David Newitt and Tyler Wolz
Most wineries have a head winemaker with assistant winemakers helping produce their Texas wines. In the case of Slate Theory Winery, they have two winemakers, Tyler Wolz and David Newitt. Their combined efforts are producing results with Slate Theory Winery winning awards at recent wine competitions. We happily introduce Tyler Wolz and David Newitt as this month’s combined winemaker profile!
- What did you do before becoming a winemaker?
Tyler Wolz: Before I came into the wine industry, I was in college studying kinesiology and playing football.
David Newitt: I was in the corporate world of direct marketing and advertising for 32 years.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a winemaker in Texas?
Tyler: The toughest challenge would have to be the different weather every year. Every year it seems to be different from crazy hail, no rain, too much rain, all at the wrong times. It’s hard to keep the growing seasons consistent. That being said I do like the fact that when drinking a wine it tells a story of how that year went.
David: Inconsistent weather.
- Is winemaking an art or a science or both?
Tyler: I would say both. You have to have the science behind the wine, but the wine as a whole would be the art. For me, making something different each year tells the story of the weather from the growing season, to the vineyard, to the yeast used, and the barrel used is the best part about it.
David: I believe it’s both. Science guides you technically, but the art guides your sensory evaluations.
- What is your favorite food and wine pairing?
Tyler: I would never say no to a big steak with a nice bold Petite Sirah.
David: I like a nice rib-eye steak and a bold red wine.
- If you didn’t make wine, what would you do?
Tyler: If I wasn’t making wine I would probably go back to school and finish my degree and continue down that path.
David: Relax on the ranch.
- What first attracted you to winemaking and how long have you been doing it?
Tyler: In 2013, I started working in the cellar and was hooked right away seeing and learning about everything that went into just one bottle of wine.
David: Learning about wines 20+ years ago and enjoying them. I purchased property in the Hill Country 15 years ago and planted a small vineyard in 2019. I’ve been actively involved in winemaking for the past six years.
- What is the most common question you are asked as a winemaker?
Tyler: Do you get to drink all the time?
David: What’s your favorite wine?
- After a long day in the winery or vineyard, what do you do?
Tyler: After a long day I like to go to the gym to just shut my brain off for a few hours before going home and to have dinner and kick my feet up.
David: I like to go home and sit in my recliner and chill out.
- What’s the greatest part about being a winemaker?
Tyler: Being able to see something I have made being enjoyed by so many people.
David: Seeing what you have created being purchased and enjoyed by consumers.
- What is your winemaking philosophy, that is, what are you trying to achieve with your wines?
Tyler: I am trying to create the perfect balance when it comes to the structure of the wine.
David: To make a wine that is well-balanced and expresses the characteristics of the fruit.
- Anything else you would like to add?
David: It’s exciting to be a part of the Texas wine industry, collaborating with others, and enjoying the growth we have experienced.
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