The Jaclynn Renée Wine Collective is a new Texas-focused tasting room in downtown Wimberley, created by winemaker Jaclynn Renée “Jackie” van Sant Downes. Born in Houston, Jackie began her winemaking career in Sonoma County in 2007 after graduating from Texas Tech. She worked at small family wineries in Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of production. In 2013, she launched her own label, Jaclynn Renée Wines.
Her Sonoma wines earned awards at major competitions, including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, establishing her reputation before she returned to Texas in 2021. Soon afterward, she became the winemaker at Driftwood Estate Winery.
Jackie continues to produce wines under her own label, which is transitioning to wines made entirely from Texas-grown fruit. Jaclynn Renée’s new Texas wines are already earning significant recognition. For instance, for the 2025 Texas Vintners Cup, an annual competition sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Uncork Texas Wines program, three wines connected to Jackie were selected for the coveted twelve-bottle “Perfect Case”—Jaclynn Renée 2024 Mourvèdre (Desert Willow Vineyard, Texas High Plains), Jaclynn Renée 2023 Syrah (Newsom Vineyard, Texas High Plains), and Driftwood Estate Winery’s 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Newsom Vineyard, Texas High Plains), made during her tenure there.
For her own line, Jackie works primarily with small family growers in the Texas High Plains, including organically farmed vineyards such as Desert Willow Vineyard. She currently focuses on Rhône varieties that thrive in Texas conditions but plans to expand her varietal portfolio as her Texas program grows.
The tasting room sits in Henson Square, a plaza just off the main Wimberley square known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. During its February 26 grand opening, a large crowd took over the plaza outside the tasting room, where there is relaxed seating, a stage for live music, and space for children and pets to play. The indoor space is bright and open, with large windows, comfortable seating, and thoughtful design details that echo the precision behind the wines without feeling stuffy. This atmosphere aligns perfectly with Wimberley and the Texas wine-drinking culture—outdoors, easygoing, unpretentious, entertainment, and a family- and dog-friendly vibe.
The current wine list includes about a dozen wines, featuring all of Jaclynn Renée’s Texas releases, one of the brand’s Sonoma wines, and a curated selection from other producers, with an emphasis on women winemakers. The guest wines reflect one of Jackie’s top priorities—promoting women in wine and fostering a collaborative culture among winemakers. Current examples include wines from Texas producers such as Rae Wilson and Bénédicte Rhyne. These guest selections will rotate regularly, giving visitors a chance to explore different producers while reinforcing the collective spirit behind the tasting room. All wines are available by the glass, bottle, or tasting flight.
While there’s more than enough here to satisfy the most serious of wine drinkers, the menu also includes mimosas, a sweet Texas red, frosé, and frozen sangria. All of these are available to go—Wimberley allows visitors to stroll through the downtown square with alcoholic drinks purchased from licensed venues.
The tasting room also offers a small menu of dining options carefully curated to pair with the wines and the Texas palate. Don’t miss the bubbles and macarons pairing!
For visitors exploring Wimberley’s eclectic downtown square, the Jaclynn Renée Wine Collective offers a natural place to pause with a glass of wine. For serious wine drinkers, it provides something more enduring: the opportunity to experience the work of a winemaker whose return to Texas is already helping shape the next chapter of the state’s wine story. The “Collective” name reflects that broader vision—bringing together great Texas wines, winemakers, and the community of people who enjoy them.
Jaclynn Renée Wines GG’s Tiny Bubbles Blanc de Blancs – Sonoma County
Une Femme Sparkling Rosé – California
Chamisal Chardonnay – San Luis Obispo County
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon – Paso Robles
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