This month’s winemaker profile features the new winery Rio Neches Estate Winery. Located in East Texas, the winery is continuing the excellence of the former winery at the location. The sister and brother duo of Sydney Dacus and Macon Dacus control the winemaking and vineyard responsibilities, respectively. We are happy to present Sydney Dacus as this month’s Winemaker Profile.
- What did you do before becoming a winemaker?
I have spent the past seven years in school earning my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and an Enology certification from Texas A&M, along with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UTMB in Galveston. I am currently a full-time Physical Therapist, and I started making wine shortly after graduating.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a winemaker in Texas?
The Texas climate can make grape harvests unpredictable and inconsistent from year to year. But it’s also one of the most exciting parts of Texas winemaking—learning to work with the climate to produce unique, high-quality wines.
- Is winemaking an art or a science or both?
Winemaking is truly a blend of both. That’s one of the things that drew me to it in the first place. If I had to choose, I’d say it leans more toward art, but the science behind it is your paint, and it’s up to the winemaker to decide how to use it.
- What is your favorite food and wine pairing?
A classic filet steak with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Sangiovese. It’s a pairing that never fails.
- If you didn’t make wine, what would you do?
I’m actually a full-time Physical Therapist in addition to being a winemaker, so if I weren’t making wine, I’d still be practicing PT.
- What first attracted you to winemaking and how long have you been doing it?
My dream of becoming a winemaker started when I went on my first winery tour in Montepulciano, Tuscany. I was immediately fascinated by the blend of art and science. I’m still new to the game and have been making wine since August 2024.
- What is the most common question you are asked as a winemaker?
One question I get surprisingly often is what “ingredients” go into wine besides grapes. The answer can vary depending on the wine, but generally it includes grapes, yeast, sometimes sugar, and other additives that help create the style and flavor profile we’re aiming for.
- After a long day in the winery or vineyard, what do you do?
After being on my feet all day, I usually just want to kick my feet up and relax, often by watching one of my favorite sitcoms with my pets.
- What’s the greatest part about being a winemaker?
Getting to watch the entire process from start to finish, and seeing how everything comes together in the final wine.
- What is your winemaking philosophy, that is, what are you trying to achieve with your wines?
Our goal is to produce high-quality Texas wines that showcase what Texas vineyards are capable of and help elevate the reputation of Texas wine.
- Anything else you would like to add?
I serve as the head winemaker at Rio Neches Estate Winery, and my brother Mason Dacus works alongside me as co-winemaker. We collaborate closely to craft wines that reflect the style and quality we want to represent our winery.
If you are a wine grower or winemaker, and have not been featured yet in a Grower Profile or Winemaker Profile, please contact us!
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