Great Places & People Archives

Randy Hester’s Got Skin in the Game: C.L. Butaud Magic in Three Wines For Summer

June 7, 2023 admin 0

Just when you think things are standing pat with no new twists in sight, here comes C.L. Butaud winemaker Randy Hester with this magic. His wines prove that Randy really does have skin in the game. […]

Texas Hill Country Wineries Tasting Stop: Airis’Ele Vineyards 2021 Redlin – It’s Time to Discover Texas Dry Rose All Pretty in Pink

April 25, 2023 admin 0

Airis’Ele is a blending of two names: Airis comes from John Bernard’s side of the family, and Ele is derived from Chris’s maiden name Bendele … to become Airis’Ele. (pronounced Air-is-L). Now, let’s move on to the main story…the winery and the wine. […]

New Texas AVA Petition “HICKORY SANDS” Deemed “Perfected” Paving the Way for First New Texas AVA since early 2000s

April 25, 2023 admin 0

Establishing the Hickory Sands AVA would support the growth of the Texas wine industry by highlighting the quality and distinctiveness of wines produced in this area. […]

Texas Hill Country Wineries Tasting Stop at Kalasi Cellars: Five Generations of Agricultural Heritage Continues with Growing Grapes and Making Wines in Texas. Get Ready for Rosé!

April 25, 2023 admin 1

When visiting Fredericksburg these days, it’s easy to miss a tasting opportunity. There is so much going on the Route 290 Wine Road that you may not think to deviate. But, if you do, you will be rewarded by discovering Kalasi Cellars, a boutique winery, vineyard, and tasting room. […]

It’s Time for Your Texas Fine Wine Spring 2023 Road Trip: Plot Your Path and Get Some Fine Texas Wines from Four Wineries and Take in the Sights, Too!

April 25, 2023 admin 1

Need a short break from work? Want to take in the Texas hill country in its Springtime beauty? Want to test out your new muscle car on curvy roads? Want to taste some really fine […]

Texas Davis Mountains AVA Tasting Stop: One Steak and Three Alta Marfa Tempranillos… Limestone, Sandstone and Volcanic

March 26, 2023 admin 0

Ever heard of Alta Marfa? I’m not surprised if you haven’t. I didn’t either until, in 2022, when I met up in Fredericksburg with friend, Mason wine grower and winemaker Dan McLaughlin (Robert Clay Vineyards) […]

Gulf Coast Tasting Stop at Newsom Vineyards at The Empty Glass, Tomball Depot: Part 1 – Some Excellent New ‘White’ Wines

February 24, 2023 admin 2

When I think of Newsom Vineyards, my first thought is of well-structured red wines. On this tasting stop at the Newsom Vineyards tasting room in Tomball (104 Market Street), I did taste some excellent reds […]

Pleasant Hill Winery Closes: Owners Bob and Jeanne Cottle Set Sights on Retirement, and (for Bob) Sailing the Loop

February 23, 2023 admin 0

Through the years, Bob and Jeanne were a team in the tasting room, appearing at wine and grape growing meetings, pouring wine at festivals, and submitting wines to competition. In April 2022, Pleasant Hill Winery celebrated its 25th Anniversary as the oldest modern-day winery in Washington County. […]

Ode to the #1 White Grape in Texas, Blanc Du Bois and the Five Other Things I Learned at the Gulf Coast Winegrowers 2023 Watson Field Day

February 13, 2023 admin 1

It was an all-day technical program followed by an afternoon tasting of some of the Texas Gulf Coast area’s wines. […]

Southeast Louisiana Parishes Visit Houston: Gumbo, Fiddling and Singing – Seemed to come from half the world away, but it’s actually just next door! Wine Pairing Advice, too…

January 23, 2023 admin 0

Southeast Louisiana, only a short drive away. It’s a cuisine-rich country that seems to come from half the world away, but it’s actually just next door! […]

VINTAGE TEXAS

The Wineslinger Chronicles