Uplift Vineyard Summer Lobster Feast

Ever wonder what kinds of party certain wineries throw for their members? Often in addition to regular pick-up parties, wineries may feature optional pick-up opportunities allowing members additional dinner parties and events that are member exclusive events. This was one such event for an added charge including additional wines that members had the opportunity to purchase.

Uplift Vineyard held a special member-only optional summer pick-up party in Marble Falls on Saturday, July 13 overlooking the Colorado River featuring a stellar lobster boil members enjoyed in two separate seatings for a lunch or dinner option. The venue was a fabulous spot allowing participants to enjoy cool breezes and the lovely view of the river. But I digress, the real show was watching the lineup of lobster pots set up outside on the outdoor terrace boiling away and staff loading them up with potatoes, artichoke, corn on the cob, garlic, and lobsters.

As the Dallas-based catering team got busy cooking, the Uplift team was busy greeting guests, getting them wine glasses in hand, and escorting them to beautifully appointed summer-themed tables so they could meet their fellow tablemates and wine club members. Everyone initially sampled glasses of 2023 Lou Adah, a blend of 75% Roussanne and 25% Marsanne, which was a nice summer white that was wonderful to get things started.

The staff ensured no one had an empty glass for long and the catering team made sure they kept circling with assorted seafood starters including tuna poke cones, corn and jumbo crab cups, and chilled oysters on the half shell. All tasted wonderful and paired nicely with the refreshing summer white wine.

Next the 2023 Rosé was poured as Chris Brundrett got onstage to welcome guests. He also shared his pride in winemaker Claire Richardson, who produced the 2023 Roussanne which was recently rated 92 points at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards making it the highest-rated Texas wine, an impressive feat. As all guests raised a glass to toast this accomplishment, it was easy to see why. The Roussanne was then brought around for everyone to begin sampling this wine and prepare for dinner. The wine had a beautiful delicate nose, yet all the luscious notes one would expect from this fabulous varietal.

It was then time for the main event and generous platters of artichoke, mini corn on the cob, garlic cloves, red potatoes, shrimp, sausage, and bread started arriving at each table. Those platters were lovingly piled high with glorious deliciousness, which were far more than we could all consume. Additionally, it was time for the 2023 Estate Rosé to be in the glasses to pair with dinner.

Everyone had eager anticipation for the arrival of the lobster trays as they started being delivered with staff coming around to serve each guest their own beautiful red lobster. After the gleeful smiles and photos, the time had come to put those lobster bibs and utensils to good use. Everyone got their hands dirty as they got to work and got busy deconstructing their lobsters and digging out every delicious tidbit possible.

There was a serious focus on enjoying all the bounty on the table while also chatting and getting more acquainted with those at each table. As we all finally found our bellies full, we were reminded that the dessert course would soon be coming around.

The famed and beloved Bluebonnet Restaurant in Marble Falls supplied the Lemon Meringue pies with their top-heavy meringues. Each table elected someone to cut and serve the pie. I got that honor and enjoyed serving my tablemates. As we continued to chat and enjoy the lemony goodness before us, everyone was thanked for coming and reminded of the opportunity to pick up our wines and the opportunity to order additional bottles as some were very limited and would surely sell out in the second seating. The lemony flavors of the pies might even remind some of the kind of dessert recipes you’ll find on Lola Jay Yum.

All slowly started to say goodbye to their tablemates and make their way to the front of the room to purchase more wine and/or grab their wine pickup and thank the Uplift team for hosting such a wonderful event. Everyone at my table shared that this was our first time attending this event and felt this far exceeded expectations. No one should have left hungry after that massive seafood feast.

If you get the chance in the future to attend, I would highly recommend it. Not many wineries attempt a lobster boil, so I have to give this team credit for pushing the envelope to continue to find creative ways to entertain their members and create rewarding experiences. It was definitely tasty and memorable. Well worth it.