Spicewood Vineyards is located in Spicewood, TX. The winery was originally owned by Madeleine and Edward Manigold and was bonded in 1995. In 2007 the Ron Yates family bought the winery.
We have been to the winery a few times and the first couple times there was always a nice crowd of people lining the tasting bar. Our last visit was on a Thursday and we had the place to ourselves which was nice as we could talk, relax, and enjoy the time with our tasting guide.
Tastings are done standing or sitting at the tasting bar and since we were the only ones there last time we took a nice seat at the bar to do our tasting. There is a tasting fee for a selection of 6 wines. If you buy a bottle of wine though, the tasting is free. The corked bottles are poured using a measured pourer. Crackers are served to cleanse your palate.
While enjoying our tasting, we learned Spicewood Vineyards uses about 80 percent Texas grapes in their wine. The estate vineyard was planted in 1992 and is now 22 acres. Some of the grapes grown are Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot. The Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes used come from the Columbia Valley, Washington area. The Grenache and Zinfandel come from California.
Spicewood Vineyards produces 2,000-3,000 cases of wine a year. A large underground barrel room underneath the tasting room can accommodate 400 barrels. Since we had heard about the large underground room, we were hoping to take a tour of the winery. Tours are available but you must call ahead so the winemaker can be present to give the tour. Since we were the only ones present, our tasting guide let us take a quick look at the underground barrel room. Besides barrels, there are also stainless steel tanks and the production of their Texas wine happens on the lower level.
A nice gift shop is present with various items for purchase. Spicewood Vineyards has a wine club and it includes various benefits such as events like a member pick up party held solely for wine club members for each release.
Weddings, receptions, and meetings are held at the winery. When we were first at Spicewood Vineyards, a wedding reception was taking place. A large event center is next to the tasting room and it can accommodate up to 200 people. Porches outline the event center offering outside seating areas for even more guests.
Spicewood Vineyards is on the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail. Take a trip to Spicewood Vineyards and enjoy their Texas wine.
