Texas Reds and Whites

Imagine two Texas ladies deciding they’d had enough of working for someone else and needing a change of pace. Sounds like so many people’s dreams, right? Well after working together for years and developing a fantastic friendship, Martha Fischer and Diana Mortensen knew they could work well together, and decided it was time to move forward on their wish list of business ideas. After consulting with a micro lender, they were encouraged to follow a path leading them on a five-year journey from concept to business front.

No one told them it would be easy; no one told them it might take more years than they expected. They knew they would have to roll up their sleeves and persevere and that they did. Though they initially may not have realized just how many hurdles would lie between them and the realization of their business’ opening day, they had the tenacity to stick with it and we are all the luckier for that. On September 23, Red River gained something entirely new to the downtown Austin scene, when a lovely wine tasting room featuring wines made of only 100% Texas fruit opened.

Texas Reds and Whites is conveniently located by the Austin Convention Center, and is uniquely positioned to be the first opportunity that many out of town guests will have to get a taste and glimpse into our world of amazing Texas wines. They currently feature 16 wineries, with plans to expand their list. Both decided it was important to include well-known wineries and some smaller boutique wineries to allow guests to explore the varied options currently produced across various Texas AVAs. Wineries currently available on their menu include: Old Man Scary Cellars, Hye Meadow Winery, William Chris Vineyards, McPherson Cellars, Bingham Family Vineyards, Duchman Family Winery, Thirsty Mule Winery & Vineyard, Messina Hof Winery & Resort, Brennan Vineyards, Perissos Vineyard and Winery, Saddlehorn Winery, Majek Vineyard and Winery, Georgetown Winery, Fall Creek Vineyards, Wedding Oak Winery, Bending Branch Winery, and C.L. Butaud Wines. In all, they currently offer more than 100 Texas wines from these various wineries for customers to enjoy in the tasting room, or bottles for visitors to purchase.

Texas Reds and Whites is exclusively featuring 100% Texas grown grape wines and in the case of one wine, 100% Texas peaches. Their desire is to help increase individual awareness on the caliber and breadth of varieties of whites, reds, sparkling, and sweet wines to include a peach wine that this wonderful state is producing.

Although Martha and Diana may prefer different sides of the wine spectrum, they both enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with so many wonderful people within the Texas wine industry, and are excited about the upcoming events they are planning. This venue will be a fantastic opportunity for individuals who may not have the time to drive out to the wineries, however, may be able to enjoy special wine tasting events featuring various wineries to both educate and expand the experience for consumers, and allow them to get some of the same exposure to the producers.

Both business owners are energized by the opportunity to meet new people and help serve as ambassadors for Texas wine in Austin. They are equally proud of the fact that they have bootstrapped this on their own and do not owe anyone. Now that’s a wonderful way to get things started.

Visitors will find an upscale, comfortable atmosphere to grab a glass, carafe, bottle, or sample of any wines on the list. Flights of three or tastings of five wines are both available allowing guests to sample any wines on the tasting menu. They will soon be offering cheese plates for customers and are looking to continue to expand items in the tasting room for patrons to enjoy.

There is a three bottle and six bottle wine club option already available allowing individuals to start to build a great collection of Texas wines. Their website also lists upcoming events for those special winery wine tastings, affording patrons the chance to meet and learn more directly from various wineries.

We highly recommend stopping by this month to welcome them to downtown Austin, celebrate their grand opening, and enjoy some spectacular Texas wine during Texas Wine Month. They’d love to have you come visit and share a little piece of their world, as you explore the variety of beautiful Texas sourced wines they carry that represent this great big beloved state.