Just off the famed US 290 wine trail in Hye, Texas, White House Winery offers a relaxed and playful take on the Hill Country tasting experience. Inspired by presidential pooches, each wine on their list is named after a real dog who once called the White House home, but don’t let the fun theme fool you. The winery is serious about quality and craft.
We stopped in on a Saturday for our visit. The location was familiar from previous businesses being there, but White House Winery has redesigned the tasting room a little with more seating. Owner Brandon Owens has created a space that feels both approachable and refined, with a tasting room that welcomes first-time wine drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. The winemaking is led by Joanna Wilczoch, whose expertise brings elegance and balance to each pour.
Wine Tasting room
We settled in for a tasting, and these were the wines available at the time of our visit:
- Blanco – Vermentino. President Lyndon Johnson’s white collie.
- Clipper – Rhône-style white blend of Viognier and Marsanne. President John F. Kennedy’s German Shepherd.
- Beazley – Mourvèdre rosé. President George W. Bush’s Scottish Terrier.
- Searcher – a Rhône-style red blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. President George Washington’s hound dog.
- Commander – Petite Sirah. This is a new wine that was not available at the time of our visit. President Joe Biden’s German Shepherd.
Wine Tasting room
Wine isn’t the only beverage being offered. Just steps away in the next building, you’ll find a member’s room named the West Wing Taproom that has taps pouring a curated selection of craft beers. Those can be brought back to the wine tasting area. It’s a fun option for groups with mixed preferences or anyone looking to explore more of what the Hill Country has to offer.
West Wing Taproom
There are different tastings available:
- Executive Tasting in the wine tasting room
- West Wing Taproom for beer and wine flights
- Biergarten Picnic Table and Rosegarten Living Room outside the tasting rooms under the oak trees with a reserved picnic table or living room seating in the rosegarten
Reservations are required on most Fridays and Saturdays, and you can make reservations for the different types of tastings on their website.
There used to be a former White House Winery, but I know the owner was ready to retire, so it’s possible the name was transferred to the current existence of the winery. I was not able to obtain the information at the time of publication.
With its dog-themed charm, strong winemaking, and casual yet thoughtful vibe, White House Winery is definitely worth a stop along the 290 wine trail. Whether you come for the wine, the beer, or the dogs, you’ll likely find yourself planning a return visit.
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