Chris McIntosh of Edge of the Lake Vineyard Winemaker Profile

There is a new winery north of Dallas/Fort Worth that is starting to get a lot of buzz when discussing Texas wines. Besides a beautiful house turned winery, consumers are learning the wines are excellent. We previously wrote about Edge of the Lake Vineyard and this month’s featured winemaker is Chris McIntosh, the winemaker for Edge of the Lake Vineyard!

1. What did you do before becoming a winemaker (if anything)?

Most recently I was the Beverage Program Director for a large Dallas-based restaurant.

2. What is the toughest challenge about being a winemaker in Texas?

Besides dealing with what Mother Nature gives you, for me personally it has been learning to be patient with each process and just soaking up everything that I learn with every wine and vintage. “I am not naturally patient.”

3. Is winemaking an art or a science or both?

For me winemaking is definitely Art, that leans heavily on science to complement the beautiful expression of that art.

4. What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

As with most, I of course love a great ribeye (bone-in preferably) with a juicy Cabernet or heavier red blend. I am enjoying however trying to find more uncommon pairings, such as spice-driven food with Tempranillo or wines that even compliment soul food.

5. If you didn’t make wine, what would you do?

Most likely I would have started managing property and expanded into commercial real estate.

6. What first attracted you to winemaking and how long have you been doing it?

For me my attraction was brought on by necessity, my father had been growing grapes for almost nine years at the time and we wanted to start making wine. So, we enrolled at Grayson College to learn more, but originally thought we would hire a winemaker. But, I was addicted to the whole process and decided I would figure it out.

7. What is the most common question you are asked as a winemaker?

“Do you just love what you do?”

8. After a long day in the winery or vineyard, what do you do?

I enjoy cooking with my fiancée, with wine of course, and taking in the breathtaking sunsets that occur here on the estate.

9. What’s the greatest part about being a winemaker?

I spend a lot of time in the tasting room, so for me, it’s getting to share our hard work with every bottle that is opened with people and friends.

10. What is your winemaking philosophy, that is, what are you trying to achieve with your wines?

I believe our style is still evolving, but we try to follow a minimal manipulation style, we have no desire to have a wine that tastes identical to each vintage, I want that vintage and that fruit to be special and represent what it is.

11. Anything else you would like to add?

Just as a family-run vineyard we are so excited to be a part of this community and hope to assist in really putting North Texas on the map of great wine. Keep your eye on us as big things to come in the future.