Rock & Vine magazine - Issue 11

Rock&Vine GOOD LIFE IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Farm Fresh FLOWERS

ELEPHANTS in the hills TEXAS SIPS:

Hill Country Spirits

A MAN'S GUIDE to Fredericksburg

ROCKANDVINEMAG.COM $4.95

FALL 2018

805 W. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas Come visit us at our temporary location

413 W. Main Now accepting design consults 830-992-3308 | haushomegoods.com @haushomegoods Photography by Jeremiah Dearinger

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Wine is sunlight held together by water

-Galileo

fr eder icksburg

Visit Our Working Vineyards state of the art winery and beautiful tasting rooms W h e r e W i n e i s a P l e a s u r e , N o t a Pa r t y . gr apecr eek.com FALL 2018

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FEATURES

in every issue

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6

Places to unwind between Wimberly and Dripping Springs

Publisher's Letter

Alexandria Randolph

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16

Contributors

What's a man to do in Fredericksburg?

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Gayne C. Young

28 Spotlight on Hill Country made vodkas, whiskey and spirits Steve Taylor

Drinkery Maps

86 Events

Find out what's happing in your area

108 End Notes

Tools are from Champe Jennings Jewelers 4

Rock&Vine

ON THE COVER: A wild flower bouquet from Texas Specialty Cut Flowers. Photo by ROBERT G. GOMEZ

DEPARTMENTS 38

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LIFE OF RILEY Flower farm is a tourist destination

EXPLORE Rainwater harvesting hobby becomes an industry

Gayne C. Young

Gayne C. Young

46 DRINKERY German style beers brewed in the Hill Country Lee Nichols

53 STAY Cottage offers a fairytale experience Barbara Levy Walker

58 OFF THE BEATEN PATH Marble Falls Museum shows off its 700-year-old find Steve Taylor

60 STOMPING GROUNDS Hawk's Shadow Winery in Dripping Springs is a must do for oenophiles Lorelie Helmke

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HAUS Ranch home made of durable materials in a desert oasis Angela Rabke

74 HAUS Custom Lighting for discerning tastes Angela Rabke

84 QUESTION AND ANSWER Signor Vineyards: A relaxing place to taste wines Mathew Esté

90 IN THE HILLS Gentle giants roam the Hill Country McKenzie Moellering

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contributors

Rock&Vine Featuring the best life has to offer in the Texas Hill Country.

A product of Fredericksburg Publishing Company.

Publisher/Editor Ken Esten Cooke Managing Editor Christine Granados Contributing Editor Sherrie Geistweidt Photography Editor Steve Rawls Design Editor Andrea Chupik Contributing Writers Michael Barr, Matthew Esté, Lorelei Helmke, Miguel Lecuona, McKenzie Moellering, Lee Nichols, Angela Turner Rabke, Alexandria Randolph, Steve Taylor, Barbar Levy Walker, Gayne C. Young Contributing Photographers/Artists Andrea Calo, Robbyn Dodds, Jennifer Craig, Tom Grant, Robert G. Gomez, Steve Rawls Account Executives Fredericksburg — Kimberly Giles, Ann Duecker, Kim Jung Rock&Vine Magazine 712 W. Main St. | P.O. Box 1639 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Phone 830 997 2155 rockandvinemag.com SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: $20 for two years www.rockandvinemag.com

COPYRIGHT: Rock&Vine Magazine is published by the Fredericksburg Publishing Company. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice or endorsement, but is considered informative.

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‘Shop class’ with the guys

By KEN ESTEN COOKE Publisher

There is a scientific study that found men get bored shopping after 26 minutes. Oftentimes you can see it the faces of the males who line the “man benches” that dot the downtown Fredericksburg sidewalks.

Gayne C. Young solved that problem in his article “The Put Upon Man” on page 16. He lists plenty of manly options that will interest men far more than 26 minutes. You’ll find places to entice men (and women) like local watering holes, gun shops, unique apparel, man-bling stores and a smoke-filled lounge where you can shoot the breeze with other hombres and watch sports on a big screen.

There is also the National Museum of the Pacific War, where guys can soak in the reverence and appreciation for Fredericksburg’s hometown hero Admiral Chester Nimitz before heading to a beer or wine tasting.

This edition of Rock & Vine, our biggest yet, has tons of ideas for Hill Country exploration. Visitation to this region tops 4 million each year and unique experiences are what people seek. We try to reflect the artists and entrepreneurs in these pages that offer new and different adventures and experiences.

This magazine profiles a flower farm that will serve the highest dignitaries in the land. It has unusual, off-thebeaten-path finds, like hidden wineries or unique relics in Marble Falls. There also are new artisans and encounters, like those who make light fixtures by hand in an Austin studio or the possibility of being picked up by a rescue elephant in Stonewall. And it has lots of places to relax and unwind all over this region, while sipping a little of the good stuff in the distilleries that dot the landscape.

So heed the scribe’s words and go with the flow. There is lots to discover in this Texas Hill Country and we want to inspire Texans and beyond to get out, seek those back roads less travelled and find something that stirs the soul.

–R&V– We want to know what you think about our growing publication. Please send feedback and story ideas to ken@fredericksburgstandard.com. And thanks for reading.

WRITE US

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$20 for two years Send to 712 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 or subscribe at RockandVineMag.com

Editorial submissions: christine@fredericksburgstandard.com

Andrea Chupik is a graphic designer / art director living in Fredericksburg. View her work at designranchcreative.com Robbyn Dodd is a Hill Country-based photographer, who shoots candid and organic photos. Her work can be viewed at robbyndoddphotography.com

McKenzie Moellering is a reporter with Fredericksburg Standard Radio Post.

Lee Nichols is a freelance writer based in Austin. He loves beer and two-stepping in Texas dance halls, especially with his daughter, Lucy.

Your Rock & Vine is once again second to none. You have assembled a staff, which many editors would just love to have. Good for you!

R&V is simply the best

Alexandria Randolph is a freelance journalist, photographer and aspiring novelist living in Lampasas.

Steve Rawls is a professional photographer living in Fredericksburg. See his work at steverawlsblog.wordpress.come or steverawlshomes.com.

Tom Grant teaches photography at Austin Community College in the Department of Professional Photography.

I've been a resident of Fredericksburg for 13 years and have seen many magazines attempting to portray the special qualities of our Hill Country.

But your new issue of Rock and Vine is simply the best, such an outstanding quality of appearance and content. The photography, text style and sharpness of the color printing (especially the paper stock) is a cut above. I must commend you and your staff. Keep up the great work.

Comfort was featured a good bit in this issue and was pleased to see that. I may be a bit biased as my daughter, Denise Rabalais is the owner and spark plug of High's Cafe on High Street.

Best to you all and a great future,

Steve Taylor is a Fredericksburg freelance writer who works with Taylored Communications. More information is at anntaylorcontentmaster.com.

Barbara Levy Walker is a freelance writer in the Hill Country area.

Lorelei Helmke is certified specialist of wine and member of the Society of Wine Educators, wine rating.

Second to none

Balthasar Schmidt New Ulm

Matthew EstĂŠ is the Beer & Wine Manager for H-E-B in Fredericksburg.

He holds a Level 2 certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust.

Robert G. Gomez is an Austin-based, Texas-raised photographer with a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Texas and an associate’s degree in photography from Austin Community College. His work can be found at robertggomez.com.

Letters to the editor

Gayne C. Young is a writer, hunter, and adventurer living in Fredericksburg. He is an editor and writer for numerous magazines.

Larry and Dorothy Rabalais Fredericksburg, Texas

ORDER BACK ISSUES To order back issues of Rock & Vine Magazine email christine@fredericksburgstandard.com or call 830-997-2155.

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G AT E WAY T O T H E

good life UNWIND AT THESE MUST-SEE SITES BETWEEN WIMBERLEY & DRIPPING SPRINGS

By ALEXANDRIA RANDOLPH Photos by STEVE RAWLS & ROBBYN DODD

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Blackberry pie is one of the 19 flavors the Wimberly Pie company offers.

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hese boots were made for walkin', and if you've got the itch, take your leathers for a stroll up and down Highway 12.

There are many ways to tour Highway 12 between Wimberley and Dripping Springs, but there are a number of arts, entertainment and dining venues one shouldn’t miss along the way. Rock & Vine made the trip for readers to spot the best sites for art, music, wine and beer tasting, and yes, pie.

Wimberley Pie Company

mmmmmn

After a relaxing stroll through the bonsai exhibit, stop for a snack to rival grandma’s best at the Wimberley Pie Company.

Located at an unassuming bakery on the south side of town with a deli-style counter and antique wooden flooring, owner Neal Mallard bakes pies by the whole and by the slice, and will even take orders upon request.

The pies, while not exotic by any means, do not disappoint.

Among a number of others, the menu includes buttermilk, pecan, cherry, chocolate and chocolate pecan – all of which bring back memories of holiday desserts just like momma makes.

“I don’t try to reinvent the wheel, but I try to pay attention to detail,” Mallard said of his menu.

The baker has been featured in years past in Edible Austin and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

While locals regularly come for the pie, Mallard’s main visitors are tourists.

“Most of our traffic is looking for comfort food,” he said. “It’s food to remind you of a bygone day. Food should make you happy.”

Sip! On the Square

mmmmmn

While discussing the unique fine art pieces on display at the fine art galleries, have a cup of coffee at Sip! On The Square in downtown Wimberley. This coffee shop is a niche of urban luxury in the heart of small town Texas.

Complete with industrial style decorum, Sip! offers a number of unique coffee brews and tasty beverages such as the Hibiscus Rose Arnold Palmer, hibiscus mint tea, as well as the Mayan Mocha Special, a Mexican spiced chocolate mocha with coconut milk. For those who like their brew strong and dark, the house cold brew dark roast is a rich coffee with earthy undertones.

Before leaving Wimberley, see how many boots can be spotted.

“There are 48 pairs of five foot tall boots, and they are in all different locations,” said John Palumbo, Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce director of finance. “There’s a map at the visitor’s center you can get that has them all noted.”

Businesses purchase the decorative sculptures in order to fund local charity programs.

On the way out of town, don’t miss the chance to view Cypress Creek to the north of the square. During the summer, this beautiful waterway is teeming with lush greenery. continued on page 10

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Wandering Oaks Fine Art Gallery & Pitzer’s Fine Arts

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The two galleries feature art that Pitzer’s Fine Arts curator Rob Pitzer calls “traditional American. There are a lot of plein aire artists in this gallery.”

Paintings in the galleries depict North American wildlife, landscapes and western culture.

“Property wide, we probably have 50 different artists,” said Pamela Rudd, owner of Wandering Oaks Fine Art Gallery. “Some are local, and some are nationally recognized.”

Everyone is welcome in the gallery, even those who do not initially plan to buy art, although some may be surprised at what they find.

“The primary reason to buy a piece of art is because you like it and enjoy it,” Rudd said. “This is decorative art.”

Artists featured in the gallery include notables such as David Riedel and Kent Ullberg, and less renown but still highly skilled artists like Mikki Senkarik, who uses six base colors to create vibrant, cheerful paintings.

“People don’t always understand that fine art is a broader variety” as opposed to just paintings, Rudd added.

Fine art found in the gallery includes a spectrum of mediums; canvas paintings, sculptures, jewelry and scarves. The intimate outer patio of the gallery is abounding with sculptures.

“They are impressive, especially when you learn about the process that it takes,” Rudd said.

Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit

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Mark Lundeen's life size bronze sculpture of Thomas Jefferson is just one of many found at Pitzer's Fine Arts.

Start the morning out in an attitude of absolute peace with a visit to the Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit at the Jade gardens just southeast of Wimberley on Texas 12.

The exhibit is a walk through the masterful artistry of bonsai – pronounced “bone sigh,” as proprietor Chuck Ware will tell anyone.

“We’ve been here for 50 years, and we opened the exhibit 30 years ago in 1988,” he said.

Traditionally a garden and bonsai nursery, Ware opened the exhibit after the classic film, The Karate Kid, was released in 1984.

“That’s when Americans were introduced to bonsai,” he said. “Bonsai means tree in a pot. It has never been a type of tree. It’s an art form.”

And that will be evident to any who venture through the exhibit. With several hundred bonsai and a vast variety of species, including Texas natives such as the Texas persimmon and mesquite, no two trees are the same.

“Bonsai is comparable to painting a picture,” Ware said. “These are living things. Every one of these trees is different. They all have their own unique personality. The object is to work out the best of the tree.”

Pitzer's Fine Art Gallery 10

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▲

▲ Shady Llama's patio sports picturesque Hill Country views.

Lamar and Karalisa Sellers, owners of Shady Llama.

The Shady Llama

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About five miles north of Wimberley is the Shady Llama, a family-friendly beer and wine garden.

This relaxed locale earns its name. Nestled in a grove of oaks and called home by several llamas and miniature donkeys, the beer and wine garden is a peaceful spot to enjoy drinks on the patio or find a seat under the tree canopy.

“We have five llamas and two miniature donkeys. They roam the property and come and poke their heads in every once in a while,” said owner Lamar Sellers.

The bar stocks local brews such as Acopon Brewing Company and Guns & Oil Brewing Company, as well as several Houston area beers.

“We try to keep it local, and we change the selection every so often,” Sellers said. “We are family friendly and dog friendly. The kids can play and the parents can have a drink. We wanted to make a place where people could hang out.”

The industrial style bar and patio is open to the air, and down a short gravel path, one can find a set of patio chairs in the perfect spot to catch a scenic overlook and a breeze over the hilltop.

The business name came was inspired by their four-legged friends, said Karalisa Sellers, Lamar’s wife and Shady Llama manager.

“Llamas are really chill. It’s a shady spot, and llamas are kind of shady,” she joked.

First time visitor Joe O’Connor is a Hays County local who stopped in for a drink.

“I live a couple miles down the road,” he said. “I asked for an amber and they gave me North by Northwest Red Zeppelin. I like it. The beer is good and the people are super. It’s a good crew.” continued on page 12

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The Barber Shop craft beer bar in downtown Dripping Springs was many things, including a Barber shop, before it became a brew pub.

Acopon Brewing Company and the Barber Shop

mnnnnnnnnn Acopon has one fresh cask a week.

For those who are more into hops than vines, visit the Acopon Brewing Company on Mercer Street. Specializing in English ales, this brewery aims to restore the “mind, body and spirit” with five original brews on tap.

For the more casual beer enthusiast, the Barber Shop brewpub on Mercer Street boasts an eclectic, homey style with mixed Texas stone exterior, antique windows, wooden interior and beer cans and old coozies lining the walls.

In its eighth year of business, the Barber Shop gets its name from the previous business on the site, which was built on Mercer Street in 1924.

Hudson’s on Mercer

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End the evening with a good time at Hudson’s On Mercer, a rustic venue that looks as authentically Texan as its musical performers. This music studio and venue is opened nightly for karaoke and appearances by Texas artists including Thom Shepherd and the American Revival.

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The Sidecar Tasting Room

mnnnnnnnn Mattea Aldridge, Sierra Alexander, Laura Degelia and Amanda Markham of Austin enjoy a girls weekend getaway at Sidecar Tasting Room.

Hudson's on Mercer is a concept music school part recording studio and bar.

North on Highway 12 is Dripping Springs, town that is quickly becoming a center for music entertainment.

Before making your way to the famous Mercer Street, take a turn down Old Fitzhugh Road – a street that is quickly becoming as charming as Mercer – to visit the Sidecar Tasting Room.

Upon entering this Prohibition-era style wine bar, visitors might be charmed with the vocals of Ingrid Michaelson, as well as the tin ceilings, Edison bulbs, antique piano and mellow atmosphere.

This classically styled wine bar and tasting room is associated with Bell Springs Winery and features a wide selection of vintages.

“We specialize in drier wines,” said wine server Faries Thrasher. “It’s a smaller winery compared to others. We get about 50 percent of our grapes from the Texas plains and 50 percent from California and Austin.”

The bar is family friendly and stays open longer than the tasting room on site at Bell Springs Winery.

“It serves as a social venue for the locals,” Thrasher said. “We’re dog friendly. We even have a wine named after the owner’s dog – the Needy Bitch.” R&V FALL 2018 13

1020 Co Rd 414 Spicewood, TX 78669 (512) 589-2474

firesongranch.com Rock&Vine

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Rustic Luxury Inspired by Nature

A Texas Hill Country Gem

Come and Dream with us...

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The put up n man

By GAYNE C. YOUNG Photos by ROBERT G. GOMEZ

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Many men have enjoyed a smoke in Tabak Haus cigar lounge.

TABAK HAUS 109 S. Washington St. • tabak-haus.com Have a smoke, drink, and great conversation.

Tabak Haus is one of a handful of businesses in Fredericksburg where a man can sit inside and enjoy a cigar.

Men can also sit on the outside deck.

Owner Bob Kreipe won’t mind where you sit.

Tabak Haus features a walk-in humidor stocked with over 30 brands of premium cigars, pipe tobacco, wine, beer, and spirits. There’s always someone interesting sitting in one of the time-distressed English pub chairs looking for conversation – usually another put upon man and always a sporting event on the widescreen TV. Tabak Haus is a real haven from shopping. continued on page 18

The walk-in humidor of Tabak Haus is lined with Spanish Cedar and electronically humidified.

T

hey are a weekend fixture of Fredericksburg’s historic Main Street…lonely men, sitting pathetically on a bench, as their wives or girlfriends, who dragged them to a shopping district that caters mostly to women, spend money.

These men sit feeling put upon, while their significant other shops or dines, all the while dreaming of an establishment that had something to offer their put aside manliness.

Dream no more good sirs.

The reality is that Fredericksburg has plenty of establishments on or around Main Street that cater to men. Here’s a rundown of some of the best.

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One of many fine hand-selected firearms sold at J.E. Cauthen & Sons Fine Sporting Arms.

J.E. CAUTHEN & SONS FINE SPORTING ARMS 414 E. Main St. jecauthen.com

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Let the hunt begin.

Located in the historic Kloth-Ludwig home on Main, J.E. Cauthen & Sons Fine Sporting Arms offers a selection of upper end bespoke firearms, knives, artwork, Western collectables, Tiffany sterling, furniture, antique walking canes, and more. The collection has been amassed over several generations and it attracts collectors, sportsmen, and visitors from the world over.

TEXAS JACK WILD WEST OUTFITTERS 117 N. Adams St. • texasjacks.com

This is how you play cowboy.

Texas Jack Wild West Outfitters caters to those in “the cowboy trade and to those who identify with the vitality and romance of our American Western heritage.” The store features a vast array of Cimarron firearms – most of which are replicas from the cowboy era and famous Western movies and TV series – Western clothing, knives, boots, and leather goods and books. continued on page 20

Texas Jack Wild West Outfitters serves as Cimarron Fire Arms Company show room.

Known as the cowboy super store Texas Jack sells all things western like hats and books.

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JOHNNY LEE’S SOMETHING FOR MEN 149 E. Main St. The name says it all. Except for what they actually carry in-store or how they came to be.

“We started the store ‘cause we noticed a lot of guys in town being dragged around by the wives,” explains Dan Roming, Johnny Lee’s Something For Men. “We felt sorry for them so we opened an eclectic store just for men… although women like us too.”

Johnny Lee’s Something For Men carries a wide variety of hats, caps, boots, knives, briefcases, belts, wallets, luggage, special tools, card cases, pouches, watches, hunting and fishing gear, stools, art, koozies, and a whole lot more.

Johnny Lee's carries a variety of leather good for men.

HEADQUARTERS HATS 122 E. Main St. headquartershats.com Hang like a country music star.

What do you country music stars Brad Paisley, Neil McCoy, Ray Benson, Clay Walker have in common? They all frequent Headquarters Hats when in Fredericksburg to check out the latest in western wear. Headquarters carries Lucchese boots, Stetson and Resistol hats, the Stella Luna Concho belt line, and Jon Hart luggage, in short, anything for the properly outfitted man about any Hill Country town.

Housed in the former Bank of Fredericksburg building, Headquarter Hats opened its doors in April 1996.

CHÄMPE JENNINGS JEWELRY 109 N. Adams St. • champejennings.com

Chämpe Carter's workshop attire hangs in his studio.

A jewelry store that caters to men?

Yep. That’s how Fredericksburg rolls.

Chämpe Jennings Jewelry carries a plethora of jewelry options for men handcrafted from such manly materials as titanium, tungsten carbide, cobalt, stainless steel, and even rubber. These take the form of bracelets, rings, key fobs, watches, necklaces, and more. Additionally, Chämpe Jennings Jewelry can turn elk ivory, bone, and other hunt obtained trophies into custom jewelry and gift items. The store also carries William Henry knives and Studebaker copper, brass, and silver.

“A lot of the men that enter our store are dragged in by their significant other,” co-owner Champe Carter laughs. “But a lot of those times the men are the ones leaving with something special!”

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PACIFIC WAR 340 E. Main St. • pacificwarmuseum.org “We have been called the “Husband Drop Zone,” jokes Brandon Vinyard, the National Museum of the Pacific War’s director of marketing and public relations before explaining the real attraction of the museum.

He says, “The National Museum of the Pacific War tells the story of WWII in the Pacific.”

It’s the only museum in the continental United States dedicated to WWII in the Pacific. The complex sits on six acres, with three galleries and over 55,000 square feet of air-conditioned exhibit space.

“When I walk downtown on the weekends and see men sitting on benches out in the heat waiting, I always tell them I know where they can go cool off and see some really cool weaponry from WWII,” Vinyard says. “While we encourage everyone to visit the museum, the $15 general admission ticket is a good deal for the wife or girlfriend looking to shop uninterrupted.”

A day spent studying the Greatest Generation’s sacrifice and courage in the Pacific?

What more could any man ask for? continued on page 22

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Fredericksburg Brewing Company serves up lagers & ales from the tap.

A flight of beers from the Fredericksburg Brewing Company gives customers a sampling of all they offer.

FREDERICKSBURG BREWING COMPANY 245 E. Main St. • yourbrewery.com Beer makes everything better.

Especially in the Burg where sidewalk consumption of alcohol is allowed.

So head on over to Fredericksburg Brewing Company.

The oldest brewpub in Texas and named by many publications as the best brewpub the Lone Star State has to offer, Fredericksburg Brewing Company has been in operation since 1994. They offer a wide variety of brewed-on-the-spot beers, excellent dining, a large airconditioned biergarten, and most importantly beers to go. Because, again, alcohol consumption on the street is legal. R&V

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Vintage Colts & Winchesters Holland & Holland Dakota • Gunwerks Rifles Perrazi • Beretta

414 East Main Street Fredericksburg 830.992.3306 JECAUTHEN.COM

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You’ll Know Us By Name

For over 100 years, Bierschwale-Rees Insurance has helped people and businesses in Gillespie County find the right insurance coverage to fit their needs and budgets.

From our wide provider network to our top-tier customer service, Bierschwale-Rees is the name you can trust for what matters most.

Todd Willingham, President • www.bierschwale.com 1105 N. Llano Street • P.O. Box 1549 • Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: 830-997-7693 • Fax: 830-997-8535 • Toll Free: 877-547-9591

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August E’s successfully marries extraordinary cuisine and exemplary service in an exquisite contemporary setting.

Expect the unexpected with August E’s signature hand-cut steaks, exotic game, local wild game and fresh fish flown in weekly.

Every Tuesday our guests are treated to the native Thai cuisine of Executive Chef Owner Leu Savanh. Chef Leu’s

Asian Fusion creations and traditional sushi always use the most consciously sourced organic ingredients.

Our bar and lounge are a nightly destination where guests can enjoy a more casual experience, featuring a delectable bar menu and classic craft cocktail list.

Dinner Service,

Tuesday through Saturday: 5pm - Close 203 East San Antonio Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 830.997.1585 www.august-es.com Walk Ins Always Welcome Or Call To Make A Reservation

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stop, relax

and savor the moment

$2 OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER

This coupon has no cash value. It can only be redeemed on a single transaction. One per customer. expires on 1/1/2018 78624 The Bar Fbg,Tx 78624

229 E. Main St. Fredericksburg, Tx 26

Rock&Vine

live music thurs-sat

830.992.3186 #78624thebar

Shop & share your finds

229 East Main Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 830.990.8266 www.laurenbade.com FALL 2018 27

THE UNOFFICIAL

‘DISTILLERY CAPITAL OF TEXAS’

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YOU CAN TASTE VARIOUS, LOCALLY MADE VODKAS, WHISKEYS AND MORE IN AND AROUND DRIPPING SPRINGS

By STEVE TAYLOR Photos by STEVE RAWLS & ROBBYN DODD

Clockwise top right: Mario and Emmy Robles, who had their rehearsal dinner at Treaty Oaks, brought a group of friends for a tour. Deep Eddy vodkas are made in 2,000 gallon batches and filtered four times through charcoal.

Treaty Oak Distiling sells the state's longest aged gin.

San Luis Spirits Distilling company celebrates the historic year year 1876 with it's vodkas and bourbons.

“Drippin’” used to be dry. It wasn’t until a 2002 election that liquor sales were OKed by a 233-135 vote after several similar ballot measures failed to pass during previous years in this Hays County community.

Now, just more than 15 years later, a cluster of start-up distilleries call Dripping Springs home.

How did the “Wedding Capital of Texas,” as this small town was officially designated by the state Legislature, also become an unofficial “Distillery Capital of Texas?”

“This is a great, wonderful, open-arms environment, and this is the place we need to be,” said Gary Kelleher, cofounder with his brother Kevin of San Luis Spirits, maker of Dripping Springs vodkas and gins. “I looked at counties around Austin, and Dripping Springs is a great fit. Residents here are friendly and the town has a lot of resonance with a lot of visitors.”

For Daniel Barnes, founder of nearby Treaty Oak Distilling, it was love at first sight when he scanned the 30acre Ghost Hill Ranch, which he later purchased and on which now stands his distilling operations and more.

“The beauty here came into play,” Barnes said. “The giant, majestic oak trees, the rolling hills, the feel of history – it all just felt right.”

Both men also mentioned their products’ main ingredient.

“The number one thing, I have to tell you, is the quality of water around here,” Kelleher said, noting his distillery gets it from a nearby artesian spring. “The softness and minerality make such a huge difference in the flavor profile.

If you don’t have great water, you can’t make great vodka.”

And local distilleries aren’t alone.

“I like to say we have the ‘trifecta,’ because we have breweries, wineries and dis tilleries – and we have more coming,” Pam Owens, CEO of the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau, said. “People ask me when I go to conferences how are things in Dripping Springs. I joke and say, ‘We’re doing great. We’re drinking and getting married.’”

Indeed, in Dripping Springs a lot of bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners and weddings occur amid other, nonmatrimonial group visits, day trips, week-end events and live music shows.

Owens credits the local business community’s emphasis on economic benefits as the deciding factor.

Visitors can enjoy various award-winning distillery options at four locations. Here’s an alphabetical list of where tastes and mixed drinks are offered:

“

The softness and minerality make such a huge difference in the flavor profile. If you don’t have great water, you can’t make great vodka.

-Gary Kelleher

”

continued on page 30

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Drinking lounge inside Deep Eddy distillery.

Rainwater collection tank and xerosaped landscape shows Deep Eddy's commitment to the environment.

CYPRESS CREEK RESERVE

DEEP EDDY VODKA

While treasure hunting in 2000 on deep sea dives around the Indian Ocean is-land of Mauritius, David and Laura Watson came to appreciate the local rum. After initially exploring ways to import it to Texas, the couple opted to craft their own version on their property just north of Wimberley.

Research and experimentation led David, formerly an offshore oil rig welder, to fabricate his own metal still apparatus. He makes and filters his rum twice to maintain flavors. It took more than a decade until the Watsons were satisfied with the result; bottle sales didn’t start until 2013.

Their Cypress Creek Reserve Rum and Vanilla Rum (aged with gourmet Tahitian vanilla beans) are offered in mixed drinks and as tastes. The can be enjoyed in an open-air bar or on a raised outdoor deck under oak trees in the Watson home front yard. Visitors sometimes are invited to blind taste test a barrel being checked by David, a sixthgeneration Wimberley resident.

It’s solely a family opera-tion. The Watsons produce 5,000 bottles a year and don’t want to increase production.

“This is my retirement plan, and when you’re semi-retired, you shouldn’t have to work all the time,” David said.

The steadily increasing popularity of this vodka and its six flavored siblings (red grapefruit, sweet tea, cranberry, lemon, peach and orange) led Deep Eddy first to relocate volume distilling from Austin to Dripping Springs, then recently to a new, larger Buda facility.

But on Highway 290 east of town, the Drilling Springs facility still offers tasting flights and specialty cocktails.

Tours will resume once a distillery floor renovation is completed. Meanwhile, the old distilling floor and other areas are available for group meals, meetings, receptions and parties – and, of course, weddings, Hospitality and Events Manager Tracy Beacham said.

“We still want to be sort of the front porch and back yard of the community and have this be a place to hang out and enjoy some carefree, good times with family and friends,” said Matt Pechman, Deep Eddy’s marketing vice president.

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VW bus sits outside Deep Eddy Distillery.

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Vodkas and bourbon is distilled in 50-gallon copper pot stills at San Luis Spirits distillery.

SAN LUIS SPIRITS When brothers Gary and Kevin Kelleher met with Twin Liquors President David Jabour in 2006 to convince him to stock their product, the vodka was named San Luis, for the patron saint of distillers. “‘Sounds like a tequila. Where do you make it?’ ” Gary recalled Jabour saying. “It was one of those ‘duh’ moments, so we went back and named the vodkas for where we are.”

The brothers rechristened the name on the bottles while retaining the San Luis name on the distillery, which produces two kinds of Dripping Springs-brand vodkas (original and Texas orange-flavored) and two kinds of gins (artisanal and traditional styles).

San Luis recently introduced 1876 Vodka and 1876 Texas Bourbon. It also combined with another small distillery producing Republic and Z tequilas and Paula’s Texas Spirits.

This family business has roots tracing back to the Kelleher brothers’ great grandfather, who distilled vodka in Russia for the czar.

“My great aunt told me stories about that vodka,” Gary recalled. “At age seven, I told her wanted to make vodka when I grew up. I literally always wanted to do this. It sounded so good, the way she described it.”

Gary Kelleher was the third person licensed to distill in Texas, when he and his brother, Kevin founded San Luis Spirits.

continued on page 32

FALL 2018 31

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TREATY OAK DISTILLING After Daniel Barnes graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, he and his wife stayed and settled into one of Texas’ largest and fastest-growing cities. But he missed his small-town roots.

“If I was going to take a girl on a date in high school, it was 90 minutes to go to San Angelo to see a movie,” the native of Menard in west Texas recalled. “But I’ve always had a love for that life to a certain degree.”

The distillery is named for the 500-year-old tree under which Stephen F. Austin signed a border agreement with local Native Americans in the 1830s. Treaty Oak Distillery later moved from north Austin to Ghost Hill and developed a destination location.

Whiskey, rum and gin options are available under the brand names Treaty Oak, Red Handed and Waterloo, with bartenders mixing cocktails ranging from the familiar (Old Fashioned, Daiquiri), to the unusual (Tejas Libre, Velvet Hammer). An evolving “Experimental Collection” also is featured, starting with Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon Whiskey 52% corn mash, 33% wheat, 15% barley).

Recently added and available to visitors are three Treaty Oak brews: British mild Fitzhugh Ale, Lil’ Hop session IPA and Bright Side blonde ale. Barnes, a sommelier trained at the Four Seasons in Austin, is adding a small, curated wine selection, too.

He also is planning to sustainably raise tilapia and catfish in on-site tanks for the Ghost Hill Restaurant, which is already open and offers brunch, lunch and dinner selections.

There’s live music and more scheduled on the Rickhouse stage. Distillery tours are offered, and the buildings and grounds are open to private and corporate events – including weddings, of course. R&V

Treaty Oak Distillery offers live entertainment weekly and food from the Ghost Hill Restaurant for its customers.

FALL 2018 33

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THIS AIN’T JUST WINE COUNTRY. HOME OF THE FIRST LEGAL BOURBON DISTILLERY IN T E X A S A ND 2-T IM E A M E R IC A N W HIS K Y OF T HE Y E A R .

Garrison Brothers Distillery in the Texas Hill Country is dedicated to true Southern hospitality. When you’re here, you’ll feel the warmth of our Texas spirit, alongside the aroma of our sweet mash and the soothing hum of our copper pot-stills making more bourbon.

Distillery tours are at 10, noon 2 and 4. You don’t have to take a tour to taste our bourbon. We serve bourbon flights Wednesday through Sunday from 10 to 5. Make a reservation by visiting W W W.GARRISONBROS.COM/ TOUR

,,

If you didn’t think Texas was on the world map of great whisky, it is now.

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©2018 Garrison Brothers Distillery

FALL 2018 35

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On the square in Mason Texas

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FALL 2018 37

life of riley

HILL COUNTRY FARM RADIATES WITH VARIETY OF BLOOMS

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life of riley

By GAYNE C. YOUNG Photos by ROBERT G. GOMEZ

T

he road to presenting the First Lady of the United States with a Hill Country grown flower arrangement began in a place with no roads.

Pamela and Frank Arnosky bought the property that would become Texas Specialty Cut Flowers in 1990. The 12 acres was choked with cedar and the only way to see what they’d actually bought was for the Arnoskys to cut their way in, then cut their way out.

“We really did cut the road into the property,” Pamela explains. “We lived in a tent while we cut the cedar from the inside of the property out then built a little house with the help of some friends.”

What the Arnoskys cut out of the bush near Blanco some 18 years ago is now the headquarters for an extremely successful Texan-owned business that grows, harvests, and sells more than 60 varieties of flowers.

These are sold at the farm, at Central Markets, at select HEB Blooms stores in Austin and San Antonio, the Austin Flower Company, and are sometimes featured at upscale events such as Congressional Club’s annual First Lady’s Luncheon.

“This year’s luncheon will feature nothing but American grown flowers,” Pamela says of the event that will see First Lady Melania Trump presented with a bouquet of the nation’s best flowers. “I can’t wait to go. I leave tomorrow. There’ll be 18,000 cut flowers on display.”

Some of those flowers on display will have grown in the fields behind the Blue Barn, the vividly cobalt farm headquarters of Texas Specialty Cut Flowers designed by renowned furniture builder Gary Weeks.

The barn was built via an old-fashioned barn raising and, in addition to being the headquarters, serves as a gathering place for dances, weddings, and live music.

“We offer classes on growing,” Pamela continued.

“Wedding showers where they all plan using our flowers then go home with bouquets...and we are the best source of marigolds for Día de los Muertos flowers and marigolds for Indian weddings.”

“Marigolds. Those are some of my favorite. When they’re in bloom in October out at the farm it is really, really something,” promises Executive Director of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce Libby Aly. “But spring is also a great time out there. It’s just so hard to choose. It’s always gorgeous out there.”

This gorgeousness is one of the reasons the Arnosky farm is such a popular tourist destination. continued on page 40

Above, Pamela Arnosky makes a farm fresh boutique of flowers.

Farm workers weed the flower garden. Harvesting machines picks flowers for distrubution.

FALL 2018 39

Pamela, Frank Arnosky amid a bountiful and fragrant harvest.

“Lots of people that live around here, of course, know about the Arnoskys and how beautiful the farm is and go out there every weekend or at least every month,” Libby continues. “But now I guess the word has gotten out because we have visitors from all over come out to see the flowers.”

Visitors to the farm are free to wander the grounds and among row after row of larkspur, blue cornflower, statice, delphiniums, and a host of other vibrantly colored flowers.

They can pose for photos, purchase flowers, sign up for classes, seek growing advice, visit with the Arnoskys, or, as Pamela says, “simply enjoy the radiance of nature” R&V

Visit Texas Specialty Cut Flowers at texascolor.com

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830.998.1556 • BLACKCHALKHOME.COM • FOLLOW US @BLACKCHALKHOME FALL 2018 41

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drinkery ALTSTADTBEER.COM 6120 US HWY 290 East, Fredericksburg, Texas

Liquid Bread SCRIPPS FAMILY BRINGS GERMAN INSPIRED BREW TO HILL COUNTRY

By LEE NICHOLS Photos by ROBBYN DODD

A

nyone who has driven into Fredericksburg from U.S. 290 East, in the past year or so, has seen a great big hulk of a construction project on the north side of the road.

“You mean our mini-castle?” laughs Cass Whitton, the events manager for Altstadt Brewery.

The building does indeed look like a few knights could repel invaders for days from its walls. All it needs is a moat and a drawbridge.

But Altstadt doesn’t want to keep people out, they want to invite them in.

“The whole facility is all-encompassing event destination,” Whitton says. “We are a brewery, but also a full-service fine dining restaurant, biergarten, events hall, wine cellar and lounge, a separate private dining room, as well as a private ceremony garden.”

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Above, Willams Scripps shows off the Altstadt tank room. Left, Altstadt's Bavarian brews on tap.

drinkery

It’s a bold concept. In an era where recent changes to state law have encouraged entrepreneurial brewers to do small start-ups in rented industrial spaces sometimes with equipment not much bigger than a homebrewing kit, Altstadt has gone the opposite route: They’ve gone big-time right out of the gate.

And why not? Father and son owners William and Bill Scripps are members of the family who founded the E.W. Scripps Company (the first to establish newspaper chains), so they had the financial muscle to execute a grand vision.

Unlike a typical new brewery, they have rolled out their product with a well-executed, professional marketing campaign and broad distribution.

Anyone who has followed this year’s World Cup in Central Texas, likely saw their television advertisements something most new breweries can only dream of.

And despite the fact that their event hall hasn’t opened yet (It is due to open in September), people have already tried their beer. They’ve been brewing and available in stores since 2016.

INSPIRATION So what inspired this adventure?

“The owners are local from Fredericksburg, and they were traveling in Europe,” Whitton says. “They were traveling through Europe, stopped in Germany, and said ‘Why isn’t there any great German beer in Texas, especially in Fredericksburg, which has such a heavy German population and great German heritage?’”

Hold on a second. No great German beer in Fredericksburg?

Whitton clarifies: “Yes, there is German beer sold here, and some local brewers include German styles in their portfolio, but the Scripps meant that there is no one in Fredericksburg focused exclusively on making Germanstyle beers here.”

And that immediately sets Altstadt apart from other American breweries, even those in the Hill Country.

A typical craft brewery these days strives for a broad reach, making everything from English ales to Czech pilsners to Belgian tripels to German hefeweizens.

“We’re not a craft brewery,” Whitton says. “Our size alone dictates that we aren’t a craft brewery.”

Nor are they stylistically. Altstadt wanted a more narrow focus, emphasizing the local culture. So they went German all the way.

DEUTSCHLAND They started with a German brewer: Peter Koestler, originally from Munich. In his 20 years in the business, he has worked for a variety of brewers, most recently Louisiana’s Abita, according to Whitton. Before that Koestler was with Spoetzl (makers of world-famous Shiner) and the Gambrinus Company.

Then they moved on to the ingredients.

“We’re an authentic German brewery, so everything we produce will be authentic German beer - German hops, German malt, even German water,” Whitton says.

Hold on another second - German water?

“We take our well water here in Fredericksburg, and through reverse osmosis, take out the hard minerals. The stuff that makes your skin itchy when you shower with it, so that it’s crystal-clear pure. Then, we add in certain other minerals to mimic the water content you would find in Germany.”

Altstadt also obeys German Beer Purity Law: the Reinheitsgebot.

It is actually a Bavarian law passed in 1516 stating: “the only ingredients used for the brewing of beer must be Barley, Hops and Water. Whosoever knowingly disregards or transgresses upon this ordinance, shall be punished by the Court authorities’ confiscating such barrels of beer, without fail.” (Yeast is not mentioned because its existence, and its role in creating beer, was not discovered until more than a century later.)

The law is no longer in effect (and was never completely embraced by the rest of Germany), but anyone who considers themself a German beer purist is going to stick to it, so don’t show up at Altstadt asking for a fruit beer.

They offer three styles: Kölsch, a pilsner-like variety that originated in Cologne (or as it’s spelled in German, Köln); Lager (a little maltier, made with Noble hops grown in Hallertau and cold fermenting yeast from Weihenstephan); and Alt (an amber ale made with caramel malts, offering toffee notes on the flavor).

BRAUHAUS Next, the Scripps didn’t just want to make German beer, they wanted a German place to drink it.

“They strove to create what is essentially a brauhaus,” says Whitton, “The owners spared no expense to create something that mimics old towns in Germany.”

Altstadt means ‘old town,’ that’s a direct translation from German, he says. Cities in Germany have these ‘old towns’ [within cities], which is what this building looks like, those town squares, according to Whitton.

“There’s a high demand for event venues in Fredericksburg area,” Whitton continues. “People come from San Antonio, Austin, and all around the world. The Scripps wanted a place where you could have a corporate event, a wedding, a holiday party, and still maintain the vibe of the rest of the facility. Our event hall looks like a German beer hall. Dark wood, lots of light, dark beams, and a grand fireplace.”

It is, unquestionably, a facility that will make its mark on Fredericksburg … because Fredericksburg’s culture has already made its mark on Altstadt.

And now Altstadt looks to make its mark on all of Texas it’s available in markets from here to Corpus Christi. Next, it looks to extend its reach into Fort Worth, followed by the lucrative Houston market.

And yet, they want to be local, too.

“We want to give back to the community,” Whitton says. “We want you to come out, drink our beer, eat our wonderful food and have a wonderful time in Fredericksburg.”

R&V

FALL 2018 47

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FALL 2018 49

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stay

WOODLAND Sanctuary Dripping Springs cottage is a fairytale come to life

By BARBARA LEVY WALKER Photos by ROBERT G. GOMEZ

FALL 2018 53

stay

HAVENWALD.COM 2181 Harmon Hills Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 512.332.9504

Shiplap, stained glass and diamond casement windows give Havenwald a fairytale air.

D

eep in the hills above Dripping Springs, Texas, is a cottage reminiscent of Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest hideout called Havenwald, which is Old English for Haven in the Wood. The cabin sits among six acres of soaring bluff and enchanted woods that is centuries away from the noise, pace and stress of city life.

Here, Michelle Ashley and Andy Slater have created retreat suitable for the Prince of Thieves and his friends.

What the duo share with the Merry Men is a philosophy of reclamation and reuse of unwanted materials or put another way "stealing from the rich and giving to the poor." “Through my internet searches, I discovered that we could obtain everything we needed to begin construction with

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Antique pots decorate the Havenwald cottage.

salvage from buildings that were past their original structural life," Ashley says.

Havenwald is proof positive that something useful and beautiful can be created by utilizing reclamation as a compass. The couple created a feeling of living in a forest using first-cut cedar, walnut, pine, and oak for the cottage, which sports a full-sized custom cedar frame bed in the loft.

It is ten steps up the circular stairs that have cedar hand rails.

Utilizing antique stained-glass windows, (a favorite design element of Ashely's), etched hardware, and natural unpainted wood polished only with Tung oil, the cottage, which is under 300-square feet, including the loft, is lavished with intricate detail.

stay

Ashley's exit from California and corporate America in search of a more self-sufficient, low-key lifestyle gave rise to what has become a passion for designing and building cottages.

The space fosters an atmosphere of contemplation and inspires the imagination. “We decided that instead of selling cottages, we would open a bed and breakfast where people could come and enjoy what we create from repurposed material and our natural surroundings," according to Ashley.

Slater, who was already a master-builder when they met, came to the Hill Country from Alpine, Texas.

Their paths crossed in Dripping Springs and thus began a business partnership that spawned Havenwald, which was initially conceived to be Ashley's home.

Their long-term plans are to have twelve cottages available for guests.

Visitors from San Antonio were so inspired by the Robin Hood-like sanctuary, they sketched one of the rooms inside the guestbook and left a message: “What an enchanted little place. We love every detail of this whimsical cottage." R&V

Avove, a deep leaf oak gate-leg table sits in the kitchen.

Right, Andy Slater built cottages at Havenwald by hand using salvaged materials.

Michelle Ashley helps find vintage furnishings for the cottages at Havenwald.

FALL 2018 55

THE CLUB

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*301 EAST MAIN STREET, FREDERICKSBURG *serves lunch at this location only

FALL 2018 57

off the beaten path

Rockie’s keepers MARBLE FALLS MUSEUM DISPLAYS 700 YEAR OLD FOSSILS IN OCTOBER

By STEVE TAYLOR Photos by ROBERT G. GOMEZ

A rare find, in tact jawbone with teeth of an American bison.

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While fishing along Rocky Creek in Burnet County, Ryan Murray caught a big one.

At least from a phylogenetic standpoint, one might say the 1,300 to 1,800 pound American Bison, named Rockie that he dug up on his parent’s north Burnet County ranch, is a fish.

The biologists who study phylogeny say Rockie is mammal, and all mammals and birds are reptiles and all three are fish.

One day in late August of 2013, Murray saw what looked like a piece chalk along the Rocky Creek bed.

Digging down into the earth for over two days, he found what he thought might be two leg bones.

Realizing these could be fossils, Murray took his findings to a paleontology open house at The University of Texas at Austin, where he met with Dr. Tom Hester, a Marble Falls anthropologist.

They organized a scientific dig that included Murray, Hester and Kenneth Bader, a fossil preparer at UT Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences.

Bader devoted over 200 hours of work to stabilize and restore the 700 year old specimen.

The female American Bison nicknamed for the creek by which she died will be on display at The Falls of the Colorado Museum in Marble Falls in October.

Bader will discuss how Rockie, who is estimated to be seven years old when she died, may have been killed by arrows shot by Native Americans.

Hester said three fragments of an arrowhead that “sort of fit together” were found near her remains.

off the beaten path

The 700-year-old bison skull.

The fossils will be displayed in a glass case as Rockie was found – lying down on her side. Bader said her bones are too fragile to mount in an “in life” position.

Murray also will participate.

The display will include excavation photos and other artifacts that date back to that era, including arrowheads donated by Hester.

Carbon dating tests run by The University of Texas – San Antonio show that her remains date between 1308 and 1424.

Ancient bison roamed North America as much as two million years ago, well before European settlers arrived on the continent, researchers believe. Modern bison today are about two thirds the size of predecessors such as Rockie and have smaller horns.

Rockie was among the bison using a migration corridor that stretched down North America, through the Great Plains to Texas’ Edwards Plateau.

Fossils of Rockie’s vintage often are found in the Hill Country, Hester noted. Some of them date back to B.C. times, thousands of years ago.

The museum plans to have a souvenir book on the excavation available for sale to visitors, said Darlene Oostemeyer, who chairs the museum board.

“If we can find something that will be cute, we’ll think on that,” she laughed. “But I don’t want to be cheesy.”

Rockie's jaw resided at its permanent home at the Falls of the Colorado Museam.

The Falls of the Colorado Museum is located at 2001 Broadway St., Marble Falls. It is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. For more information, go to www.fallsmuseum.org.

FALL 2018 59

stomping grounds

Hawk's Shadow Creek Winery is built on a hill top that overlooks the vineyard.

HAWK’S SHADOW WINERY CREATES CELLAR WORTHY BLENDS

By LORELIE HELMKE Photos by TOM GRANT Way off the beaten path near Dripping Springs sits a winery well worth the trek – Hawk’s Shadow. Built on passion for wine, the love of friends, and Carol Reed’s horse, Hawk, this winery delivers a fun approach to wine. Hawk’s Shadow winery, owned by Doug Reed, Tom Reed, and Chip Concklin, offers 22-mile views of gorgeous Hill Country, a cellar reminiscent of those in Burgundy, France, and wonderful Texan wines to enjoy.

The collection offers a touch wine geekiness. Visitors can sample a vertical of HSV Estate and experience the Larry, Darryl and Darryl, named for characters on the “Bob Newhart Show,” collection side-by-side.

These wines are sourced from one vineyard in Canadian County near the border of Oklahoma in the Texas panhandle.

The blend in this series cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. This plot of land produces some distinct qualities that are seen throughout the line-up. Cherry is the dominant flavor. The difference is the oak the juice is fermented and aged in. A side-by-side tasting is a must do for oenophiles.

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stomping grounds

2011 RED BLEND grenache/syrah based

2014 BORDEAUX BLEND SINGLE VINEYARD

HSV Estate

Sourced Darryl

½

½

A rich ruby color gives this charming old world with new world blend it’s cellar worthy designation. Aromas of raspberries, red cherries, sweet tobacco leaf and licorice root greet the nose. The rich body enhances the brooding flavors and the tannin structure is outstanding. Pair HSV 2011 Estate with wild game tenderloin, nilgi or axis deer.

The tightly woven French Oak influences wine in a subtler way than American oak. This fruit forward wine begins with a bright ruby color.

The candied cherry aromas jump from the glass. It’s almost like a jolly rancher cherry candy. Hints of chocolate and licorice caress the senses. There is some cigar spice and sweet tobacco leaf, adding in backbone. This is a good wine for those starting their journey into wine. This one would also be great chilled. Pair with grilled salmon with sweet chili sauce or jalapeño cheddar sausages.

2013 RED BLEND grenache/syrah based HSV Estate

2016 DRY RIESLING Juniette

 This light and crisp wine awakens the senses with brilliant aromas of Meyer lemon, Golden Delicious apple and a hint of tropical fruits. A beautiful minerality follows. There is an exotic Madagascar vanilla that pulls all of this together. The racy acidic finish carries it through. Pair Juliette with bacon-wrapped shrimp or white wing dove.

2015 ORANGE MUSCAT BLEND

 The 2013 Estate fruit produced a luscious garnet colored wine with essence of red plums, and red cherries. The black pepper and baking spice aromas lends a kick to the ripe fruit. Well composed acidity makes this a foody wine and the smooth tannin structure add weight to the elegant finish with beautiful complexities.

Pair HSV 2013 with pan seared hanger steak.

2014 BORDEAUX BLEND SINGLE VINEYARD

Luna de Oro

Sourced Larry



½

This is not your mother-in-law’s Moscato. It has 4% chenin blanc, 2% riesling and is barrel fermented and aged. Aromas of honeydew melon, lemon peel and honeysuckle swoon.

This porch sipping white dances on the tongue, it’s all over the pallet.

It finishes with a touch of tannin from the oak. Pair Luna de Oro with oysters – on the half shell, grilled, or Rockefeller. It has enough body to hold up to spicy sauces.

Aged in American Oak, Larry is a bright ruby color with plenty of oak and vanilla. Black plum, dark cherry, woven with damp earth, charred wood, cloves and cigar box spice will age beautifully together.

It was just bottled and is showing handsomely. The tannins are solid with a full-bodied extended finish.

Larry satisfies those needing a Big Red soda fix. Pair Larry with blue cheese and grilled lamb.

2014 BORDEAUX BLEND SINGLE VINEYARD Sourced Darryl

½ Darryl is aged in Hungarian oak, which changes the flavor and color.

This blend is a rich ruby/purple color with tempered cherry aromas.

Tobacco leaf and cassis blend with white pepper on the pallet. The tannins are softer, silky and more feminine. Pair this with peppered pork tenderloin.

HAWK’S SHADOW WINERY hawksshadow.com 7500 McGregor Lane, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 512.587.9085 Lorelei Helmke certified specialist of wine and member of the Society of Wine Educators, wine rating

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2 blocks from 401 S. Lincoln St Main Street above Fredericksburg, TX 78624 KingWood Studio 830.992.9681 www.kingwoodsuites.com

Hosting special occasions since 1999.

Vintage barn with full service catering.

Join us for Second Saturday Dinners featuring a 4 course set menu with local live music.

1213 Kott Rd, Fredericksburg, TX • 830.990.9515 • kairosbarn.com FALL 2018 63

explore

FROM THE

Dripping Springs’ rainwater harvest hobby leads to first bottled product

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explore

By GAYNE C. YOUNG Photos by GAYNE C. YOUNG

W

ater has always been a commodity in Texas. Even in the early days of the Republic when saloons outnumbered churches and schools two- or three-fold, Texans looked for ways to obtain and store their most precious of liquids.

Well, maybe their second most precious liquid. Those bars weren’t frequented for their water.

Almost two centuries later, Texan are still looking to collect and keep water. Richard Heinichen knows just how to do such. In fact, he’s mayor of how to do such.

Heinichen began collecting rainwater shortly after he moved to Dripping Springs.

He found that water from his well tasted foul and smelled of sulfur. He turned to collecting rainwater from his roof and soon neighbors came calling, asking for help with setting up their own rain-collection system. Being neighborly soon turned into a business and Tank Town was born in 1994. Heinichen declared himself mayor soon thereafter.

But Heinichen’s fondness for the pure taste of rainwater didn’t end with rain collection systems, pumps, and installation.

Heinichen took his love further by bottling and selling rainwater.

“Richard obtained the first permit in the United States to bottle rainwater,” Richard’s Rainwater CEO Taylor O’Neil explained proudly. “And that wasn’t easy because the first question he was asked was, ‘What’s your well source?’ and they didn’t buy ‘the clouds’ for an answer.”

Heinichen persisted and after four years, he was given the first of its kind permit.

Richard’s Rainwater starts in the clouds.

It falls to a specially designed roof in Tank Town, is collected, triple filtered, goes through reverse osmosis, is sanitized with ozone, then bottled. The Sparkling variety is carbonated, but not easily given the extreme purity of the water. Both varieties have zero hardness, contain no sodium or chlorine, and exceed the EPA’s water purity standard. This makes for an exceptionally smooth water that’s a huge hit with celebrities, chefs, mixologists, and those that swear by the health benefits of drinking something so pure.

“Richard’s Rainwater creates a bright, crisp and clean sparkling rainwater package that we can stand behind in our establishments,” Alex Holder the Assistant Beverage Director of McGuire Moorman Hospitality &

By George said. “They have perfected the level of carbonation introduced to their filtered Hill Country rainwater – this works beautifully as a soda in our cocktails or just to enjoy a bottle. It is also difficult to find a sparkling product which doesn’t loose effervescence quickly, something essential for cocktail production. Richard’s Sparkling Rainwater has most certainly accomplished that.”

Richard’s Rainwater can be found in Austin at Graceland Grocery, Wheatsville Food Co-Op, Royal Blue Grocery, and Thom’s Market, through the company’s website, and, “Lots of other upper end establishments very soon,” O’Neil promised. “Very soon!”

Visit Richard’s Rainwater at richardsrainwater.com Visit Tank Town at rainwatercollection.com FALL 2018 65

Come visit us...

Come visit us...

FEATURED BRANDS FEATURED BRANDS

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FEATURED BRANDS

830.217.0135

www.cdappliancestudio.com 66

www.cdappliancestudio.com Rock&Vine

830.693.4222

1603 E Main St Ste E, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 830.693.4222

1302 N U.S. Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654 830.217.0135

Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Marble Falls, TX 78654

830.217.0135 1302 N U.S. Hwy 281, 1603 EFalls, Main TX St Ste E, Marble 78654

830.693.4222 1603 E Main St Ste E, 1302 N U.S. Hwy 281, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

We invite you to come to the table

Make this holiday season one to remember.

OutBack Patio Furnishings has been serving families in the Texas Hill Country for nearly 20 years. Our customers come from Kerrville, Marble Falls, Fredericksburg, and everywhere in between. We’d love to work with you to design an outdoor space where you can wine, dine, or simply unwind.

We’re here. Right in your own backyard.

1000 Sidney Baker St. S. | Kerrville, Texas 78028 | 830.890.5532 2000 US Hwy 281 South | Marble Falls, Texas 78654 | 830.798.9761 outbackpatiofurnishings.com

FALL 2018 67

haus

Ample seating groups encourage the family and visitors to enjoy the fire pit and outdoor kitchen. Tasteful patches of Astroturf provide a touch of green, even when the landscape is parched. (The owners are gradually working to restore a natural waterway, as well as creating ponds on the land.)

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haus

Desert Oasis RANCH RETREAT’S OPEN, AIRY DESIGN WINS AWARDS

By ANGELA RABKE Architecture and photos by CRAIG McMAHON

I

t’s damn hard to find a piece of land around George West, Texas these days.

The area is geographically unique – not exactly coastal plain and not quite Hill Country, with both rolling hills and a Gulf Coast breeze.

The Story Telling Capital of Texas sits on the edge of the Hill Country, with rolling hills and valleys, but it can be rough terrain if it grows, it has thorns.

It isn’t particularly well known, but it’s always been prime real estate for ranchers, and now for players in the oil and gas industry.

One family of four chose property on a picturesque site nestled in a valley in the area for their weekend ranch getaway.

The couple wanted to create a retreat that would serve their outdoors-loving family, including two young children, as well as their business colleagues and friends.

They built an airy and welcoming ranch retreat that consists of a 4,400-squarefoot main house that serves as a weekend headquarters for the family to hunt, fish and explore their land on ATVs, as well as three casitas with private bed and bath quarters for friends or professional colleagues. continued on page 70

FALL 2018 69

haus

The dĂŠcor by Aimee Escamilla, Studio E, San Antonio Texas, is tasteful and bright, and allows the natural landscapes that are captured in each window and doorway to take center stage.

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We knew construction would be a bit of a challenge because of the distance, so I talked to builders in both San Antonio and Corpus Christi, but no one wanted to make that two-hour drive.

Contractor Johnny Canavan came out of construction retirement for the project.

The design has one foot in history, while the other is rooted in modern technology and design. The plan relies on natural connections and historical reference points at every turn.

The open design won the 2018 Golden Nugget Award of Merit at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC).

This is one of the West Coast's largest residential-focused trade shows.

The challenges of building in the area were well worth the results.

We needed it to be bulletproof and easy to use – no soft materials that would wear down, no finishes that would fade.

Prioritizing durability and sound building have paid off in the end.

The transparent front door of the main house sits just beyond the parking court and is connected with a limestone walk. The entry acts as a gateway from the driveway to the main courtyard on its opposite end.

The clear connection at the entry provides an enticing glimpse of the Hill Country just beyond.

Crossing the threshold, the connection to the outdoors continues, with deep covered porches offering protection from the intensity of the afternoon sun. The patios and the courtyard are oriented to take full advantage of the rolling hills to the south, with its orientation capturing the prevailing gulf coast breeze. R&V

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haus

Two Hills Studio

Fine Lighting and Decorative Metal Work

Š Andrea Calo

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© Jennifer Craig

By ANGELA RABKE

I

f you’ve spent much time in the Hill Country, there is a good chance that you’ve seen the work of the artisans at Two Hills Studios. This small, locally owned business has been creating custom fine lighting and decorative metalwork for both individuals and businesses since 1987.

Examples of the studio’s handiwork can be spotted all over the state, including at the Metropolitan Cinema in Austin, the Smith Chapel at Riverbend Church, the Speakeasy Club, and the Alamo Quarry Cinema in San Antonio not to mention dozens and dozens of private residences in Texas and beyond.

In the current era of catalogs and online shopping, clients appreciate knowing that their lighting and metalwork are one-of-a-kind. Every single piece that Two Hills creates is essentially custom, as it's made-toorder in their on-site workshop. Over the course of the company’s 31 years, they’ve perfected a menu of nearly 65o products, each of which can be further tailored to their customer’s preferences.

“We really like to help clients identify what best suits their needs and their space. We always make sure that what they want is buildable and works within the space, that the finishes are suitable for the environment—it’s a very comprehensive service,” owner Scott Gross shares.

“

We really like to help clients identify what best suits their needs and their space. We always make sure that what they want is buildable and works within the space, that the finishes are suitable for the environment it’s a very comprehensive service - Scott Gross

”

continued on page 20

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© two hills studio

© two hills studio

Gross recently purchased the business and studio from its founder, Britt Medford.

“Britt was an architect with his own practice, and as he worked with clients, he really recognized the need for handcrafted fixtures that he couldn’t find anywhere else,” Scott said. “He started doing it by himself, and the business expanded until he turned his attention to Two Hills full time.”

Today the business includes twelve employees, with the majority of the team creating unique pieces in the 8,000-square-foot workshop. And while the Two Hills crew often caters to designers and builders, they also work directly with homeowners. The shop is located on a busy stretch of South Lamar in Austin, where they have been located since 1994, Scott said. They see plenty of walk-in customers in their showroom, although Scott prefers appointments so that each (potential) client can get his full attention.

“We don’t maintain an inventory, because we have so many easily customizable fixtures, but we do have a showroom with plenty of examples of our work. And all of our fixtures are handmade on-site by our craftspeople. We’re always delighted to show off our production space to everyone who comes by the studio.”

Those clients vary greatly in terms of aesthetic preference, and the team prefers it that

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© two hills studio

way. “We are flexible,” Scott said. “We’re known for Craftsman or hill country-style work, but our projects runs the gamut from whimsical to contemporary, and the challenge of something new is especially exciting. We love our designs, but also appreciate and recognize that everyone has their own aesthetic.”

This openness allows the team to create fixtures and details that fit each client’s needs with precision, and in a way that other architectural details may not, Scott said. “Lighting is such an effective and cost-efficient way to express style. There is so much that you can do with it...you can often tell that the fixtures were selected by the homeowner, even when it is clear that they didn’t necessarily design the space,” he said. “For us, it isn’t about putting the Two Hills stamp on a space, rather, it’s about putting your stamp on it.”

The 6- to 8-week wait is a bit longer than ordering from a big box catalog, and well worth it. “We often make clients ‘for life,’ and we've had many, many long-time clients who’ve purchased fixtures from us in one home only to come back 10-15 years later to buy again for their new home,” Scott said.

Light is, after all, what we think of when we think of home: a warm, familiar, and recognizable beacon. R&V

FALL 2018 77

Luxury Linens from PINE CONE HILL Available at

LINENS-N-MORE

|302 East Main Street | Fredericksburg, TX | 78624 | 830-990-1212 | 78

Rock&Vine

heathsparkling.com

Sparkle & SHINE LONGTIME WINE PRODUCER BRANCHING INTO BUBBLY

By MIGUEL LECUONA

L

one Star State-made sparkling wine is hard to come by, but Brian Heath, owner of Grape Creek Vineyards, will make it a little easier for Texans who love bubbly. The mastermind behind the Highway 290 corridor’s oldest winery will be opening Heath Sparkling Wines in the summer.

“As far as we know, this will be the first winery in Texas dedicated to sparkling wine,” he says. “The building itself will be very modern and stunning and is designed for a unique tasting experience. It is in between a traditional tasting at a winery and a private tasting. We will have separate areas with limited tasting spots so it is more intimate, and we also integrate an on-demand, virtual tour featuring short video vignettes showing the vineyards, crush, tirage, riddling and disgorgement. The tasting will also feature paired accompaniments that will showcase each wine.”

Grape Creek Vineyards released its first sparkling wine, Euphoria, in 2015. It was made from equal parts estate chenin blanc and muscat. Since then winemaker Jason Englert and Heath set out to develop the independent sparkling program, which will include, Euphoria, Adoration, a pinot noir rosé and Ebullience, a ramato style pinot grigio. Blanc de Blancs will be made with a traditional chardonnay approach.

“We always want to keep expanding our offerings and experiences to our customers, especially our club members,” Heath says. “Sparkling wine has the largest ‘crossover’ of drinkers of other beverages versus any other option.”

The club will be available to Grape Creek Vineyard club members on Jan. 1, 2019, followed by the tasting room opening in May/June for two months for GCV members only. It will open to the public in July 2019, according to the website.

“We anticipate the club will sell out at some point and the wine will only be available to Heath Sparkling club members, as we will have limited production,” he says.

“While Grape Creek club members get early access to the club, the tasting room and a discount on tasting fees, they would need to become Heath Sparkling members to regularly receive all the wines.”

Texans will be ready to bring on the bubbly in 2019.

FALL 2018 79

drinkery maps Pontotoc

106

32 San Saba

Lake Buchanan

Tow

101

Florence

281

Blufftown

71

Buchanan Dam

29 29

Inks Lake

38, 68 & 81 Castell

97

29

Oatmeal

Lake LBJ

Sunrise Beach

37

Marble Falls

Horseshoe Bay Spicewood

Round Mtn.

102

Cypress Mill

82

55 20 3 16

Stonewall

Hye

46

60 62

Johnson City

92 8

73

10

26

14

290

80 28

22 70 50

32 Driftwood 31 105

Sisterdale

35

85

18 10

84

Boerne

49 Bandera

17 21

183 San Marcus

Spring Branch

15

AUSTIN

71

87

Wimberly Comfort

64 Vanderpool

99

78

KERRVILLE

Center Point

Bee Cave

Dripping Springs

87

76

90

Lakeway

13 Henly 29

7 Blanco

Jonestown Lago Vista

47

71

Luckenbach

SEE PAGE 60

56

109

Roundrock

65

Willow City

100 1

Lake Travis

89

87

FREDERICKSBURG

42

183

Travis Peak 71

12

Georgetown

Liberty Hill

Granite Shoals 16

Rogers 35

74

Kingsland

25

Andice

Bertram

Burnet

94

Llano

Mason

290

95

75

Canyon City

Canyon Lake

27 57

35

Smithson Valley Bulverde

93

59

281

30

87

Gruene 46

N New Braunfels

24 Seguin W

98

E

S

Hill Country Wine Region The Texas Hill Country region now has over 100+ breweries, distilleries, wineries and vineyards combined and continues to grow each month. With this growth, Rock & Vine has also expanded its reach with coverage to the northern counties of San Saba and McCullouch, down south to Bandera, Kendall and Comal, out west to Mason, Kimble and Menard, and east to Hays, Williamson and Travis counties.

Highlighted areas on page 60

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Listing numbers correspond with numbers on map. Locations are approximate not to scale.

1.

290 Vinery

300 W. Main (Hwy. 290) • Johnson City

2. 290 Wine Castle

101 Durango • Johnson City

3. 1851 Vineyards

4222 S. Hwy. 16 • Fredericksburg

4. Altstadt Brewer

6120 E. US Hwy 290 • Fredericksburg

5. Alexander Vineyards 6360 Goehmann Lane Fredericksburg

6. Andreucci Wines

2 Locations 8898 US Hwy. 290 308 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

29. Dripping Springs Vodka

59. La Cruz de Comal Wines

89. Spicewood Vineyards

60. Lewis Wines

90. Stone House Vineyard

61. Longhorn Cellars

91. Texas Heritage Vineyards

62. Longhorn Hills and Winery

92. Texas Hills Vineyard

63. Lost Draw Cellars

93. Three Dudes Winery

33. Fat Ass Winery Tasting Room

64. Lost Maples Winery

94. Torr de Lochs

34. Fat Ass Ranch Winery

65. McReynolds Winery

95. The Vineyard at Florence

5330 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs

30. Dry Comal Creek Vineyards 1741 Herbelin Rd. • New Braunfels

31. Duchman Family Winery 13308 FM 150 W. • Driftwood

32. Fall Creek Vineyards

2 Locations 18059-A FM 1826 • Driftwood 1820 County Rd. 222 • Tow 153 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

51 Elgin Behrends Rd. • Fredericksburg

7405 FM 2722 • Canyon Lake

3209 W. US Hwy. 290 • Johnson City 315 Ranch Rd. 1376 • Fredericksburg 555 Klappenbach Rd. • Johnson City 113 E. Park St. • Fredericksburg 34986 Farm Market 187 • Vanderpool 706 Shovel Mountain Rd. • Cypress Mill

7. Andalusia Whiskey Company 6462 North Highway 281• Blanco

35. Fawncrest Vineyard & Winery 66. Mendelbaum Winery/Cellars

8. Arc de Texas

36. Fiesta Winery - 2 locations

4555 Hwy. 281 • Johnson City

9. Armadillo’s Leap Winery

2 Locations 134 East Main St 6266 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

1370 Westside Circle • Canyon Lake

147A E. Main St. 6260 US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

37. Flat Creek Estate

24912 Singleton Bend East Rd. Marble Falls

10. Baron’s Creek Vineyard

38. Fly Gap Winery (Off Map)

11. Becker Vineyards

39. Four Point Cellars

5865 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg 2 Locations 307 East Main St. 464 Becker Farms Rd. • Fredericksburg

12. Bell Mountain Vineyards

2851 Hickory Grove Rd. • Mason 10354 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

10207 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

70. Newsom Vineyards 717 Front St. • Comfort

106 E. Pecan Dr. • Johnson City

43. Garrison Brothers

74. Perissos Vineyards

15. Bending Branch Winery

44. Grape Creek Vineyards

16. Bingham Family Vineyards

45. Grape Creek Vineyard on Main 76. Pint & Plow Brewing Company

17. Boerne Brewery

46. Hahne Estates Winery

18. Branch on High

47. Hawk’s Shadow Estate Vineyard 78. Real Ale Brewing Company

19. Calais Winery

48. Hilmy Cellars

20. Chisholm Trail Winery

49. Hill Country Cellars & Winery 80. Salt Lick Cellars

3101 Mount Sharp Rd. • Wimberley 142 Lindner Branch Trail • Comfort 3915 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg 106 Sage Brush • Boerne 704 High St. • Comfort 8115 W. US Hwy. 290 • Hye 2367 Usener Rd. • Fredericksburg

1827 Hye Albert Rd. • Hye 10587 E. US Hwy 290 • Fredericksburg 223 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

104 E. Pecan Ave. • Johnson City

7500 McGregor Ln. • Dripping Springs

12346 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg 3540 S. Hwy 16 Ste 2D • Bandera

21. Cibolo Creek Brewing Company 50. Hill Country Distillers 122 North Plant • Boerne

22. Comfort Brewing

523 Seventh St. • Comfort

23. Compass Rose Cellars Inc. 1197 Hye Albert Rd. • Hye

24. Copper Star Cellars (Off Map) 13217 FM 1117 • Seguin

723 Front St. • Comfort

26. Deep Eddy Vodka 2250 E. US Hwy. 290 Dripping Springs

27. Dodging Duck Brewhaus 402 River Rd. • Boerne

28. Driftwood Estate Winery 4001 Elder Hill Rd. • Driftwood

3209 US Hwy. 290 • Johnson City 7214 W. Park Road 4 • Burnet

75. Pilot Knob Vineyard 3125 CR 212 • Bertram 332 Clay St. • Kerrville

77. Pontotoc Vineyard

320 W. Main St. • Fredericksburg 231 San Saba Court • Blanco

79. Ron Yates Wines

6676 W. US Hwy. 290• Hye 1800-C FM 1826 • Driftwood

81. Sandstone Cellars (Off Map) 211 San Antonio St. • Mason

82. Santa Maria Cellars

52. Hye Meadow Winery

83. Signor Vineyards

53. Hye Rum

84. Singing Water Vineyards

9953 US Hwy. 290 • Hye

11247 W. US Hwy. 290 • Hye

25. Dancing Bee Winery (Off Map) 54. Inwood Estates Winery 8060 W. US Hwy. 190 • Rogers

2916 Upper Albert Rd. • Stonewall

51. Horn Wineries

1827 Hye Albert Rd. • Hye

10303 US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

58. Kuhlman Cellars

16604 Fitzhugh Rd. • Dripping Springs

100. Vinovium

214 Edmonds Avenue • Johnson City

101. Wedding Oak Winery 2 Locations 316 E. Wallace (Off Map) • San Saba 100 Legacy Rd., • Fredericksburg (Located inside Wildseed Farm)

102. Westcave Cellars Winery 25711 Hamilton Pool Rd. Round Mountain

103. Western Edge Cellars

228 W. Main St. • Fredericksburg

104. William Chris Vineyards 10352 US Hwy. 290 • Hye

105. Wimberly Valley Winery

2825 County Road 183 • Driftwood

106. Wines of Dotson Cervantes 13044 Willis Street • Pontotoc

107. Winotus

115 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

108. Woodrose Winery

662 Woodrose Lane • Stonewall

109. Ron Yates Winery

676 W. US Hwy. 290 • Hye

110. Zero 815 Winery

11157 W. US Hwy. 290 • Hye

316 Mill Dam Rd. • Comfort

1142 Sisterdale Rd. • Boerne

87. Solaro Estate Winery

635 E. Hwy 46, Suite 207 • Boerne

2152 Timber Creek Rd. • Pipe Creek

85. Sister Creek Vineyards

56. Kerrville Hills Winery

57. Kinematic Brewing Company

101 CR 257 • Liberty Hill

362 Livesay Lane • Fredericksburg

55. Iron Goat Distillery

3600 Fredericksburg Rd. • Kerrville

6258 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

12044 S. Hwy. 16 • Fredericksburg

86. Six Shooters Cellars

817 Usener Rd. • Fredericksburg

8711 W. FM 487 • Florence

96. The Vintage Cellar

99. Treaty Oak Distilling Company

2 Locations FM 1623 (South of Hye) • Albert 111 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

14. Bella Vista Ranch

715 Main St. • Georgetown

7055 W. State Hwy. 29 • Burnet

69. Narrow Path Winery

120 Fort McKavett St • Mason

42. Georgetown Winery

3700 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs

125 Old Martindale Rd. • San Marcos

98. Timber Ridge Winery

9996 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

73. Pelota Wines, Inc.

247 W. Main St. • Fredericksburg

878 RR 2766 • Johnson City

68. Murphy's Cellars

41. Fredericksburg Winery

13. Bell Springs Winery

3245 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

97. Thirsty Mule Winery & Vineyard

72. Pedernales Cellars

463 Bell Mountain Rd. • Fredericksburg

24350 Haynie Flat Rd. • Spicewood

67. Messina Hof Winery

40. Fredericksburg Brewing Company 71. Pecan Street Brewing 245 East Main St. • Fredericksburg

1419 CR 409 • Spicewood

6264 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg 13111 Silver Creek Rd. Dripping Springs

88. Southold Farm + Cellar 10474 Ranch Road 2721 Fredericksburg

18421 E. US Hwy. 290 • Stonewall

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drinkery maps 88

GOEHMANN

Cain City

LOWER ALBERT RD.

44

11

ALBER RD

HYE ALBERT RD.

GELLERMANN

1376

COM RD. FORT

C LU

6654

108

52

51 19 73

23 43

1623

HAHN RD.

CITY

N BACH-CAIN .

KE RD

RD.

MEUSEBACH CREEK RD .

WOODLAND DR.

RD. CAIN

IO

Blumenthal

48 83 39 34

58 53 110

T

ON

6

290

Hye

290

Stonewall

2

104

Pedernales River

PER

10 61

67

LBJ National LBJ State Historical Park Historical State Park Ranch

UP

NT SAN A

87

16

96 4 36 86 101 Rocky Hill 5 CITY

OLD

91

Pedernales River

JENSCHKE LANE

290

LUCKENBACH RD.

GOEHMANN LN.

LANE

.

16

KLEIN RD.

LANE

FREDERICKSBURG FREDERICKSBURG

72 Albert

69

OLD

Luckenbach

WINE CORRIDOR

DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG W. CENTRE ST.

PECAN ST.

ELM

W. COLLEGE ST.

TRAVIS ST.

ORCHARD ST. TRAVIS ST.

16

MAIN STREET Pioneer Museum

Marktplatz

41

9

LLANO ST.

AUSTIN ST.

ADAMS ST.

103

CROCKETT ST.

77

ORANGE ST.

MILAM ST.

EDISON ST.

BOWIE ST.

ACORN ST.

CHERRY ST.

AUSTIN ST.

LINCOLN ST.

SCHUBERT ST.

SCHUBERT ST.

69 107 36 33

45

40

Visitor Information Center

6

Museum of the Pacific War

290 11

MAIN STREET

SAN ANTONIO ST.

UFER ST.

16 N

PARK ST. W

E

S

82

Rock&Vine

63

S WASHINGTON

87 T

EEK S

E. CR

FALL 2018 83

Q& question & answer

A

SIGNOR VINEYARDS OFFERS A RELAXING WAY TO WHILE AWAY THE HOURS

By MATTHEW ESTÉ Photos by KIMBERLY GILES

SIGNOR VINEYARDS, 362 Livesay Lane, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 830-304 - 7446 SIGNORVINEYARDS.COM 84

Rock&Vine

question & answer

One of the 290 Wine Corridor’s newest tasting rooms, Signor Vineyards offers a unique experience. The Hill Country vineyard owned by Clay Signor sits on 135 acres with a tasting room designed and built by architect Issac Maxwell.

There are plenty of spaces to join friends and family, or sit and enjoy a glass of wine in a more intimate setting.

The vineyard was born from the fruit of a multi-generational relationship between the Signor and Weisinger families with strong Texas roots.

Signor purchased the property six years ago and teamed up with winemaker Eric Weisinger to create wins like the Touriga Nacional, which I sampled during my conversation with Will Coker, who works at the vineyard.

Rock & Vine: When did the Tasting room open?

Will Coker: Mid March –Clay put a sign out to see who would come in. We didn’t have a full staff, not everything was finished. Yet, the customers grow every weekend. Our neighboring wineries have been great about sending people over here, and we have a lot of employees of other tasting rooms coming in. Everyone has been helpful with offering help and advice. We’ve developed a growing wine club.

R&V: You offer several Oregon wines, will Signor be producing more Texas wines?

WC: We will always keep our connection to Oregon, hopefully we’ll always keep Eric (Weisinger, a winemaker from Oregon). The plan is to have Texas wines, whether it is from the High Plains – we are low on the totem pole when it comes to contracting grapes, but the goal is 60 percent Texas wines.

R&V: What is your flagship wine?

WC: Probably our Texas sangiovese. It has Texas fruit from the Timmons family vineyard (Lost Draw Vineyard) in the High Plains. It’s our top selling wine.

R&V: What grapes are planted on the property?

WC: We also have tannat, touriga nacional, Mourvédre, tempranillo, montepulciano and sangiovese. This year we harvest montepulciano, tannat, touriga nacional, and petit sirah. This was the first harvest that we will use. Last year we had a harvest, but we sold off that juice to someone else.

R&V: Are the wines all made on site?

WC: Right now, we are cold-shipping the grapes to Oregon for Eric (Weisinger). We realized it only added few cents per bottle and Eric wasn’t having to fly back and forth, which would leave him more time during winemaking.

Eventually, we plan on making a winemaking facility and a custom crush facility. .

R&V: What mark do you expect Signor to make over the next ten years?

WC: I hope it is known for the same thing it’s known for today – a beautiful property with great customer service and great wines. One challenge as we grow is getting good people in here that can continue building good customer relation-ships.

R&V: What would you say your biggest challenge is?

WC: With designing the tasting room, it’s managing the growth. We’ve been growing quite steadily. In a short time, we have a wine club with over 500 members.

R&V: How did you create a relaxing and inviting tasting room?

WC: That’s what we’re going for I hope that people feel welcome here. It’s fancy but still down to earth and welcoming in that way. It’s kid friendly, dog friendly. We have people set reservations and expect it to last an hour and a half, but they end up hanging out for three hours.

That’s a good problem to have because it means that they are enjoying themselves and enjoying the wines. R&V

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Events October 5-7—38

th

Annual Oktoberfest, Friday,

6pm midnight, Saturday, 10am-midnight, Sunday, 11am-6pm, Marktplatz on Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624; 830.997.4810; oktoberfestinfbg. com.

6—Boerne Book and Arts Fest, 10am-4pm, 100 North

Main (Main Plaza), Boerne, TX 78006; 830. 249.3053; facebook. com/BoerneBookFestival

12-14—26

th

Annual Pig Roast,

619 US-281, Johnson City, TX 78636; hctrpigroast.com

20— Rainwater Revival + Hill Country

Living Festival, 10 am -5 pm , Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs, Texas 78620; 512.263.9147; RainwaterRe-vival.com.

27—Annual

Spooktacular Halloween Fest, 7pm-midnight, 531 N FM 3351, (The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue), Boerne, TX 78006; 830.428.3231;

November 11—World

War I Centennial Commemoration Veterans Day Pa-rade, 11am, Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624; www. gillespiecounty.org/page/Veterans_Service_Office_ homepage.

16—Jan 1—Walkway of Lights, 6-10pm, Lakeside Park, Address: 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, Texas 78654; 844-MFLIGHTS; marblefalls.org.

22—Community

Thanksgiving

Meal,

11:30am-1pm, Lutie Watkins Memorial Unit-ed

Methodist Church, Family Life Center, 800 Wright St. Lla-no Texas, 78643; 325.247.4009; www. lutiesplace.com.

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December 7—Light

the Night Christmas Parade, 6:30pm-10pm, Marktplatz on Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 7824, 830.997.5000; lightthenightchristmasparade.com.

7

—Todd Snider solo show, 8pm, Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, Texas 78130; 830.606.1281; gruenehall.com.

16

—49th Annual LBJ Tree Lighting Ceremony and Evening Tours, 6-9pm, Lyndon

January 19—20—50th

Annual Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show, Saturday 9am6pm, Sunday 10 am-4pm, Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Pioneer Pavilion, 432 Lady Bird Dr., Fredericksburg, TX 78624; 830.997.4202; fredericksburgrockhounds.org

B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX 78671; 830.644.2252, ext.226; tpwd.LBJSTATEPark.

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INSPIRING YOUR CULINARY ADVENTURE IN THE HILL COUNTRY

Visit Das Peach Haus the home of

Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods

Wine Tasting Cooking School

Bring in this coupon to Das Peach Haus or Fischer & Wieser on Main in Fredericksburg, Texas and recieve 1 of any 10 oz Fischer & Wieser jellies

FREE

PRODUCT CAN NOT BE RETURNED FOR CASH OR CREDIT REFUND. ONE PRODUCT PER CUSTOMER Rock & Vine coupon expires 1/1/19

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FOR MORE INFORMATION VIST US AT

WWW.JELLY.COM FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

830-997-8969

1406 S US Highway 87, Fredericksburg, Texas

EXPERIENCE THE HILL COUNTRY’S EXCLUSIVE DESTINATION SPA Romance Packages Small Group Packages Gift Certificates Available INFO@WILLOWROOMSPA.COM

432.638.3729 @willowroomspa @spa_willowroom

By Appointment Only

FALL 2018 89

in the hills

NATURE’S MASTERPIECE

The Preserve offers a hands-on experience with elephants and other animals. Owners Gary and Kari Johnson grew up around elephants and many of their employees have worked with them for 30-plus years. Pictured, from left, Rosie (24 years), Dave Smith, Kitty (30 years), Luis Justo, Tom Smith, Becky (24 years), Joanne Smith, Gary Johnson, Dixie (35 years), Kari Johnson, and Tai (42 years).

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in the hills

ELEPHANTS ARE HARMLESS GREAT THINGS

By MCKENZIE MOELLERING

For 45 years Kari and Gary Johnson have surrounded themselves with the wisdom of the ages in the form of elephants. The Johnson’s entire lives have been devoted to the care of pachyderms.

“I was exposed to them around my step-father who was a trainer when I was younger. They were just always around,” Kari said. “When you have had that intimate experience with them, I don’t see how you can’t love them. Even when you meet them for the first time, you just fall in love.”

Gary purchased his first elephant at age 14.

The Johnson’s recently moved themselves, their five elephants — Becky, Rosie, Kitty, Tai and Dixie — and trainers to the Hill Country, to start an endangered animal preserve, called The Preserve.

EXPERIENCE THE ELEPHANTS The main goal of The Preserve is to build the bridge between elephants and humans.

There are currently fewer than 35,000 Asian elephants left in the world and just under 450,000 African elephants.

“These are an endangered species and we believe that the contact that our friends, neighbors and visitors have will help create more ambassadors for these creatures,” Kari says. “They really can touch your heart.”

“We believe that unless you have contact with something, why would you even care about it?” Gary adds.

At The Preserve, guests have the opportunity to interact and learn about the history of the elephants, what they eat, what they do each day and have the chance to bathe them and give them a pedicure.

THE PRESERVE Owners: Gary and Kari Johnson Established: 2018 Address: 650 Double Horn Road, Stonewall Phone: 830-992-0373 Website: visitthepreserve.com Primary business: Animal preserve

EVERYDAY CARE Gary compares them to children, in that the elephants require constant care.

“They are like kids that never leave home,” he says. “Every day, they have to be taken care of, they have to be fed and exercised. They are very labor intensive.”

Most days start at 6:30 a.m. and conclude around 9:30 or 10 p.m.

“We start their exercise and walk and then each one is given a bath. And after that, we take each one and do special training for mental and physical stimulation,” Gary says.

Employees: 8 FALL 2018 91

in the hills

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES Owning and training elephants has provided unique opportunities for the Johnsons and their trainers.

Many of their elephants have been in movies, traveling by plane, train and automobile.

They have also participated in research efforts with breeding, conservation and disease prevention and treatment.

One elephant, Tai, has an orthotic on her foot because one leg is shorter than the other, giving her a better quality of life, and thus helping others like her.

Joanne Smith and Dave Smith have been working with the Johnsons for over 20 years.

“When I was one, I had a stuffed elephant and I always knew I wanted to work with them someday,” Joanne says. “I got connected to the Johnsons and just continued to fall in love.”

“Experiences I had during my exotic animal training guided me to Gary and Kari, and they impressed me with how deeply they care and what they are doing is top-notch,” Dave says. “Their first and last concern are these elephants.”

ENDURING THE NEGATIVE Owning large animals, like elephants, can mean facing animal rights groups and receiving negative propaganda.

“Their (animal rights extremists) business is to focus on the negative stories, many of which are years old,” Joanne says.

“But what people need to understand is that the video footage 92

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is highly edited and the stories aren’t true. The best way to understand what we do is for people to come here and see for themselves and learn about these animals.”

“At the end of the day, these animals are being managed by humans in some way because the numbers are dwindling.

And if we want to save them, humans have to interact with them,” Gary says.

BEYOND ELEPHANTS In addition to the elephants, which range in age from 24-42 years, The Preserve hopes to bring more animals to the Hill Country.

Plans include adding a giraffe, a kangaroo, a bird aviary and more.

“We want to not only preserve these endangered species, but also preserve the animal-human bond,” Kari says. “We want people to be able to feed, touch and learn about animals they normally wouldn’t have the chance to interact with.”

The Preserve sits on 50 acres outside of Stonewall.

“That is the beauty of what we do; we make sure these elephants get the care and exercise that they need,” Kari says.

“We are going to give them the care that they deserve.”

They also are starting a nonprofit to help care for future elephants, under the name Hill Country Elephant Preserve.

“These elephants are going to outlive us and we want to make sure they are always taken care of,” Kari says. R&V

Sip, Taste, Stay.

830-997-9591 www.c21fredericksburg.com

LONGHORN CELLARS

At Longhorn Cellars, our wines are handcrafted in small lots by our own owner and winemaker Dr. Michael Dickey and in cooperation with award winning winemaker Dr. Robert Young.

Our estate vineyards are located in Hye, Fredericksburg and Pontotoc, Texas.

The goal at our winery and tasting room is to produce unique world class and award winning wines grown and vinted right here in the Texas Hill Country.

315 Ranch Road 1376 Fredericksburg, TX 78624

(830) 990-2990 FALL 2018 93

Hill Country Wineries

Let US OXO be your source for bulk & cylinder gases.

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ERIENCE

Gases for Bottling, Blanketing & Preservation From harvest to crush to bottling - you need a supplier with abundant stock and dependable delivery service. We have been servicing the Texas Hill Country and surrounding areas since 2003.

Some of our products in bulk or gaseous form include Argon, Nitrogen and Sulfur Dioxide. Please contact us today to discuss your packaged gas needs.

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, OR WE DELIVER!

G A S S U P P LY C E N T E R S

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Take a scenic road-trip out to Castell for the day... or stay the whole weekend with your family and friends and enjoy Food, Kayaks, Groceries, BBQ, Beer, Bait and So Much More... and all just steps away from the stunning Llano River!

Come Stay Awhile.

An Experience All Its Own.

Best Food on the Llano River

Upcoming Events

Chili Cook-Off– 3rd Weekend in February Wine & Wildflower Fest– 1st Weekend in March

Fri.- Burgers (11am-9pm) Sat.- BBQ (11am-3pm) Sun.- Ribeyes (11am ‘til sold out) Lunch Served Daily

We’re Located at 19522 West Ranch Rd. 152 Castell, Texas 78631 Featured in Texas Highways Magazine, August 2017 Issue

www.castellgeneralstore.com

30 Minutes from Fredericksburg!

Testicle Festival– 3rd Weekend in May Goat & Rib Cookoff– 4th Weekend of October Gumbo Cookoff– 1st Weekend of December

Randy

Marc

Jennifer

Texas Tech University now offers WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) Qualifications WSET Level 1 (Award in Wine) and WSET Level 2 (Award in Wines and Spirits) Courses offered in Fredericksburg and Lubbock, Texas.

Visit www.hs.ttu.edu/texaswine/wset.php for details.

FALL 2018 95

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Contact=Caring=Conservation

An elephant experience like no other. Enrich your life and help sustain Fredericksburg’s newest residents and their wild counterparts.

650 Double Horn Road Fredericksburg, TX 78624

830-992-0373

VisitThePreserve.com FALL 2018 97

Stop by one of our TWO NEW LOCATIONS and compare your current insurance coverage with what we can offer.

Whether you’re looking for Commercial, Personal, Group Benefits, or PEO Services, SWBC has you covered!

Schedule your FREE consultation today!

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS C.W. LEES SWBC Insurance Agent 609 N. Llano Street Fredericksburg, TX 78264 Phone: 830.307.4202 clees@swbc.com

KERRVILLE, TEXAS MONTY MELCHER SWBC Insurance Agent 924 Jefferson Street, Suite #4 Kerrville, TX 78028 Phone: 830.285.5439 mmelcher@swbc.com Since 1976, SWBC has been providing individuals, businesses, and financial institutions access to insurance, mortgage, and investment services throughout the state of Texas and across the country.

For more information, visit www.swbc.com.

© 2018. All rights reserved. 1045-A9494 02/18

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Breeding a TEXAS LEGEND®

Come view and feed the longhorns during your stay!

Longhorns for Sale

LIDDELL PROPERTIES

Fredericksburg Texas Hill Country Guest Houses

H Enchanted Porch

H Grandmother’s Porch

For Reservations Call 866-427-8374 or 830-997-5612 Or Visit Our Website: www.gplonghornranch.com/Guest-Houses FALL 2018 99

OPEN Until Christmas

15194 US Hwy 290 East-Stonewall, TX 78671

1-800-694-2772

1-830-644-2604

www.burgscorner.com

Enjoy our wines at our winery and vineyard just a few miles from Hwy 290.

Winery/Vineyard 6331 South Ranch Road 1623 Stonewall (830)644-2144

Our downtown location provides a wonderful respite for Main Street shoppers.

Main Street Tasting Room 113 East Main Street Fredericksburg (830)992-1404

Taste our :

• Peach Cider • Natural Honey • New crop Pecans • Peaches & Ice Cream

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• Home style, Locally - Made Preserves, Pickles, Dressings • Over 200 canned goods • Gift Baskets

Walk with us.

Rock&Vine is the definitive publication for “The Good Life” in our Texas Hill Country...

Four times a year we publish the most relevant resource that informs, inspires, and engenders enthusiasm for our region.

Our articles are thoughtfully written, inspiring and explorative; we examine the people, the places, the eateries, drinkeries, architects, artisans, musicians and land we are all inspired by.

Rock & Vine's editorial focus tells the stories of “our” Texas Hill country; we provide useful resources to plan your day trip, weekend, or permanent move to the Hill country.

What you can expect to find in each issue of Rock & Vine: • Insightful Q & A's provide up to date information on our rapidly expanding wine/spirit and distillery industry.

• The Hill Country “Drinkery” Map; to facilitate your journey with our ever-changing, most up-to-date map for your hill country experience.

• Regional Architects featured in our “Haus” section share with us the most current design and build trends that are breaking new ground in our region.

• Trend setters of the TX Hill country....who may be chefs, designers, land reformers, growers, musicians, shop owners, entrepreneurs, preservers of the past, leaders of the future, experts in conservation and ingenuity.

• Explore with us as we uncover the most unique destinations throughout Texas Hill country. Whether its a park, a preserve, a hike, a monument, a festival, a B & B, or a spa, we are always on the scout for the next amazing place we want you to explore.

Rock & Vine retails at over 240 locations throughout Texas, reaches over 32,000 readers in the Hill Country alone and extends beyond this to Austin, and San Antonio...

Our readership targets successful, well-educated readers that are in the peak of their financial and explorative years.

We are the preferred choice for advertisers as they know that our readers value our publication and prefer it to others because of our commitment to solid and honest editorial features that benefit, embolden and enrich the lives or our Texas hill country community.

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Private deck overlooking the Hill Country

Like us on Facebook PERMIT: FBGTX-17051

Der Lindenbaum the linden tree

German Restaurant Authentic German Cuisine

you will be glad you came

Where Good Times are Always On the Menu!

For a truly unique dining experience during your visit to Fredericksburg and its German-enriched attractions ... Stop by our Main Street Restaurant, where you can find American, German and other foreign-flavored dishes to appease even the most hungry of appetites. And, remember, good times and fellowship are always on our menu!

Our skillful chefs take their precious time in preparing dishes (their “masterpieces”) that you CAN write home about and our service staff offers their visitors — both local and out-of-town — a refreshing friendliness as they care for all their needs.

Whether in town for just a day or making Fredericksburg your home, Der Lindenbaum is ‘a must’. Our comfortable, yet elegant dining atmosphere, welcomes all tastes with open friendship.

authentic - schnitzel burgers - sandwiches home baked breads - german specialties - desserts mouth-watering After shopping, come relax in our quiet, cozy atmosphere with hot spiced wine, European pastries and more. Come join us for delicious international dishes in our comfortable dining room. We’ll be waiting for you (close to the Nimitz Museum.)

Open 7 Days a Week, 11am to 10pm Tuesdays, 11am - 4pm only Travelers Checks, Personal Checks

312 E. Main, Fredericksburg, Tx. - 830-997-9126 102

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2818 East US Highway 290 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 (830) 990-2717 grapesandwine.ttu.edu

Pursue a Career in the Wine Industry With state-of-the-art facilities, including wine labs and a teaching vineyard, we offer students outstanding hands-on learning experiences through three education options.

TEXAS VITICULTURE CERTIFICATE: Two-year program for wine industry entrepreneurs and prospective vineyard managers.

TEXAS WINEMAKING CERTIFICATE: Two-year program for winemakers, cellar workers, and prospective winery employees.

VITICULTURE & ENOLOGY SPECIALIZATION: The only four-year undergraduate program in Texas focused on the science and technology of grape and wine production.

Major in Plant & Soil Science with a specialization in Viticulture & Enology.

An eclectic collection of Fine Art alongside Fine Craft by Texas Artists.

Pottery, Paintings, Fused Glass, Sculpture and More

Cindy Cherrington

FALL 2018 103

830-997-5302

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS, DOORS & INSTALLATIONS

446 S. Lincoln St., Suite B • Fredericksburg, Texas 830.997-5302 • www.hillcountrywindowsanddoors.com 104

Rock&Vine

New & Replacement Windows & Doors Your Custom Specialists Kerrville, Fredericksburg and Surrounding Areas Contact us for a Free Quote today!

Locally owned & operated by certified installers

NIXON REAL ESTATE M-F 8:30am-5:30pm *Sat. 9:30am-3:30pm 1325 E. Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas

830-997-2187

FAX: 830-997-3905 WEB: www.nixonrealestate.com EMAIL: info@nixonrealestate.com

Farm • Ranch • Acreage • Building Sites • Residential www.texashillcountryhuntingranches.com • www.fredericksburgtxhomesites.com

Vic Nixon Glen Voorhees Wendy Voorhees Ed Wagner BROKER/ REALTOR REALTOR REALTOR OWNER ASSOCIATE ASSOCIATE ASSOCIATE 830-889-2325 830-456-8253 830-928-0963 830-383-9200

Mark Edwards Wendy Hearn REALTOR REALTOR ASSOCIATE ASSOCIATE 830-456-1420 830-456-7145

Dan Cowart REALTOR ASSOCIATE 830-739-8900

Lisa Cowart REALTOR ASSOCIATE 830-739-8907

“41 Years of Serving Hill Country Buyers & Sellers”

NIXON RENTAL SERVICES M-F 9:00am-5:30pm 1325 E. Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas

Marian Nixon BROKER ASSOCIATE 830-889-0422

Vicky Duecker REALTOR ASSOCIATE 830-889-5577

Lara Nixon REALTOR ASSOCIATE 512-784-9545

830-997-2187

FAX: 830-997-3905 WEB: www.nixonrealestate.com (click rentals) EMAIL: rentals@nixonrealestate.com

Sam Rivera RENTAL ASSISTANT 512-784-1989

Let us help you find the right rental for your family or business.

Nixon Rental Ser vices is dedicated to helping you with your Rental needs, including Residential and Commercial properties.

FALL 2018 105

Lone Star Candy Bar Come be a kid in a candy store!

Try a FREE sample of our fresh HOMEMADE FUDGE!

CHOCOLATE DIPPED BACON!

Order fudge online!

www.lonestarcandybar.com

- Over 36 Flavors Everyday -

M&M’s in 21 colors & Jelly Bellys in lots of flavors!

Fresh Roasted Nuts Pucker Powder

We serve Hand Dipped Blue Bell Ice Cream!

Your Old-Time candy favorites 254 E. Main • Fredericksburg, Texas 830-990-9100

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Mon. - Thurs. 10-5:15 Fri. & Sat. 10-7:15 Sun. 12-5:15 Check website for Holidays Phone: (830) 990-8747 email: wine@fbgwinery.com

www.fbgwinery.com

247 W. Main (in town - one block west of the Courthouse) Large parking area in front RV parking in back.

Fredericksburg, TX 78624 FALL 2018 107

END

notes

Compiled by CHRISTINE GRANADOS

Hill Country sites — droughts, fireants and doll heads While droughts create ghost towns, in Burnet County, excess water forged the Old Bluffton Ghost Town. This land northwest of Austin was home to 50 families, pecan orchards and corn and cotton fields dating back to the 1800s before it became an underwater ghost town in 1936. Today, the manmade Lake Buchanan covers the ruins of Old Bluffton, which are usually submerged under 25-feet of water.

Jackrabbits and cottontails – what’s the difference between the two Texas mammals? For one, they're separate species. Jackrabbits are hares, while cottontails are rabbits, and neither is a rodent. Hares are bigger, have longer ears, and are less social than bunnies.

Hares are born fully furred, eyes open and able to hop. Rabbits are born naked, blind and almost helpless. Hares weight 4 to 8 pounds and live from 5 to 6 years, while rabbits weigh 2 to 4 pounds full grown and live from 1 to 3 years.

Fireants have a secret to their success — they go with the flow.

While many may view the frenzied ant mound as chaotic, the truth is that ants don’t get into traffic jams, they may butt heads, but always manage to keep things moving. A new study out of Georgia Tech found that 30 percent of the ants did 70 percent of the work, while some ants sat around doing little to nothing.

They use idleness to their advantage and back off when tunnels are being dug or food is being carried.

Baby Head Cemetery sits near a mountain that shared its gruesome name. According to legend sometime in the mid 1800’s Native Americans, who were looking to scare off the encroaching white settlers, kidnapped and killed a young girl from one of the families.

Her head placed on a pike at the foot of what was almost instantly dubbed “Babyhead Mountain.”

Details of the tale differ depending on the storyteller, the name of the mountain stuck, and when a community began to grow in the area near the turn of the century, it too became known as Baby Head.

The name was abandoned and the remaining population was absorbed into the city of Llano. A historic marker has been placed at the edge of the cemetery, and oftentimes a baby doll head hangs from the sign.

Source material: Old Bluffton https://www.texasobserver.org/bluffton-texas-lost-civilization-rises-from-lake-buchanan/; Jim Stanley’s “Hill Country Landowner’s Guide”; Washington Post, “Industrious fire ants reveal surprise secret to success: Selective laziness; Atlas Obscura “Babyhead Cemetery.”

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Indulgences in Artful Living

201 East San Antonio - One Block off Main FALL 2018 109

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PICTURE YOURSELF HERE BRING US YOUR DREAMS — WE’LL HELP YOU FIND YOUR HOME, YOUR RANCH AND YOUR NEW ROOTS HERE.

Since 1965, Fredericksburg Realty has been known as the premier real estate brokerage firm in the Texas Hill Country.

Over the years, we’ve helped highly selective families discover t h e p r o p e r t y o f t h e i r d r e a m s , w h e t h e r they were seeking a house in the city or a sprawling Texas-size ranch.

RANCH & RESIDENTIAL R E A L E S TAT E

Our 11 full-time realtors have a combined experience of 103 years in selling the Texas Hill Country. They understand the ins and outs of living in this area, from complying with historic district guidelines to wading through the water, mineral rights, ag exemption and tax issues that come with owning land.

830.997.6531 | info@FredericksburgRealty.com | www.FredericksburgRealty.com FALL 2018 111

PIEBALD RANCH ¦ CRAIG MCMAHON ARCHITECTS

Transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Guido Windows and Doors is proud to have partnered with LaCantina and Craig McMahon on the award-winning Piebald Ranch home.

We welcome you to visit our new showrooms in San Antonio and Fredericksburg.

8526 Vidor Ave. San Antonio, TX 78216 ¦ 210-344-8321 603 RR2093 Ste. 103 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 ¦ 830-990-5717

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guidoco.com