Sandy Road Vineyards – Two Sisters, a Texas Vineyard with a View, and a Treehouse

Kristina and Adrienne are sisters with fond memories of visiting their grandmother at the family ranch. When driving on Highway 290 just west of Johnson City, there’s a sign for Sandy, which references what used to be the small town of Sandy, Texas. In 1931, Lonnie J. Dixon purchased the 100-acre farm and four generations later, the sisters inherited the ranch.

Kristina married Reagan Sivadon. When he was a kid, he was best friends with Ron Yates. Yep, that’s Ron Yates of Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Wines. After years of working in construction, Reagan met up with Ron and started working for the family at Spicewood Vineyards. He learned the ropes in the vineyard and in the cellar. In time, Reagan became the associate winemaker under Todd Crowell. Together the two were responsible for the production of wines for both labels.

Adrienne is married to Bryan Chagoly, and the two couples discovered the ranch would be a perfect place to plant wine grapes. They recognized the need for more Texas-grown grapes for the increasing number of wineries in the state. In 2016, the family began planting the vineyard, intending to sell the fruit. But since there was a winemaker in the family, it made sense for Reagan to create his own Texas wines under a label for the family. In 2018, Sandy Road Vineyards was born.

With sixteen acres under vine, there are eight blocks of grapes which include Tempranillo, Mencía, Prieto Picudo, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Marselan. If a few of these are unfamiliar, you’re not alone. After much research, the family chose grapes based on the similarities of the soils and temperatures at the family farm compared with each grape’s originating region. They were less concerned about making wines popular with Texans and more interested in crafting high-quality, small-batch wines.

Specifically, they researched the southern Rhône River Valley in France, Italy, and northern Spain. They believe grapes that love their place will translate into delicious wines in the glass. They also believe “the best fertilizer is a farmer’s shadow,” and they are constantly in the vineyard, working the vines, and striving for perfection.

Not only is the family hands-on in the vineyard, but they also built the treehouse and tasting pavilion with their own hands. Yes, I said treehouse! An old mobile home left abandoned on the property sat near what is now the vineyard. They needed to move the dilapidated structure, but that can be hard to do. So instead, they upcycled much of the materials, carefully welding strong iron beams to create the platform of the elevated structure that is nestled in an oak tree and overlooks the vineyard. This treehouse served as the first tasting space for Sandy Road Vineyards.

Today, you can choose an elevated tasting – literally overlooking the vines and learning the family’s story while tasting through the current wines. Or you can relax in comfortable patio seating in the tasting pavilion. Kids and dogs are welcome. And if you’re a club member, the pickup parties are a blast with a family atmosphere, food pairings, live music, and a great view. Sandy Road wines are always well-balanced and interesting whether you like whites or reds, still or sparkling, light or bold. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance for a tasting in the treehouse, and most weekends, you can simply pop in for wine at the pavilion. You’ll not only find both couples pouring wine most weekends, but their kids are usually helping out as well. It’s a true family project and these are folks you’ll love getting to know.