates by Wiseman House Chocolates if ticket purchased by Sep 23. $35 if ticket purchased Sep 23-Sep 26. $5 cover charge at door for those who do not want food & wine package. Call for tickets (254) 947-8011, or hopefully the following link is working:

All alcohol must be purchased from Salado Wine Seller. Anyone possessing or consuming alcohol from other sources will be asked to leave. Salado Wine Seller reserves the right to prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages at any time.

TV show featuring Salado Vineyard

KNCT crew films grape picking

This picture is Stephen & Mary Hanik (from Salado) being filmed by Christian Wohlfhart of KNCT TV. Mr. Wolfhart produced a film about the Texas wineries called, “A Journey In Every Glass”. We’re going to host a special public screening of the documentary on Saturday, September 5 at 7pm.

Christian spent a considerable amount of time documenting my vineyard this spring, and filming harvest. Unlike other media who visit us, he even helped harvest! He then followed the grapes on their journey to Red Caboose Winery.

This documentary was produced by a local PBS station, KNCT. They explored the Central Texas’ wine industry via visits to area wineries. While filming, they helped us pick chardonnay grapes. This is the only time I remember the media actually getting involved and picking, so I hope the show is a great success!

The show will premiere at 7 pm on Tuesday, September1, 2009 and it is entitled “A Journey In Every Glass” . If you are in the Central Texas viewing area (Killeen, Temple, Waco) you can watch the program on KNCT TV.

This program will help promote the annual KNCT Wine Classic fundraiser in January, so I’m sure it will be played again. Check your local listings!

New Wine Premieres at Taste of Salado, August 4th

: Red Caboose Winery Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot

Have you bought your tickets to the first ever “Progressive Taste of Salado”?

Because you don’t want to miss out…

For the first time ever, we will be offering this wine, grown in Salado and made by Red Caboose Winery. This Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend will be poured by the kind folks at The Range Restaurant. The chef, Dave Hermann will pair it with Ancho-Espresso Rubbed and Smoked Filet of Beef over Smoked Cheddar Mashed, Grilled Veggies.

This wine will be available for sale for $32.95, starting the night of the Progressive Taste of Salado, August 4th, 2009 at Salado Wine Seller. The grapes for this wine were grown in 2007 and there is only a limited amount available, so don’t miss the premiere. The grapes from 2008 were blended in a large batch and so it may be 2 years before we have anything this special again!

To purchase tickets, call (214) 293-4579 or click on Progressive Taste of Salado.

Menu for Progressive Taste of Salado–AUG 4th

Don’t forget! August 4th is approaching soon. Reservations are required.

grapevine 3 The progression of the evening will include:

1st Pairing – Salado Wine Seller
Appetizers upon Arrival at Salado Wine Seller
Citrus Poached Shrimp with Cool Mango Salsa served on individual spoons
Smoked Duck and Potato “Croquette” with Wild Mushroom Drizzle
Watermelon, Heirloom Tomato and Basil Bites with Balsamic Drizzle
Paired with Brennan Viognier from Comanche, TX

2nd Pairing – Inn on the Creek
First Course Selections Presented at Inn on the Creek
Bouchon Goat Cheese Trio with Arugala Salad paired with Llano Estacado Viviana from Lubbock, TX
Escargot Parisian paired with McPherson Sangiovese from Lubbock, TX

3rd Pairing – The Range at the Barton House
Entrée Course Presented at The Range Restaurant
Ancho-Espresso Rubbed and Smoked Filet of Beef over Smoked Cheddar Mashed, Grilled Veggies and Red Caboose Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Reduction Sauce paired with Red Caboose Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend from Meridian, TX but grown by our very own June Ritterbusch at Salado Wine Seller

4th Pairing – Gregory’s of Salado
(Course presentation provided by Adelea’s on Main)
Dessert Course Presented by Adelea’s on Main at Gregory’s of Salado
Assorted Truffles paired with Pleasant Hill Rosso Port and Pleasant Hill Tawny Port from Brenham, TX & Texas Hills Orange Muscato from Johnson City, TX

Please arrange your evening schedule to allow three to four hours for this unique culinary experience.

Please click here to make your reservation. Your reservation will be guaranteed with the credit card number you provided. An increase or decrease in party size must be requested prior to July 28th, and is subject to availability. Given this is a pre-billed event refunds are not possible, however gifting your reservation to another party is encouraged.

If you have any additional questions, or if there is any additional planning we can do to make your evening with us more enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (254) 947-5554.

We look forward to seeing you soon!
In the Spirit of Hospitality,
The 2009 Participants of A Progressive Taste of Salado

Austin Street 3 White Chicks

We’re quite excited to offer “Austin Street 3 White Chicks” by Brennan Vineyards. This wine is a blend of Semillon, Chardonnay, and our favorite, Viognier. An excellent refreshing white wine for hot summer days.

Light & refreshing, pairs well with art, music and cheese!

Wildflower Art Show & Texas Wine Tasting

Wildflower Art Show & Texas Wine Tasting, March 28 & 29, 9 am – 5 pm

Come on down and meet Texas artists and Texas wine makers! Sip and swirl great Texas wines while you browse the Wildflower Art Fair.

Representatives from Bell Mountain Vineyards, Brennan Vineyards, Brushy Creek Vineyards, Chisholm Trail Winery, Homestead Winery, Landon Winery, McPherson Cellars Winery, Red Caboose Winery, Spicewood Vineyards, Texas Hills Vineyards, & Woodrose Winery will be available in the afternoon to promote their wines at the Wildflower Art Fair at Salado Wine Seller, 841 N. Main St., Salado, TX 76571.

Artists and artisans throughout Texas and the southwest will line the grounds with beautiful works of oil, acrylics, watercolors, pastels and mixed media including woodwork, sculpture, jewelry, glassworks, metal work and handmade clothing. “Artists in Action” and live music by Paul Cox & Texas Accoustic, Harebilly, Brian Burns, and Richard Paul Thomas.

Admission and parking are free. A commemorative wine glass and tasting tickets will be available for sale; wine by the glass and bottle as well. Proper identification will be required. For more information, please call 254.947.5040 or email [email protected].

Tag Archive for: Texas Wines

TEXAS SOMMELIERS, Wine Experts Select Top Lone Star Wines

Texas Wine & Rogue Art Fest 2010

Pick up a Texas Winery Passport

Poster Signing by Rick Vanderpool