The Llano Estacado Winery Annual Wine and Clay Festival is always a great stop for wine lovers, as well as anyone with any interest in art of varying types. With the beautiful facilities Llano has to offer, you know any event held here is going to be first class. Stephanie Irvin, Events Manager, hosted her first Wine and Clay Festival to perfection.
The event is free, however you may purchase wine at booths set up throughout the buildings. The greeters were fun and friendly and politely questioned whether or not this “seasoned lady” was old enough to wear the 21 and older wrist band. I was appropriately flattered, even though I am sure there was no real question about my age!
My first glass was, any guesses?? A Moscato. My friend chose a Pinot Grigio and we were both pleased. Llano Estacado is synonymous with quality in the wine family. The Moscato was not as sweet as some and was a perfect complement to the day. The Pinot was light and refreshing and just what was needed on this warm West Texas Summer day.
The art booths certainly did not disappoint. I wanted some of everything! There were clay pot booths certainly and some of the most beautiful hand work I have seen done with clay. There was an iridescent variety that really caught my eye. There were also woven clay “baskets” available. All were just stunning. Llano Estacado Clay Guild members provided the booths from which to choose, all nestled in among the workings of the winery.
There were also jewelry booths where the art was such unique works, melted glass pressed and heated, and pressed and heated, and with amazing results. Everything was quite different and not likely to be found anywhere else. There were even wonderful breads for the purchasing.
Photography always catches my eye and there were displays of some of the most beautiful West Texas landscapes, but there were also great scenes from the Grand Canyon and from snow topped peaks (clearly not West Texas) waterfalls, and wildlife. Something for everyone.
Live music furnished by the Shane Rogers Band was being played out on the plaza with comfortable tents set up for patrons to enjoy the sounds while relaxing with a cool glass of wine. Food trucks featuring Now We Taco’n, Kurbside Sweets (Saturday), Kona Ice (Sunday), Dion’s and Llano Cuban provided all who attended with delectable fare with which to pair their wines.
Tere Caswell of Castaño Prado vineyard
We spent about an hour, but I think we could have spent much more in the relaxing atmosphere that is Llano Estacado. Llano is one of the older wineries in the area being established in 1976. Greg Bruni is the V.P. executive winemaker and his name is one that is well recognized in the winemaking world. Jason Centanni handles the winemaking duties. Llano Estacado is located at 3426 East FM 1585, just on the outskirts of Lubbock. It is a short drive and well worth the trip. The wines found at Llano Estacado are almost exclusively made with Texas grapes and the quality is superb.
Don’t miss next year’s Llano Estacado Winery’s Annual Wine and Clay Festival!
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