Rancho Ponte Vineyard was opened in January of 2009 by Rachel and Roberto Ponte and is located just outside of Fredericksburg. The Pontes had been growing grapes in California for two decades and decided to move to Central Texas. Roberto Ponte is part of a fourth generation of winegrowers.
We first visited Rancho Ponte over two years ago and it was the first winery in which we joined a wine club. You can easily find the winery as they are one of the first wineries to the east of Fredericksburg on Highway 290. We have visited a few times and the first couple times we timed it correctly where there were not many customers and we always got the same gentleman as a tasting guide. The last time was really busy but we found a spot along the large rectangular tasting bar.
There is a tasting fee for six wines which also includes a logo glass. The tasting fee is refunded with a three bottle purchase. Ranch Ponte uses both corks and screw caps. Wines are poured with a measured pourer. Wine crackers are available to cleanse your palate.
You can buy a gourmet tasting plate of food which includes Manchego, double crème Brie, and Irish cheddar cheese, locally made Spanish style chorizo, and dried apricots & Tuscan rosemary flatbread.
Rancho Ponte specializes in making interesting blends. One such wine is “Triple M” which combines Merlot, Mourvèdre, and Muscat Canelli.
On our last visit, two different pourers helped us and none could tell us what the percentage of Texas grapes Rancho Ponte used. They did know that some grapes came from New Mexico.
Rancho Ponte does not distribute their wine on purpose so you must buy it at the winery or order it online. They believe they use the best grapes they can purchase and handle the product minimally. They do not use unnecessary additives, flavorings, or preservatives in their Texas wines. Rancho Ponte produces about 1,300 cases of wine a year.
There is a nice gift shop with wine accessories, clothing, and other items. No tours are given at the winery. There is a wine club which gives wines, discounts, and free tastings. Live music is held on the weekends.
Rancho Ponte Vineyards is on the Texas Hill Country wine trail and the Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 wine trail.
Jeff this is one of our favorite places to visit. It was on our list of places last year that we got to hit. Nice article on the winery. Maybe before the year is out we will be able to visit it and write about the wines and compare from last year.
Jeff, we are winelovers from the Netherlands visiting Texas. And I am really impressed by the outstanding quality of the Rancho Ponte wines. Very smooth wines with great expression. A true example of wine making expertise.
Glad you are enjoying yourself. One thing to look for when you’re tasting Texas wines is to look for the word Texas on the front label which indicates at least 75% of the grapes used came from Texas. That should give you a true definitely of the Texas terroir. Cheers!