Sangria and Salsa! A Great Combination

The Sangria and Salsa event at Llano Estacado Winery was just exactly as much fun as it sounds! The Sangria was flowing and dozens of different types of salsa and chips were available for the tasting. Not only that, but desserts galore were available as well. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday on the Llano patio. Live music played as folks milled around or sat under umbrellas and just relaxed on a summer afternoon.

Llano Estacado Winery is located at 3426 East FM 1585 just south of Lubbock. Its Spanish style architecture is reminiscent of the area’s roots. Established in 1976, Llano Estacado is one of the premiere wineries in this part of the state. By 1980, the winery had reached production of 6,000 cases of wine annually. By 1984, the company’s first Double Gold was awarded at the San Francisco International Wine competition to a 1984 Chardonnay.

In 1993, Greg Bruni came in as winemaker. By 2005, Llano Estacado wines were poured at President George Bush’s Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. Last year, Llano produced over 170,000 cases of wine. Quite a story for a winery with a dream and the ability to convince West Texas cotton farmers there was a place for grapes on their land.

Llano Estacado has one of the best staffs around, and they are always eager to help the discerning and somewhat less discerning wine lover out with advice and information.

Their featured wines include the THP Montepulciano, a great West Texas vineyard grown grape. The Montepulciano is 85% just that, 12% Aglianico, and 3% Barbera. Deep red in color, this THP or “Texas Hocus Pocus” is deep red and perfumed with ripe plum and blackberries.

The Montsec Viognier is grown more in the Dell Valley area in far West Texas. This wine has aromas of apricot and white flowers balanced with a dry, mineral finish.

Their featured Signature Rosé is, according to Llano, “What classic rosé should be: fruity, aromatic, and food-friendly.” This is your casual down home wine. Great on a picnic or served with a wonderful seafood dinner. You won’t be disappointed. And there are so many more to choose from!

But, the Sangria on Saturday was a beautiful, and can I even use the word “friendly,” blend of fruits and some of Llano’s best. Berries of different types mixed with the Sweet Red of Llano was probably the favorite of the day, but the Gewürztraminer blend was excellent as well. On this hot West Texas day, that icy sangria brought out the party in everyone.

Food trucks surrounded the patio area and for the price of admission, attendees were given tickets which could be used for the Sangria or for any of the food trucks from Street Tacos to Kurbside Sweets and their delectable ice cream dishes.

Inside, table after table of salsa and chips could be found. Various local restaurants and caterers brought out their best salsa recipes, from mild to blow the roof off, to be tasted and judged by those enjoying the day. And, let me tell you, that cold Sangria was pretty tasty after experiencing some of Lubbock’s hottest salsas.

If you find yourself in Lubbock, take the time to make the short drive out to Llano Estacado Winery. Hours are Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from noon until 5 p.m. Tours run every thirty minutes with the last tour starting at 4 p.m. each day. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can schedule a tour by calling 800-634-3854.

Sangria and Salsa! It gets no better!