Rock & Vine Magazine - Summer 2022

Rock&Vine GOOD LIFE IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

COWBOY LIFE Dance halls and rodeos entertain generations

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FEATURES

in every issue

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WITH WAYLON AND WILLIE

Publisher's Letter

Luckenbach’s history goes way back, but an iconic song and personality made it a destination.

Mike Barr

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UNDER TEXAS SKIES

A dancehall that welcomes all ages, and has for generations.

Ada Broussard

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SPINNING SUCCESS

One woman’s quest helps vinyl make its comeback.

11 Contributors

104 STOMPIN' GROUNDS

Slate Theory takes a new approach.

Lorelei Helmke

105 SCENE

Sipping and sharing at a new distillery.

Photos by Ava Snoozy

Sallie Lewis

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Drinkery Maps

Young family melds agriculture with human touch.

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SEEDS IN SCHERTZ Megan Willome

End Notes Fresh Burrata with Strawberry and Tomato Caprese Ashley Odom

ON THE COVER: Artist Kevin Chupik electrifies rodeo imagery with his witty and thoughtful pairings.

For paintings and prints, visit kevinchupik.com

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DEPARTMENTS TASTE

45 Peaches are smaller in ‘22, but just as sweet.

IN THE HILLS

82 A trail of top spots for Hill Country flower beauty.

Ada Broussard

Ada Broussard

HAUS

DRINKERY

53 Builder creates a Canyon Lake retreat for active couple.

89 Old 290 Brewery makes a splash with local suds.

Kimberly Giles

Lee Nichols

MAKERS

One entrepreneurial couple takes on the grind work for wineries.

92 72 Local entrepreneur promotes African artisans.

Sallie Lewis

Ada Broussard

97 First Texas Wine Auction a huge success.

76 Pottery maker finds zen in her art.

Sallie Lewis

WINE DOGS

100 Adega Vinho’s pups Bento and Xoanna keep an eye on the grounds.

Sallie Lewis

Album cover photo by Samuel Regan Asante SUMMER 22

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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 Contributing Editor Kimberly Giles Design Editor Andrea Chupik Contributing Writers Mike Barr, Ada Broussard, Sallie Lewis, Lee Nichols, Megan Willome Contributing Photographers/Artists Ada Broussard, Barney Kane, Kimberly Giles, Jeremian Dearinger Advertising/Marketing Director Kimberly Giles Account Executives Kim Jung, Cindy G. Burdorf, Ann Duecker Rock&Vine Magazine 712 W. Main St. | P.O. Box 1639 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Phone 830 997 2155 rockandvinemag.com SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: $30 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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‘Take me out to a dancehall’

By KEN ESTEN COOKE Editor and Publisher “Tell 'em to play them old songs that we all love…. And I'll kiss your face, whenever you want me to.”

Those lyrics from that Pat Green song remind many of us of our first kiss or first loves that flowered at a dance hall. I grew up a little east of Interstate 35, but we all two-stepped on a sawdusted dance floor at the local Knights of Columbus Hall. Hill Country residents spun around at Pat’s Hall, Albert Hall, Sisterdale, Kendalia or Hye Dance Hall, to name a few.

Fortunately, some of these places to meet and romance are still with us.

This edition of Rock & Vine features stories about one of the seminal experiences in our region of Texas — a night at an old school dancehall. This time it’s Crider’s between Hunt and Leakey, where generations have spun on the outdoor dance hall under the lights, enjoyed some rodeo to boot, and perhaps made their first love connections.

We’ve also got Mike Barr’s history of the storied Luckenbach, Texas, whose laid-back days are as sought after and memorable as that earworm song we all know and love. We’re lucky to have it so near and there’s nothing like listening to tunes under the live oaks and sipping a cold beverage.

We also take a look at a woman who is helping bring vinyl back to the masses. With the music industry almost all digital these days, music fans have longed to hold something tangible and substantial in their hands. I have musician friends who swear the tone of records is warmer than those of CDs or digital files.

We also bring you an exclusive feature on a behind-thescenes company that helping out our booming wine industry by taking some of the load off the producers. Read about the Winecub owners and their amazing and rapid growth.’

And we’ve got a story on an amazing custom home with lots of modern-day amenities for an active and healthy couple.

We feature a young couple that is enjoying their “back-tothe-land” journey. And we put the spotlight on two artisans — our Makers — who are putting their creative energies to work and doing good in the world.

As always, we love getting feedback. Please let us know what you like about our magazine or what you’d like to see included. Thanks, as always, for reading. We love bringing this region of our great state to life for our broader audience.

-R&VIf you enjoy Rock & Vine, please subscribe at rockandvinemag. com, follow us on Instagram or drop us a line. You can also sign up for our e-newsletter, which has proven hugely popular since its recent launch, focusing on the same quality stories (in brief) we publish in this magazine. We appreciate your patronage and readership.

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Editorial submissions: ken@fredericksburgstandard.com

Michael Barr is a retired teacher who writes a history column. Read his bi-weekly column in the Fredericksburg Standard newspaper.

Lee Nichols is a freelance writer based in Austin. He loves beer and two-stepping in Texas dance halls.

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

Ada Broussard is a writer, gardener and goat wrangler, who was raised in South Louisiana. Her love of regional foods has led to a career in agriculture, where she has overseen CSA operations, from digging to marketing, and consulted with food producers to cook simple and seasonal fare. See more at instagram.com/adalisab/ Andrea Chupik is a graphic designer / art director living in Aledo. View her work at designranchcreative.com.

Ashley Odom is the chef and owner of Feast and Merriment. Living and working in the Hill Country keeps her creatively motivated, and she feels lucky to live in this area with so much food, wine and talent.

Megan Willome is a freelance writer and author of "The Joy of Poetry."

To read more of her work visit meganwillome.com.

Kimberly Giles is our Rock & Vine Ambassador, who is always scouting for stories in our Texas Hill Country, email her @ kgiles@fredericksburgstandard.com Sallie Lewis is a San Antonio writer currently based in Fredericksburg.

She has a Master's Degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University and her work has been published in The WSJ Magazine, Garden & Gun, and Town & Country. Find her online at sallielewis.co.

VISIT US ONLINE AT

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Jeremiah Dearinger is our HAUS contributing photographer. See more of his work at jeremiahdearinger.com

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peach orchards over 50 wineries & tasting rooms | Hill Country cuisine | unique places to stay | German heritage | award-winning shopping live Texas music | parks, golf & outdoor adventure | museums & historic sites | art galleries | peaches & wildflowers

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Willie Nelson at a Fourth of July picnic held at Luckenbach. — Fredericksburg Publishing Co. files

HOW A SPOT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE GREW INTO A LEGEND.

By MICHAEL BARR Photos provided by LUCKENBACH TEXAS SOMEBODY

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“I saw a little ad in the Fredericksburg paper that said ‘town for sale,’” Guich said, “and I always wanted one so I got with Hondo and we bought it. We tried to buy Dallas,” he added, “but it wasn’t for sale.”

The new owners planned to keep the town more or less as it was. Hondo Crouch envisioned Luckenbach as a place to drink beer, play dominoes and not work.

he evening news with Walter Cronkite wasn’t good 50 years ago. There was war in Vietnam, rioting in the streets and a breakin at the Watergate Hotel. OPEC slashed crude oil production. The price of gasoline skyrocketed to 50 cents a gallon. The Monkees broke up.

The town was not well-known back then.

Days were quiet. Visitors were rare. One day a regular who hadn’t been to Luckenbach for several weeks asked Hondo for the news. Hondo thought awhile. “Well,” he finally said. “The potato chip man came by.”

Back then Hondo, Guich and their buddies had Luckenbach all to themselves. They would gather under the oak trees to drink beer, tell lies, play music and let their imaginations run wild. Hondo imagined Luckenbach as an independent municipality – like the Vatican. He appointed himself the mayor. Kathy Morgan was the sheriff. Roy Petsch was the Agricultural Commissioner.

Hondo even appointed ambassadors to foreign countries.

The rules at those early gatherings were simple. Bring your sense of humor and check your differences at the cattle guard. Having fun was the common denominator.

Even today Luckenbach, located on South Grape Creek 13 miles southeast of Fredericksburg, is so small it’s barely visible. It dates to 1849 when the Engel family established a trading post there. August Engel built the combination general store, post office and saloon in the 1880s. His daughter Minna reportedly chose the town’s name to flatter her fiancée Carl Albert Luckenbach. By the 1890s, the town included a steam-powered cotton gin, a blacksmith shop, a dancehall and a few outbuildings.

Occasionally a country singer, a minor movie star or a politician would drop in just for fun. For a time, Luckenbach was the Hill Country’s best kept secret. The secret got out after the organizers of the Chilympiad in San Marcos decided to exclude women from the world championship chili cook-off. That faux pas opened a door of opportunity wide enough to drive a beer truck through. Seizing the moment Hondo and Guich organized the Women’s Only Hell Hath No Fury Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bowl of Red Chili Cook-Off scheduled for October, 1971 in downtown Luckenbach. Word of the event spread like a conspiracy theory, especially after Frank X. Tolbert wrote an entertaining column about it in the Dallas Morning News. Other newspapers across the country picked up the story. Several thousand people showed up. That event put Luckenbach in the regional spotlight. Curious folks began driving in from Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston for beer, music and a little good-natured nonsense. The potato chip man came by more often.

For almost a century the store, post office, saloon and dancehall did just enough business to stay afloat. Then around 1970, the post office closed and Benno Engel put the entire town up for sale. Hondo Crouch, Guich Koock and silent partner Kathy Morgan snapped it up like costume jewelry at a flea market.

Of course getting to Luckenbach wasn’t always easy for the first-time visitor. The town was so small it wasn’t on most maps. The Highway Department put a sign out on the highway, but people kept stealing it. Meanwhile Hondo, Guich and a growing cast of free spirits were always dreaming up stunts, like the Luckenbach World’s Fair and

Then, just when it seemed the world had lost is sense of humor, an eccentric band of pranksters took over Luckenbach and made us forget our troubles. They made us laugh again. They elevated leg-pulling to an art form. How Luckenbach made the jump from a wide spot in the middle of nowhere to the Texas capital of high jinx and horseplay is a story with more twists and turns than the Cain City Road.

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the Mud Dauber Fest, hoping to draw a sizeable crowd to town and sell a few extra cases of beer. The World’s Fair began as an elaborate joke, but the joke backfired. Ten thousand people showed up. The store ran out of beer. There weren’t enough toilets – or trees. The crowd was so big it scared the livestock. The cows stopped giving milk, and the chickens quit laying eggs. The guineas disappeared entirely.

But the people had a ball, as best they could remember. Events included a spitting contest (for distance and accuracy), a cow chip tossing contest, a championship chicken-flying contest, a laughing contest, thoroughbred armadillo races and live music courtesy of Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker.

Hondo Crouch made the rounds dressed in his regular uniform: a sweat-stained cowboy hat, red bandana, wrinkled shirt and faded blue jeans stuffed inside a pair of scruffy cowboy boots. As one visitor put it “Just looking at Hondo puts you in a good mood.” No one knew what to expect from Hondo. One day he showed up in a suit. He said he ran out of dirty clothes.

Guich Koock, Hondo Crouch, and silent partner Kathy Morgan.

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With a windfall of beer money the town made a couple of concessions to the modern world. One was plumbing. The other was a parking meter. Not that anyone ever paid to park in Luckenbach, but every once in a while a drunk cowboy dropped a quarter in – thinking it was a slot machine.

Except for Hondo and Guich, no one did more to promote Luckenbach than Jerry Jeff Walker. In 1966, Jerry Jeff (real name Ronald Clyde Crosby from Oneonta, New York) met musician Dow Patterson in Austin. Patterson, who was Hondo Crouch’s son-in-law, introduced Hondo to Jerry Jeff.

Hondo made an easy connection with restless souls like Jerry Jeff. A lifelong friendship began the instant they met.

“Hondo was just this magical character,” said singer Gary P. Nunn who played in Jerry Jeff’s band. “Everything he did was enchanting, humorous and playful.”

In August 1973, Jerry Jeff Walker recorded an album before a live audience at the old dancehall in Luckenbach. That album, “Viva Terlingua,” captured the magic of the place and inspired a generation of Texas songwriters, musicians and poets.

With each event the reputation of Luckenbach grew. The weekend crowds got a little bigger. The celebrations got a little crazier. A few more celebrities showed up, drawing media attention to this tiny Hill Country village. Then in 1977, Waylon Jennings, joined by Willie Nelson, recorded a song called “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love),” written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons, neither of whom had ever been anywhere near Luckenbach.

The song shot straight to number 1 on the country charts and number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Suddenly anyone on the planet within earshot of a radio knew about this magical place called Luckenbach. That song made the town world famous and solidified its reputation as a legendary watering hole for musicians and artists and a refuge for old hippies looking to relive their misspent youth.

It’s now been 50 years since the over-active imaginations of Hondo Crouch and Guich Koock created Luckenbach. Today the cast of characters is different, but the spirit of the place hasn’t changed a lick. People have been finding common ground here for half a century. “Luckenbach represents everything Americans long for,” the town’s former Press Secretary Jack Harmon once explained. “People dream about the tranquility and easy-going atmosphere that exists in Luckenbach.”

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“Hell, this place is different. The whole world changes when you get here.”

How does Luckenbach maintain its sense of humor in a modern-day world of extreme political polarization?

“Luckenbach is a logic-free zone,” says Historian/ SOMEBODY Virgil Holdman. “We don’t talk politics or religion. There’s no television. There’s not much to do here except get to know each other. Every day we have cowboys, bikers and city slickers at the bar, and they come to here for one reason — to have fun. That why Luckenbach exists.

“There’s no place like this in the world.” R&V

Photo by Kimberly Giles

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By ADA BROUSSARD Photos by AVA SNOOZY & KATHERINE TANNER

diverse smattering of people meandered into the arena at Crider’s, passing through a gate where the words “It’s Time to Rodeo” were welded in perpetuity. Just beyond the entrance, two young girls with long side braids sat horseback and carefully ate snow cones.

Every Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Crider’s, located near Leakey, draws a crowd. It’s a beloved tradition for many — locals, as well as those with summer houses in Hunt, touristing city mice, and my favorite genre to observe, the off-duty camp counselors and local teens who I saw gathering in heartening vignettes around every corner.

If these kids had cell phones (which I’m sure they did), they weren’t staring at them, and instead, they leaned on fences, sat on tailgates, and migrated from rodeo bleachers to starlit dance floor with a carefree gentleness that sometimes seems generationally scarce. There were tables of young boys with braces, stiff cowboy hats, and western shirts — some with an unassuming check print, and some with a delightfully 1990s pattern and an equally loud belt to match. Girls had on boots and bellbottoms, a resurfaced jean cut very fitting to the Texas of it all.

I wanted to meet the family behind it all and waited for Tracy Moore at one of the tables in the bar, which functioned as a makeshift office. The barn wood walls were adorned with relics from a generation before including tools, at least one stuffed aoudad, and an impressive display of well-worn cowboy hats that belonged to Tracy’s father-in-law. It was several hours before official show-time on the opening Memorial-Day weekend, and Tracy took the opportunity for a breather.

“Would y’all like a water or a soda?” she hollered from around the corner where she fetched a bottle of water for herself. Despite the excitement and lingering punch list for upcoming events, she was friendly and relaxed.

Her son, Dakota, and husband, Bill Moore, pulled up a chair, as Clayton, Dakota’s 3-year-old son, poked around the corner. Not long after, Clayton’s mom, Madison, also took a seat. “You ready?” Tracy asked Madison, who would later be bartending. “You better have on good shoes, that’s all I have to say,” she said smiling. I’d like to think the Moore family gathered on account of my pleasant company, but truthfully, they probably just knew it was going to be the last time they would sit until 1 a.m. when the last dancers were scooted off the dance floor.

Couple Boot Scootin’ Boogie; Photo by Ava Snoozy Tracy oversees the café and dance, while Dakota helps with ticketing and security. Her oldest daughter, Megan, and her husband run the rodeo. It seems all the Moore kids help run the website and social media. Once the kids were older, Tracy’s husband Bill (who ran the rodeo for 17 years) got back involved operating an over-the-road entertainment trucking service. He’s toured with the biggest of names including The Rolling Stones and U2. “I’ve lived a lot of lifetimes,” he explains. Later this summer Bill leaves for a tour with Elton John.

Crider’s Dance Hall has been around since 1925, first started by Walter and Audrey Crider, Bill’s grandparents.

Walter was the Hunt School Board President and the first-ever Crider’s gathering was a school fundraiser. They rented a portable wooden floor for folk dancing and “threw a barbeque and dance down by the river,” as Tracy put it.

Over the past 96 years, the Crider’s spirit has remained the same, but the place itself has evolved. In 1932, the Guadalupe River swallowed its banks, wiping out most of Hunt, and forced the dance to move across the road, to the Crider’s General Store. (The original general store sign, bold black lettering on white wood, hangs in the current bar.)

During World War II, the dances stopped and then resumed back across the street (riverside) with a permanent dance floor and a new rodeo arena. In 1993, a fire burned down the bar and damaged nearly half of an iconic oak tree that was at the center of the patio. In 2017, Bill’s mother Laverne Crider Moore passed away. She was buried in January, and that March, the iconic oak died for good, a withering so tragic it made the cover of the Hunt newspaper, the West Kerr Current.

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The show at Crider’s starts at 8 p.m., and as if on cue, the restorative evening breeze descends with just enough vigor to carry a sweet whiff of rodeo dirt. The bleachers face the river, and the bluff on the opposite bank warms to orange before the stadium lights take over. It’s all picturesque. The rodeo started with a grand entry by 3-year-old Blakely Bruinsma, granddaughter of Bill and Tracy and daughter of Megan Bruinsma, their oldest. Blakely is fifth-generation Crider descendant if you’re counting. With the help of her dad, Rusty Bruinsma, and the protection of what looked like a cowboy hat-shaped helmet, Blakely and her pony, Emmy, made a second appearance during the barrel racing slot. To keep the tiny horse calm, the announcer instructed the crowd to withhold any claps and cheers, and for the most part, you could hear a pin drop. Other rodeo events included bull riding, team roping, mutton busting, and even a calf scramble where hundreds of kids swarmed like ants after red ribbons attached to calves’ tails. As far as family-friendly entertainment, there are few better ways to spend a Saturday night in Texas.

By the time the Crider’s the rodeo winds down, Crider’s the dance hall wakes up. The large cement floor is surrounded by a ring of picnic tables (which you can reserve for $20 online). At 10 p.m., there were still small kids bouncing around.

Blakely Bruinsma, getting ready to lead the Grand Entry.

Photo by Katherine Tanner This year, there is a new property fence and the picnic tables are refurbished with metal bases. “It’s been a long couple of weeks,” Tracy tells me dragging out the long for emphasis, “It really has been a long couple of weeks. We’ve got a lot done.”

That’s likely a familiar sentiment for Crider descendants at the onset of every summer season. Tracy, who is a Northern Michigan native and “absolutely hated country music when [she] moved here,” met Bill on a blind date at Mamacita’s restaurant in Kerrville, and has since adopted the Crider ethos as her own.

Tracy and Dakota laugh when asked if anyone ever causes trouble at the dances. “When we have issues with security, people are like, ‘I want to speak to the manager,’” Dakota chuckles, “And I’m like, are you sure? Are you sure?! I’ve been speaking with her for 29 years and I still lose those fights.”

We’re all laughing now, and I’m reminded of Tracy’s impression of Laverne Crider Moore, Bill’s mother. “She was just as sweet as could be, but pretty tough.”

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Bill Moore remembers being one of those kids. His parents, busy with running the thing, would put him to sleep under the picnic tables. When Tracy first started helping with the dances, she remembers walking through the parking lot and seeing windows down and sleeping kids in the back of every seat. “When he was a baby,” she says pointing at her son Dakota, now a dad himself, “was after the building burnt and we just had an old makeshift concession stand kind of thing… And it had the backseat of grandma’s old suburban just for somewhere to sit, and that’s what he used to sleep on when he got tired.

“And then whenever we built this,” Dakota motioned to the bar and kitchen scape around us, “I’d fall asleep on chest freezers and they had to move me every time that had to get something.” Eventually, Grandma Crider bought a cot for the young Criders to doze on so the big Criders could keep the dance hall tradition alive. On the night I visited, dancers of every generation swirled around, old-timers and teenie boppers, alike.

To get to Crider’s, go past Kerrville, through Ingram, and follow the Guadalupe until it swells with a bit of cypress magic. This cool little pocket of riverfront Hill Country seems to beg for a summer romance, and just about everyone I spoke to seemed to have a story or two, including Tracy.

“A few years ago a couple came, they were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, and their kids asked them, ‘Well, where do you want to go?’ And they said, ‘We want to go to Crider’s.’ Why? They met here.

Young couple enjoying the night air Makayne White and Layla Virdell. Photo by Ava Snoozy

Young boy breaking it down “ Texas” style.

Photo by Ava Snoozy

A fun distraction pool-side Photo by Ava Snoozy

A group of young men, waiting for the live music to begin.

Photo by Katherine Tanner

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Feeling free

Sisters Olivia and Sadie full of smiles

“They met when it was across the road... and there was an old store and they had a pavilion they danced under, and they had met Friday night, which was just kind of like a sub dance. They used to have music Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday…. And so she had told the guy, the boy that she had met [on Friday], ‘Yeah, I’ll come with you tomorrow night’, because he asked her to come back the next night. Well, during the daytime [on Saturday], this other boy that she was sweet on called her and asked her to the dance, and she said yes.” As fate would have it, her mother overheard the phone call, knew her daughter had double-booked herself, and immediately made her cancel the date with the second boy. “And so she ended up going with the original boy that asked her, because her mother made her, and they ended up getting married.”

On the Crider’s social media page, so many comments were like Yolanda Ramirez’s: “Have come here since I was old enough [to] put boots on and dance. Great family memories.”

But of all the 5-star reviews, Sara Kendrick’s summed it up: “Fell in love with my hubby while dancing in the middle of the Criders dance floor. Criders on a Saturday night is a rite of passage.” Sara, who is from Dallas, spent summers from age 8 to 18 at Camp Sierra Vista, first as a camper, then a counselor. Her dad camped and counseled at the summer camp, also. When Sara was 16, she met Sean, an 18-yearold Kerrville native. They taught horseback together. “Sean was never a camper,” Sara told me, but a Camp Vista rep had convinced him the summer job would be better than “stretching wire on a ranch,” with cuter coworkers, to boot.

Sara remarked about Crider’s role in it all. “We would have every third night off. And if it fell on a Saturday, you were 26

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Young couple spinning under the stars

just in luck.” It was on one such Saturday that, surrounded by her best friends, Sara went to Crider’s as Sean’s date.

She remembers being young, and nearly in love, and time slowing down for a bit on the dance floor. “It was like this blur of people dancing all around,” and there they were, two-stepping in the middle, forgoing the outside current of dancers. “We were in the middle” she paused, seeming to look for the explanation of why they were in the middle of the dance floor, “because he thinks he owns the place wherever he goes,” she smiled. The two got married and moved around for about ten years where Sean worked on ranches like The King Ranch before settling down in Hunt, moments from where it all began. For Sara, Sean, and their kids, Crider’s isn’t only a rite of passage, but just a regular Hunt night out. “Oh yeah, my kids have grown up going there…on Friday nights, it’s more locals, [and] they do a catfish dinner… kids are just riding around on bikes and scooters all over the dance floor.”

Sara told me she had heard, that her husband had heard, that Bruce and Charlie Robinson’s parents had also met at Crider’s. I confirmed this, and it just figures that such a pure Texas sound was born from this sweep of Guadulape riverfront.

As evening hit, the Moores disappeared into the seams, happy family clusters filling out the middle. I saw Dakota, once, who gave me a kind and hurried pat on the back as he weaved his way through a crowd waiting for a beer. The kitchen got slammed, and Tracy, I’m told, was helping get food out. R&V

All photos on spread by Ava Snoozy

Timeless two-steppin

John Ballard rodeo announcer with Lynda Franklin

Keepin’ it footloose

“Hook’em” at Criders

Buddies and beers under the neon moon

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830.998.1556 • BLACKCHALKHOME.COM FOLLOW US @BLACKCHALKHOMEANDLAUNDRY SUMMER 22 29

THE GOLDEN GIRL

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By SALLIE LEWIS Photos by KIMBERLY GILES

Kelleher displaying one of many “golden” records in production at Gold Rush Vinyl.

Caren Kelleher the “Golden Girl”

the dimly lit listening room at Gold Rush Vinyl in Austin, the sound of music hums from a vintage Victrola record player.

Dressed in jeans, sneakers, and an Aerosmith T-shirt, founder Caren Kelleher paces the room, looking right at home amidst the relaxed furnishings and cozy cubbies packed with collected vinyl.

Before founding her record production company in 2018, Kelleher grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Music played a big role in her childhood, and there was always something on the radio, from Broadway musicals, to Rock and roll crooners like AC/DC and David Bowie.

“In middle school and high school, I was kind of known for how much I loved music,” she said. “I had a teacher who knew I loved The Beatles, and he used to let me come in at lunchtime and go through his record collection.”

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Later, she studied business at Emory University in Atlanta and pursued her passion for music through internships at MTV and Paste Magazine. “It was amazing to work for a startup in music, to see all sides of the industry, and to get to be a part of making artists more successful,” Kelleher shared of her time at Paste.

After graduating from Harvard Business School, she took a job with Google where she headed up music partnerships.

“I got to learn from such amazing leaders, especially female music industry professionals,” she said. On the side, the budding entrepreneur was also managing a handful of indie bands when she began to notice how important vinyl was, particularly for independent artists. As companies like Napster and Spotify came onto the scene, the decline of physical sales revenue meant more and more artists were offsetting their losses through concerts. In the process, selling merchandise like vinyl became critical, particularly on tours.

In the digital music era, artists today earn a dismal $0.0083 in royalties for every stream, meaning the average American band can only make minimum wage by hitting 2,500,000 YouTube views or 368,000 Spotify streams. Alternately, they can sell one hundred vinyl records and make the same amount. “To see that really pointed out to me that vinyl was going to become more of an important merchandise tool for musicians,” she explained.

At the same time, Kelleher also knew how difficult it was to get vinyl made. After record sales went into decline in the mid 1980s, and into the 1990s and 2000s, a lot of the traditional pressing plants closed. When vinyl started to rise again in recent years, the plants that did exist were backed up with work, and independent artists, or those who didn’t have major record labels, were impacted the hardest. “The indie artists that really needed the vinyl to live on in terms of revenue were the ones cast to the side,” she said.

Knowing this, Kelleher began to brainstorm a business that made high-quality vinyl at faster speeds, ultimately helping independent musicians earn more money from their music.

In the past fifteen years, vinyl sales have seen consecutive double-digit growth, and in 2021 alone, there was a 47% spike. The reasoning behind this surge is multi-faceted, though one factor is certainly the mounting interest from Gen Z and others discovering the format.

“There is a Professor at Harvard Business School named Ryan Raffaele who has done a lot of research on why certain technologies come out of retirement,” explained Kelleher.

“One of the things he pointed out is that vinyl, having it on your shelf, letting people see what music you like, says not only something about you to the people entering your space, but reminds you on a daily basis of who you are and what your personality is. I think vinyl gives us that in a way that digital playlists don’t.”

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A few years ago, Kelleher had an intern who said that the reason she collected vinyl was because for her whole life, her music collection had been hidden in her pocket where no one could see it. However, when people came into her dorm room and saw a St. Vincent record on the wall, they knew exactly the kind of person she was. In this way, collecting vinyl and displaying it at home can be a form of storytelling and self-expression.

After drawing up her business plan and securing initial funding, Kelleher began looking for the right place to land. “The city of Austin really wanted this business here,” she said of her decision to leave California. “The governor rolled out the red carpet to make it clear that if I moved my business to Texas they would support me. I picked up my whole life and moved here to do this.”

Today, Gold Rush Vinyl is making waves in the industry as a dynamic, woman-owned American manufacturing company. Apart from being one of only two fully-womanowned vinyl pressing plants in the world, more than 50% of Kelleher’s full-time employees are women, and 89% of their TikTok followers identify as women as well. “We have built this really cool community of vinyl-loving women,” she shared.

Since its founding, 100% of the brand’s sales have been inbound. From local artists to national names like Dolly Parton, Weezer, and Tenacious D, along with occasional podcast and soundtrack jobs for movies and video games, the company has worked with wide-ranging talent – much to the founder’s delight and surprise. “I thought coming to Austin, it would be a lot of singer-songwriters, a lot of Willie Nelson-esque music, and I have been really taken aback by the creativity and different genres we get.” Thus far, she and her team have pressed around 1,500 different record titles, not to mention hundreds of thousands of records, with artists ranging from Reckless Kelly to Kristin Chenoweth and Grammy winner, Rüfüs Du Sol. Much like the name of her company, Kelleher’s entrepreneurial vision is fueled by a pioneering spirit. At the start of her Gold Rush journey, the founder chose to incorporate new manufacturing techniques and more efficient processes at her pressing plant. “We looked at every part of our system and thought about how can we better use our water? How can we better use our electricity? How do we keep our waste rates low so that we are not sending bad product out or putting more into circulation and trash,” she said. “I was shocked when I started working in this industry at the waste, and how acceptable that standard was,” she said. “I spoke with other press operators, and I would be told seven out of ten is the best you are going to get. Perhaps because I hadn’t done this before, I challenged my team to do better.”

I GOT TO LEARN FROM SUCH AMAZING LEADERS, ESPECIALLY FEMALE MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS. - Caren Kelleher

Color “pop” hot off the vinyl press.

Colored vinyl is the hottest trend currently.

Packaging newly pressed vinyl albums.

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Multi-colored records are proudly displayed at Gold Rush Vinyl.

When it came time to build her 8,400-square-foot manufacturing facility, she hired a group of people outside the vinyl industry to help. “Our contractors had worked on big Pepsi processing plants and dairy farms and things like that that use very similar infrastructure,” she said. “We borrowed best practices in engineering from them, rather than following the blueprint that every other pressing plant was using. As an outsider, what I saw was the blueprint isn’t working, so what can we do instead to create our own system?”

She also contacted various people who had built boiler and steam systems in other industries, asking for tips and insights on expansion planning. A stroll through her pressing plant today reveals the network of chillers and holding tanks, steam generators and water filtration systems, softeners and pumps that make the pressing process possible. “It’s very scientific,” she said of the facility.

“I benefitted from being naïve and not knowing quite how much I was getting myself into.”

Today, the entrepreneur credits her time in Silicon Valley for teaching her how to use technology in an effective way. The machinery used at Gold Rush Vinyl incorporates custom-built software to streamline processes, and every record they make is pressed in-house.

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Currently, the pressing takes place on two automated machines, a stark contrast to the manual machinery from the 1960s and 1970s. The process begins with small pellets of PVC plastic being poured in and melted in an extruder barrel. This plastic is formed into a puck or biscuit that is ultimately pressed into a vinyl record. Kelleher partners with a company in Nashville to make their thin nickel stampers, which are negative impressions of a master disc.

After those are clamped into the machine, the pressing commences through high heat and pressure, before the record is cooled and trimmed. The entire process lasts from thirty to thirty-five seconds. Walking through the plant, the machines hum with a cathartic cadence. “There is something really rhythmic about them,” said Kelleher.

“When they start, it almost sounds like ocean waves.”

Every record that comes off the line, be it a 7-inch or 12-inch vinyl product, is then hand-inspected to ensure there is no marring, stitching, or flaws. “We track data pretty intensely to understand for any given material, day, or temperature what the waste rate is,” she said. Of the hundreds of thousands of records that have left their factory to date, less than 00.5% have been returned for quality concerns. The waste that does accumulate is upcycled and crafted into things like vinyl flower bouquets, a popular item on their website, or sold to companies who then turn them into sunglasses or iPhone cases, for example.

Before the pandemic, the team at Gold Rush Vinyl averaged six-week turnaround times on projects, a rate that is three times faster than the industry average. By June 2020, that number jumped to fifteen weeks. Now, their turn times are impacted by things such as a lack of raw materials, including particular colors of raw vinyl that are globally out of stock.

“One of the really concerning things about the vinyl industry is how thin the supply chain is. For any part of the process, there are usually only two to three companies that make the goods we need,” she shared. “So particularly during the pandemic, and now with the supply chain debacles America is facing, it has been really critical to be a good partner to our vendors to make sure we have the raw materials needed to actually produce the records.”

Currently, their record jackets are supplied through various printers across North America, and the nickel stampers are made through a partner in Nashville. Meanwhile, the PVC plastic comes from Asia, where plastic prices are up globally 269% in a single year. Still, there is hope that things will improve in the months ahead.

UT intern Lauren Akard, Caren Kelleher and UT intern Josh Manning displaying Akard’s idea of up-cycling vinyl scraps into “forever flowers” for music lovers.

Looking forward, Kelleher is excited about the future of her business and the industry at large. “Plants are opening in Tennessee in the next two years and the European plants are also doubling down, so we are really excited to focus on quick turnaround projects and independent artists and let the big plants take the Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Adele kind of work that is really tying up the vinyl industry right now.”

She is also adding two new machines, which will double their annual output, in addition to a machine that will make 24-karat gold-plated records for fans. “I’m especially interested in collectors and why they collect vinyl, so our 24-karat gold record business – which will be called Gold Records USA – will allow people to own a piece of music history.”

With all her growth thus far, Kelleher is quick to credit her lean yet mighty team, who helped Gold Rush Vinyl weather the pandemic and come out stronger than before. “We are at a point where we’re backed up almost a year, and the orders just keep coming,” she said. “It is a really special problem to have, a ‘platinum problem,’ as they say.”

Outside of work, Kelleher enjoys mentoring young women and the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Recently, she has been guest lecturing everywhere from The University of Texas to Austin Community College, Texas A&M, and her alma mater, where she spent a whole semester working with marketing students on a case study about her company.

Whenever she can, she enjoys heading to the Hill Country where she’s pressed vinyl for a community of talented artists such as Israel Nash of Dripping Springs. “I started going out more during the pandemic to meet other business owners,

Recycled vinyl scraps will be transformed into vinyl “Flower Bouquets” for music lovers. particularly vineyard owners, who faced similar pandemic challenges,” she said. “When I was out there, I would often see musicians performing live, collecting tips, and selling merchandise, which gave me encouragement. It reminded me of the real impact our work had, if we could just keep making records for performing artists.” The Hill Country’s array of intimate, outdoor venues were also increasingly popular during the pandemic, with a wave of music lovers visiting from across the state.

Looking back on her journey, Kelleher can trace her entrepreneurial origins to her youth on the east coast. “I’ve always benefitted from having a family that would hear my crazy ideas and never told me it was impossible,” she said. Glimmers of that early encouragement and support continue to fuel her. “Every day when I left home for school my Mom would say ‘Be brilliant today’ – she wanted me to shine.” R&V Visit Gold Rush Vinyl online at goldrushvinyl.com and follow along on Instagram and TikTok @goldrushvinyl

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-DPH Instagram follower

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SEEDS OF

CHANGE

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CLAIVERES ARE SAVING THE WORLD, ONE SEED AT A TIME.

By MEGAN WILLOME Photos by KIMBERLY GILES

uring World War II, when canned and processed food was sent to soldiers, Americans planted Victory Gardens. But many people already had a backyard patch of vegetables, along with some chickens. Even a small garden meant some amount of freedom from hunger and, everyone hoped, freedom for the world. After the war, farming changed and became more corporatized. Over the decades, we lost our connection to the land and to each other.

“Farmland is the most valuable land. If there’s not farmland, there won’t be food. There are not enough farmers who want to do it. It’s a very thin world,” said Sylvain Clavieres, founder of Talking Tree Farm. He and his wife, Sarah, are bringing back the old-fashioned ways, farming on four acres of abundance in Schertz.

Family effort: Sarah with daughter Juliette alongside husband Sylvian holding son Leo in a shaded portion of Talking Tree Farm.

I WILL ALWAYS HAVE FOOD. I WILL ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL. – Sylvain Clavieres

The name of the farm comes from the fact that trees and other plants have their own way of speaking with each other. “Plants communicate underground, and it changes them genetically, so the next year they’re different,” Sylvain said. “These tomatoes, I’ve been growing them for six years.” That means these tomatoes are a little different from the ones he originally planted, just as grandchildren may resemble one of their forebears, but in a slightly different way. As the plants talk, and the farmers talk, everyone in the ecosystem thrives. “When I experienced it, I thought, ‘This is huge, this is life,’” Sarah said. “I can picture myself growing old here,” Sarah said, turning to her daughter, Juliette. “I want you to taste all the good stuff.”

A San Antonio native, Sarah met Sylvain, who is French, in Thailand, when she was teaching English and he was living off the land. For a few years they lived and farmed off-grid.

Through friends of Sarah’s parents, the couple was able to come to Texas and begin sustainable farming here while they lived in a camper. In 2019, they bought this property, moved their family and their plants, and deepened and expanded their permaculture project.

Permaculture integrates agriculture with human culture, creating a system that is self-sustaining.

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I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT SEED-SAVING. IT’S WHAT DREW ME TO WANTING TO FARM WITH MY HUSBAND. IT GROUNDS ME. IT GOES FROM DEATH TO NEW LIFE—NOT ONE LIFE BUT LITERALLY THOUSANDS. – Sarah Clavieres

Sarah with daughter Juliette checking on the garden.

Fresh tomatoes with fragrant and tasty onion bloom.

Blackberries bursting forth

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The Clavieres talk about living with closed loops — operating with zero waste, upcycling and bartering whenever possible. It’s the way things used to be done before we could buy anything and everything online.

Every permaculture project is unique. If you buy tomato seeds from a locally or regionally-based farm, they’ll be adapted to our heat and drought. You can’t say the same for seeds from New Jersey. After harvesting tomatoes or any other crop, the leftovers go to the compost pile, and the compost goes back in the soil to grow more veggies.

Saving the seeds completes the loop, ensuring there will be tomatoes for years to come.

Talking Tree Farm includes several different gardens, including a new experimental one with tropical fruits.

“We’ll see how that goes over the winter. I brag about it in spring,” he said.

His keys to a healthy garden? “Water and sun!” Sylvain said. “Everything starts from the soil. We focus on the soil, making the soil healthy. If your soil’s not healthy, there’s no way you can grow any plants on it. It’s like you — if your body’s not healthy.”

Sylvain nourishes the soil not only by adding compost made on site, but also by not tilling or plowing after he plants so the soil structure remains intact and vibrant. He’s built the greenhouses as well as the solar-powered rain catchment system that waters them. He’s passionate about this project, yet remarkably chill. Each decision is made deliberately.

“Everything has to make sense. If there’s a problem, don’t fight it. Find a solution,” he said. That means planting the same vegetable in more than one spot, so if this patch of Swiss chard has pests, no worries. There’s another one over there that’s doing just fine. “So I usually just let it be. If you move the pest, it will just grow somewhere else.”

He knows a balanced ecosystem will include both pests and predators, so he feels no need to waste time and money to spread chemicals or to bar every possible entry. “I’d rather work with nature rather than trying to be smarter and work against it. It’s much more efficient,” he said.

Efficiency also means training the couple of hundred fruit trees in the farm’s Fruit Forest to literally bloom where they are planted, despite Texas’ harsh summers. “My fruit trees are becoming drought-tolerant and stronger because I do things to put stress on them, like water every two, three days. All my trees are going into their third year.”

Having a diversity of crops, in a diversity of places, and accepting the diversity of wildlife that dwells around them

means a healthier farm. And a healthier farmer. “Diversity is the key for everything in your life. Diversity to be able to bounce back,” Sylvain said. “That’s why I like to grow a lot of things. If I have a disease in this crop, that’s fine. I have so many other crops that will make it.”

Sarah likes that their children are growing up in a close relationship with creation. “Hopefully, that brings peace,” she said. It definitely brings sweet groundcherries to eat right off the vine. It also brings unexpected critters. “I found a spider!” Sarah called to her son, Leo. “He needs a ride in your dump truck!” Leo came running, dump truck in hand.

In 2021, Talking Tree Farm became a co-op. It currently has eight partnerships with like-minded small agricultural businesses. Alan Newman is in charge of the free-range egg production and gathering honey from the farm’s 20 hives. Chef Josh Schwencke offers culinary events. Lynn Stafford is an herbalist and owner of Trava, making smallbatch herbal teas and remedies. Betsy Gruy brings her Sugarloose Studio to the farm for mosaic classes. Alma Alycea of Compost Queens is a residential and commercial recycling service in the San Antonio area that processes its product at the farm. Brandon Cauthon gardens for the farmers markets, every Saturday at both the Pearl Farmers Market and the New Braunfels Farmers Market. The newest farmers are Kathryne Short and Dorothy Herbst, who will be offering fresh-cut flowers next season.

And—coming soon—heirloom seeds for sale. “I’m passionate about seed-saving. It’s what drew me to wanting to farm with my husband,” Sarah said. “It grounds me. It goes from death to new life — not one life but literally thousands.”

As the kids grow, she will focus more on harvesting, processing, and packaging seeds. Some she will offer for sale and keep some for preservation.

Texas lags behind other states in developing seed-saving programs, especially of heirloom varieties, which have stood the test of time. Before World War II, the heirlooms in family gardens were tasty, hardy, and beautiful. Heirloom plants are often unusual, like the speckled beans Sylvain grows. Communities across the country are developing seed libraries to preserve seeds and ancient grains before they are lost. Here in Texas, Talking Tree Farm is unique in its dedication to seed preservation. Having seeds ensures food independence even when grocery store shelves are empty.

“I will always have food. I will always have something to sell,” Sylvain said. In early May, many plants had already gone to seed. Sylvain demonstrated how to gently obtain seeds from lettuce and how to carefully dry tomato seeds so they can last five to eight years.

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Harvesting heirloom, colorful carrots

A diversity of salad greens are growing on Talking Tree Farm.

In addition to growing broccolini and goji berries and 17-inch carrots, the Clavieres are growing community.

Their farm memberships — by the season or by the year—allow people to shop at their Sunday farm stand, to take classes at a discount, and to receive free access to seasonal events, like a family-friendly harvest experience.

This year, Talking Tree Farm welcomed more than 80 homeschool families to its outdoor classroom. There are also plans for new programs. If you come on a Sunday, you might get to hear a little music, with Brandon on guitar and Sylvain on percussion. If the trees are already talking, why not join in with song?

Sarah hopes to encourage other young families to return to farming the land themselves. “I’m very motivated to find ways to make this model more appealing for young people, where they don’t have to have another job or two to make this work and provide for your family. Where they don’t have to learn so much of this through trial and error, like we did,” she said.

Not everyone will choose to live like the Clavieres, but we all can support small farms like Talking Tree Farm. “We need for people to support farmers with dollars. If you like certain vegetables, make a habit of sourcing them from your farmer,” Sarah said.

Or if you want to get your own hands in the soil, start small. Set yourself free from the high price of grocery store herbs. “It doesn’t have to be a lot,” said Sylvain.

“Maybe basil in a pot.” & RV

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Beginning and ending the seed cycle at Talking Tree Farm.

Harvesting onions for market

WE NEED FOR PEOPLE TO SUPPORT FARMERS WITH DOLLARS. IF YOU LIKE CERTAIN VEGETABLES, MAKE A HABIT OF SOURCING THEM FROM YOUR FARMER. – Sarah Clavieres

Cluster of special tomato varietals found on farm

R&V

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eaches and that crop’s related farming jobs continue to be central to the Gillespie County economy. Though drought has made this year’s fruits smaller, it has also increased the sugars, so this year’s harvest is full of even sweeter treats.

Here are some peaches and orchards we have featured in past editions.

ECKHARDT ORCHARDS

JENSCHKE ORCHARDS

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FISCHER & WIESER ORCHARDS – THA STAND 1206 US 87 South • Fredericksburg jelly.com/fw-farmstead/tha-stand

BURG'S CORNER 15194 E US Highway 290 • Stonewall (830) 644-2604 • burgscorner.com

HAT & HEART FARMS 3961 North Grape Creek Road • Fredericksburg hatandheart.com

VOGEL ORCHARDS 12862 E US Highway 290 • Fredericksburg (830) 644-2404

For a full list of peach growers and stands in Gillespie County, visit texaspeaches.com

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HAUS We invite you into our HAUS section, where we will explore our area architects, home styles, and elegant décor.

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haus

REALIZING A VISION MOORE AND TEAM BUILD CANYON LAKE RETREAT FOR HEALTHY, ACTIVE COUPLE

By KIMBERLY GILES Photos by JEREMIAH DEARINGER

All elements converge on this property Pool by Keith Zars Pools Home built by Brad Moore Builders

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Custom built wine room insures a perfect pour for home owners and guests.

The Holman's Fitness studio

haus Builder Moore opens up the home with large retractable doors, white walls and wooden beams.

hen Dr. Paul Holman and wife Cherie approached builder Brad Moore about their plans for a purist, modern, open and airy farmhouse on the banks of Canyon Lake, Moore couldn’t have been more thrilled to endeavor building their dream.

The home is just over 7,000 square feet and spills out onto the natural landscape, as if built exactly for this perfect spot. “It’s like a mini-resort, a place you never want to leave,” Moore said.

The design team consisted of Brad Moore Builders, Keith Zars Pools, and Jennifer Garner Interiors. But Moore notes the Holman’s themselves had a clear vision from the start on how they wanted their home to relate to their lifestyle.

“Dr. Holman is a very busy man, and Cherie is a healthnut,” Moore said. This is why there is a state-of-the-art gym installed, a show-stopping bathtub with a wood rest for sipping wine, and floor-to-ceiling retractable doors that let the beauty of their surroundings into the interior of the home. The sauna was also a new feature built expressly for the Holman’s.

“Everything was so intentional with this home,” Moore said. “When you build a home, it’s for a lifestyle. They like to live healthy, love the outdoors, and share their space with friends and family.”

Some of the favorite family and friend spaces include the game room, which has exposed Chicago-style brick, a copper-topped bar, indirect lighting and specialized shelving.

“The infinty pool is the show-stopper,” he said. “It has a swim-up bar and a hot tub with a 360-degree negative edge that spills into the pool.”

As if that wasn’t enough, Moore gives much more — the built-in wine room is chilled to 52%, and there is a double kegerator out by the pool, perfect for a retreat amid all the wineries and breweries in the region.

Moore reflects on this home as one of his favorite projects, and said that also goes for his clients, the Holman’s themselves. “We took the pureness of beauty from the Texas Hill Country and, with a great team, we executed a mix of art, lifestyle, shelter and love.” R&V

A relaxing dip curated for the Holman’s

Brad Moore Builders bradmoorebuilders.com Keith Zars Pools keithzarspools.com Jennifer Garner Interiors jennifergarnerinteriors.com

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Dietz Distillery is a small artisan distillery practicing old world distilling techniques where consumers will learn about the process and history of alcohol distillation as well as explore the expansive world of spirits and how they have come together to make the cocktails we know and love.

dietzdistillery.com 1434 S US Highway 87 \\ Fredericksburg, TX Next to Fischer & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus

301 S. LINCOLN STREET | 830.997.5551 CAROLHICKSBOLTON.COM CAROLHICKSBOLTONANTIQUITIES

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Handpicked PARTNERS ENDOCRINOLOGY FAMILY MEDICINE INTERNAL MEDICINE GASTROENTEROLOGY GENERAL SURGERY NEUROLOGY OB/GYN ORTHOPEDICS PAIN MANAGEMENT PEDIATRICS PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL AND SPEECH THERAPIES PULMONOLOGY RHEUMATOLOGY VASCULAR SURGERY

Offices in: Fredericksburg Johnson City Kerrville Marble Falls Llano Boerne Schedule today!

(830) 990-1404 hcmmedicalgroup.com years

New patients welcome. Accepting Medicare/Medicaid and Most Insurances.

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• The

Yellow Door & Next Door Art Studios • Paint

& Sips

Art Classes & Workshops

ART MAKES YO U HAPPY

Children’s Art Programs Private Parties Paint Your Own Pottery Hours Hand Building Pottery Classes DIY Board Art Classes

www.theyellowdoorstudio.com 810 & 808 N. Llano St. • FBG, TX • 830-456-1097

Touch an elephant and fall in love. Capture your memories with plenty of photos.

650 Double Horn Rd Fredericksburg, TX 78624 830-992-0373

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MAKERS The Texas Hill Country is filled with a vibrant DIY subculture that shows its creativity and reflects a rich tradition. All of them help define this area as a unique “Makers” region.

We introduce you to our new makers.

Photo by Kimberly Giles

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makers

Planting a seed

FOR AFRICA

By SALLIE LEWIS Photos by KIMBERLY GILES ill Elliott is the stylish and hard-working visionary behind the Fredericksburg businesses Blackchalk Home and Laundry, Haberdashery, and the eclectic Ololo guesthouses. Outside of work, the mother and entrepreneur finds inspiration on the road. Over the years, she has traveled the globe, from Morocco, to Kenya, and many places in between.

Elliott’s love affair with Kenya began at the age of sixteen when she and her mother went on a mission trip. Almost four decades later, in 2019, Elliott returned to Kenya with Kristen Dickerson, president of the women’s empowerment group, Tirzah International. “Kenya has always had a special place in my heart,” she said. “I remember going on the train down to the town of Voi and sketching in my journal. Those little seeds of energy were like, ‘Let’s do something, we can do something.’”

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Today, that something has resulted in two collections of brass jewelry and leather handbags, respectively, both of which are made and overseen by a Kenyan entrepreneur named Isabelle whom Elliott met on her trip. Today, Isabelle and her husband employ and empower a tight-knit team in their community outside of Nairobi. “She sees the need for jobs and community support, so she has been great about employing as many people as she can,” said Elliott.

Through their partnership, the Fredericksburg entrepreneur was able to debut a small collection of limited-quantity, 100%-brass earrings boasting shining stars, suns, and discs that are sold exclusively at Blackchalk and Haberdashery.

Priced from $78 to $98, twenty percent of the sales go back to Tirzah International to help women affected with HIV in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum.

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IT’S MADE A BIG IMPACT, THAT’S WHAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY. MY LITTLE, SMALL MUSTARD SEED IS DOING SOMETHING GOOD FOR SOMEBODY ELSE.

Most recently, she debuted a new collection of leather handbags that are also made in Kenya with the help of Isabelle and her team of artisans. On a quiet spring morning, sunlight streamed through the windows of Blackchalk Home & Laundry as Elliott showed off the collection. Wearing jeans with an orange blouse and a pair of starry brass earrings, she ran her fingers over the buttery soft leather dyed in shades of tobacco, charcoal, pine, and plum.

-Jill Elliott

The Kenyan cowhide is both earthy and western, though it is the bags’ beadwork that sets them apart. Beading is a hallmark of Kenyan craftsmanship and brings to mind the bold jewelry worn by the Maasai tribespeople. As such, her leather handbags are outfitted with vibrant glass beads stitched into geometric patterns, like black and white Oushak-inspired diamond motifs or slithering scarlet snakes on ribbons of pink. Others are accented with tassels, horn, brass work, and Kazuri beads made of clay from Mount Kenya. The bags also have secure zippers, cell phone pockets, and some include adjustable straps.

Currently, there are four styles available, including a cross body, a satchel, and a tote, with prices ranging from $148 to $398. Every bag is made by hand and therefore unique.

“They are really proud of the work they have done,” Elliott shared. “Once people live with them they realize they are really good quality. I have traveled with this tote on several big trips already and it’s just getting softer and softer.”

Aesthetics aside, Elliott says it’s the support her bags are giving to others that make them so rewarding. Like many places, Kenya was hard-hit during the pandemic, and these small collaborations have made a significant difference in the lives of Isabelle and her team members, many of whom have been able to put their kids in school as a result of the work. “It’s made a big impact,” she said. “That’s what makes me so happy. My little, small mustard seed is doing something good for somebody else.” R&V Follow along on Instagram: @jill_t_elliott @tirzahIntl @blackchalkhomeandlaundry @haberdashery_boutique @stayatololo

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Farm fresh Hill Country bouquets for home, office,weddings and any occasion.

EVERYTHING YOU WANT IN A HOME OR RANCH PROPERTY.

Let’s make your dream a reality.

Walk-In Closets?

Wraparound porch?

Chef-Style kitchen?

Ranch?

I’m here to help you find everything you want in a home!

Come learn about the language of flowers and the joys of gardening.

TOURS BY APPOINTMENT - LARGE OR SMALL WORKSHOPS a WEEKLY DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTIONS a WEDDINGS BACHELORETTE PARTY WORKSHOPS a PRIVATE PARTY WORKSHOPS

9-5 Monday - Saturday by appointment

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Sundays by appointment only

PAUL PERSON: 210.275.4522 NANCY PERSON: 830.992.8411 127 SUNSHINE LANE, FREDERICKSBURG, TX

CAROLE REED

CAROLE@CAROLEREED.COM

830.992.9446

Broker J.R. Russel Lic# 601430 SUMMER 22 75

IT IS DEFINITELY A DISCIPLINE. IT HAS TAUGHT ME PATIENCE BECAUSE I AM NOT VERY PATIENT. SO YEAH, IT KIND OF HELPS ME SLOW DOWN. - Joni Jones

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makers

RIVERPEACE POTTERY

By SALLIE LEWIS

Photo by KIMBERLY GILES

ooking back, Joni Jones can trace the start of her passion for pottery to a ninth-grade art class in 1980. “I have always wanted to make things,” she said. “I got a little award in school and that puts a feather in your cap, I guess.” Over the years, she experimented with many mediums, from batik dyeing to watercolor painting and fabric art, but clay called her back time and again.

Jones grew up in Oklahoma City and lived in Houston before moving to Austin, where she spent much of her adult life. It was there in the capital city that she joined her friend in a spontaneous pottery class. “I took two classes back-to-back and just had the bug again, it was like riding a bike,” she said. “It came right back to me.”

Today, Jones lives with her family in Hunt, where she is enjoying retirement on the north fork of the Guadalupe River. She and her husband set their sights on the area after years of visiting friends and sending their son to camp there. “We just thought it would be a nice place to retire,” she said of their decision to buy land and build a home. “It is cooler out here than it is in the city.”

Since moving out west, Jones has found a creative community in the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram.

“They’ve got a fabulous ceramic studio there … wheels, kilns, glazes, tools … they have everything you need and it is just wonderful.” Most recently, she set up a home studio in the barn on their property. “I make functional pottery,” she

shared of her work, which ranges from $20 to $75. “I like my stuff to be used.” Vases, bowls, and lidded jars are just some of the items she sells over at Bridget’s Basket in Hunt, along with handmade honey pots that she started creating after meeting a few of the honey producers in the area.

Regardless of what she makes, however, the process is a cathartic one, and keeps her coming back. “It’s Zen,” she said. ‘You are so zeroed in on the clay. There is a lot of concentration and you can’t think of anything else. You are totally focused on the piece in front of you and any stress from work or whatever goes out the window.” Over time, she has noticed an improvement in her repertoire, from finer vessel walls to progressive techniques, like perforating and carving. “It is just unending the different things you can do,” she said. “It is definitely a discipline. It has taught me patience because I am not very patient. So yeah, it kind of helps me slow down.”

When she is not at work, Jones finds inspiration in myriad places, from the fine lines of Asian art to the natural forms in her own garden. That simple beauty informs both her collection, called Riverpeace Pottery, and her clean, minimal home design. “After working my whole life and coming out here, I just wanted it to be non-stimulating, very calming, and that is how my pottery is too.”

Follow Jones on Instagram @riverpeace_pottery and pay her a visit at the Hunt Community Fine Arts Show in the Hunt Pavilion over 4th of July weekend. & RV

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Barons Creek Vineyards FREDERICKSBURG • GEORGETOWN • GRANBURY • MCKINNEY

BaronsCreekVineyards.com

100% Texas Private Label Extensive Wine List Wine Tastings Small Plates

Follow us!

Reservations recommended (830) 896-0010 Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 8 PM 78

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turtlecreekolivesandvines.com info@turtlecreekolivesandvines.com 211 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, TX 78028

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JOIN US

TASTING ROOM HOURS: Thursday - Saturday 11am-6pm Sunday - Wednesday 12pm-5pm EAST, 10915, US-290 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 830-998-8306 slatetheory.com 80

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Just 4.2 miles from downtown Fredericksburg, the estate features 40 acres of vineyards and nearly a dozen boutique Texas brands including the wines of 1851 Vineyards.

The historic farm, settled in 1851, is the location of the first Pioneer Flour Mill, founded by Carl Hilmar Guenther.

Tasting Room Hours Thurs-Sat: 11-6pm Sun-Mon: 12-5pm Cellar tours are available by appointment: tours@slatemillwinecollective.com For more information about our tasting room: info@slatemillwinecollective.com

slatemillwinecollective.com

4222 S State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 • 830-998-8930 • slatemillwinecollective.com SUMMER 22

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A garden bouquet of zinnas, basil, and coxcomb.

Photo

by Ada Broussard Rock&Vine

in the hills

HERE ARE FOUR TOP FLOWER PROVIDERS THAT SUPPLY A POP OF NATURAL COLOR.

By ADA BROUSSARD Photos by ADA BROUSSARD & ROBERT G. GOMEZ

When I was little, my dad planted a ring of mammoth sunflowers seeds, dusty, gray and striped, that grew in the humid Louisiana summer to form a secret circle towering over me like redwoods. That fortress of sunny topped giants with their heavy bobbing heads and thick furry stalks made an imprint on my three-year-old self, as did the flowers that followed — white clovers at recess, important roses for dance review, and most recently, pale yellow daffodils, dark merlot scabiosa, flaxen plumes of native grass heads, and demure yet cheerful chamomile buds that I carefully wrapped together for my wedding on a hill.

Flowers have likely stirred something in everyone at one time or another.

Flowering plants, which arrived on the scene some 130 million years ago in the Cretaceous period, and the subsequent pantone of petals, which really took off 35 million years after that, brought color to an otherwise verdant landscape. The backs and legs and wings of tiny pollinators catapulted the evolution of petal, stamen, and style, creating a diverse catalog of flashy shapes and colors that feel otherworldly, except they’re precisely worldly, an evolutionary wonder that we should be lucky enough to notice. To us humans, with our folded cortexes and refined trichromacy, flowers mean something, and traditions all over the world have ascribed symbolism to specific blooms, colors, and smells bearing a “language of flowers” for when words aren’t enough. A daisy, happy as a plate of waffles, for innocence and motherhood, and a dahlia, as enthralling as a sky of lightning, to represent strength and creativity, or wealth and elegance, or commitment and honesty, depending on the color and the tradition. We can’t seem to agree on any single meaning of any one flower, though we’ll surely keep trying because flowers mean something.

There are many ways we hominids, with our screens and schedules and lawns, can choose to navigate this natural world, many ways to buy our bread. Join me in saluting those Texas farmers that choose floriculture so that we, whether burned by grief, dizzy in love, or laden with joy, can nudge our inside landscapes and table centers toward nature. Here are a few Central Texas flower farms worth noticing this summer.

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Windmill Meadow Farm

Starlight Rose Zinnias Photo by Ada Broussard

FREDERICKSBURG What started out as a hobby has turned into a small but mighty flower farm for Paul and Nancy Person who, with their stately standard poodle, Stella, grow cut flowers yearround just outside of Fredericksburg. Nancy and Paul are always experimenting, planting specialty seeds, bulbs, and tubers they collect on travels and pushing the limits of what varieties can be grown in Texas, and when. This summer, the farm is growing over 20 varieties of sunflowers, not to mention other hot weather stalwarts like cosmos, celosias, and zinnias. If you’re interested in growing flowers, consider booking a private tour with Windmill Meadow. These guided walks through their flower farm are highly educational, and visitors will get a crash course in variety selection, bed preparation, planting, and postharvest practices. For an additional cost, you can make your own arrangement. The farm is also set up for events.

There is a small farmhouse kitchen where Nancy teaches workshops, and a large gazebo perfect for a community gathering or even a small wedding. To color one’s counter with Windmill flowers, pick up a bouquet at the (seasonal) Fredericksburg Farmers Market, or join their local flower subscription.

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A Dark Pink Dahlia at Windmill Meadow Farm Photo by Ada Broussard

in the hills

Arnosky Family Farms HENLEY LOOP NEAR BLANCO Pamela and Frank Arnosky started their farm over thirty years ago, and today they are one of the largest cut flower farms in Texas with around 20 acres of flower production at their Blanco-area farm. (The couple farms peonies on acreage in Fort Davis and Minnesota, too.)

Currently, the Arnoskys are harvesting, wrapping, and delivering around 600 bouquets a week which primarily gets distributed through H-E-B and Central Market. Visit the Blanco farm and you’ll be greeted by a large, openair, blue barn where visitors can buy just-cut bouquets, seasonal flower and vegetable transplants, and even local cheese and eggs — all by the honor system. To pay for your blooms, simply deposit cash or a check in the lockbox near the door.

The Blue Barn is open every day from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Farm guests are also welcome to walk the production fields and bring a picnic to enjoy on the Blue Barn’s back deck. The Arnoskys don’t charge for a stroll through the fields, and simply ask guests to keep to the perimeters (and fight the urge to pick anything). Visit in late summer/early fall, and you’ll see a mesmerizing display of marigolds — blooms the Arnoskys grow to meet the regional demand for Día de Los Muertos celebrations, as well as the Texas Marigold Festival which happens in late October.

Photo by Robert G. Gomez

Photo by Robert G. Gomez The honor system is displayed at Arnosky Family Farms; pick plants, veggies, flowers and even fresh eggs on site and deposit your cash or check in box.

Hot Pink Celosia Photo by Ada Broussard

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in the hills

Two Sisters Gardens KERRVILLE Sisters Angela Graves and Patty Broughton came from a farming family right outside Kerrville. Around five years ago, their usual vegetable patch was thick with sunflowers which the sisters had planted as companion plants, happy homes for pollinators. On a whim, they decided to pick the sunflowers and bring them to the farmer’s market along with their usual veggie offerings. Customers immediately bought out the bouquets.

Over the next year, the sisters transitioned their microfarm from vegetables to cut flowers, and haven’t looked back. The pair sells fresh flowers about eight months out of the year, slowing down November-February to spend time with family and make improvements to the farm.

You can find Two Sisters bouquets at the Kerrville H-E-Bs, Kerrville floral shops, as well as through their local doordrop subscription program which will deliver a market bouquet directly to your door. Dinnerplate dahlias will be here this fall.

A sunflower bouquet ready for grocery distribution.

Photo by Hoang Minh

Wildseed Farms FREDERICKSBURG We couldn’t rightly write a story about Hill Country flowers without giving a dramatic nod to Wildseed Farms — the largest working wildflower farm in the United States (and the largest producer of bluebonnet seeds in the world) which just so happens to be located right off 290 at the heart of it all. You’ve likely driven by and done a doubletake at their production fields of poppies or sunflowers, but their seed production spans far beyond what you can see from the road. They cultivate over 1,000 acres in Texas, harvesting over 49 varieties of wildflower seeds which they ship all over the globe. You won’t find any cut flower bouquets at Wildseed, but you will find half a mile of walking trails where, this summer, you’ll be able to see an ombre of sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos. If you’re lucky, you may even find John Thomas, Wildseed founder (and original farmer), planting a new succession of blooms.

Red poppies Photo by Bart Ros 86

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Wildseed has an excellent nursery featuring native and non-native plants alike. But even more, they’ve got seed.

Here in Central Texas, the best time to plant your native wildflower seeds is in the fall, and a late summer visit to Wildseed Farms is the perfect time to stock up for your own backyard prairie project — an investment that will give you a constant supply of color for seasons to come.

R&V

WE’RE LOOKING JUST

Peachy!

We specialize in boys’ and girls’ clothing, shoes, and accessories to dress babies, toddlers, and tweens.

Photo Credit: Fredericksburgtexasonline

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NOW OPEN

38 JENSCHKE LANE | FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS 78624 | WWW.FOYTWINES.COM Salvation Spirits mixologist Sean Lemaster 88

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drinkery

Justin Zimmerman

RAMPING UP TO TASTY SUDS OLD 290 BREWERY MAKING DISTINCTIVE BEERS AT ALL-ENCOMPASSING PLACE

By LEE NICHOLS Photos supplied by 290 BREWERY

y now, the reputation of the Texas Hill Country as a wine-producing region is well-established. And if you’ve been paying attention, you’ve also noticed that its brewery scene is catching up to that of the vintners. But it’s unlikely you’re going to walk into a winery and get a good pint of suds, nor are you likely to hit a brewery and find a truly quality glass of grape.

“Mister Carter had a property in California and Florida, and wanted to open up a spot in Texas,” said head brewer Justin Zimmerman. “He had driven down this road and realized there were a couple of breweries. They wanted a central base, a one-stop shop on Highway 290. They’ve always been wine-focused, but they wanted to get into brewing and enlisted me.”

There’s a place just west of Johnson City looking to change that. Welcome to Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa — home of the Old 290 Brewery and Restaurant. Now, before we go any further, you should know: This article is about the brewery. I’m a beer guy. I like wine, but I don’t know wine, not enough to write about it authoritatively. And really, there’s so much going on at Carter Creek that it probably merits multiple articles: There’s wine, beer, live music and dancing, a restaurant and a separate barbecue joint, a relaxing spa, and lodging sure to give you a comfortable night’s sleep after a hard day of taking it easy.

Carter grabbed Zimmerman through his connection to Dr. Clinton “Doc” McPherson, a Texas Tech chemistry professor and one of the pioneers of the Texas wine industry. Zimmerman was working at Triple J Chophouse and Brew Co., Lubbock’s original brewpub. Zimmerman started at the bottom of the totem pole at Triple J in 2009, cleaning kegs and working his way up to … cleaning tanks.

But eventually he actually got to brew and learned the science under the mentorship of Triple J’s brewer Mike Sipowicz. “Still cleaning tanks,” he laughs.

Carter Creek was started by Dawn and Jim Carter with a vision: wine and luxury. But the Carters wanted all the bases of the good life covered, so they incorporated plans for a microbrewery within their resort.

Lubbock winery owner Kim McPherson (Doc’s son) knew the Triple J beers and told Zimmerman about the start-up resort his winemaking brother Jon was getting involved with. “He asked me for four years,” Zimmerman recalls.

“He kept asking, ‘You want to go to the Hill Country?’”

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drinkery Zimmerman finally took the plunge. The hiring process was pure Hill Country. “I did my interview in a work truck under a tree right down the road there,” he said. “I stayed at Blanco State Park, got some pizza on the square, bought a six pack and drove back to Lubbock. Three months later I drove down [and took the job].”

Once here, Zimmerman found out he had his work cut out for him. Carter Creek’s owners knew the wine biz, but had very little beer knowledge. “This was a shell of a building,” he said. “Originally, they only had three tanks they were planning on serving from, but I had to tell them those weren’t necessarily serving tanks, so I had to change the plans — get a cold room, get outside grain storage, and so I got to learn a lot about brewery planning. I was here for a year before I ever got to make anything.”

Some of Old 290’s lineup is predictable, albeit tasty. It has the light lagers and ambers that are most likely to sell. The Mexican-style lager El Bigote (Spanish for mustache, and Zimmerman sports a great one), is Old 290’s top seller, and a good antidote for this summer’s brutal heat. He also makes a good blonde, pilsner and kolsch, and is justifiably proud of them all.

But Zimmerman also flexes his creative muscle. And as the best creative types do, he makes use of what’s locally available, both in terms of ingredients and people. That’s how his Peach Smoked Helles came into being, taking advantage of having a great winemaker on-site and the fruit for which the Fredericksburg-Johnson City area is most famous. “I got together with Jon McPherson on that,” says Zimmerman. “One of our most popular wines here is a peach sparkling wine. He told me about his peach process, so I adopted that.” It’s exactly what a fruit beer should be. Too many of them punch you in the mouth with the fruit and leave you wondering where the beer is. “This one doesn’t punch you in the mouth, it punches you in the nose,” Zimmerman says. The result is a well-balanced product that doesn’t forget it is, first and foremost, a beer.

The same could be said for the Hye Biscus Hefe. Old 290’s original chef had 10 pounds of dried hibiscus flower that had gone unused. “It was just sitting in storage,” Zimmerman says, “and I said, ‘I’m gonna use that.’ I dropped it into the boil and dry-hopped it as well.” He was pleased with the flavor of rose-colored creation, and so were his customers. “I brought this beer back by popular demand,” he said, ordering 18 more pounds of flowers and creating a nontraditional hefeweizen that made for a good Valentine’s Day special.

If you prefer something darker and heavier, Old 290 can still take care of you. The Smoked Imperial Porter has a robust flavor that would pair well with the steaks on Old

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Peach Smoked Helles

290’s dinner menu. At 7.8 percent alcohol, it’s strong but not quite as overpowering as other beers with “imperial” in the name. And don’t be surprised if you see Zimmerman has a barrel-aged version on the menu when you arrive, using barrels from nearby distillers.

In addition to steak, Old 290 features other “hearty, Texasinspired cuisine,” including burgers, flatbreads and pizza and breakfast on the weekends.

If you make a visit, whether for a single meal or an extended stay at the resort, just remember: You really can have it all. Carter Creek’s Sales Director Mike Kemp notes, “If a couple comes down and one likes wine and one likes beer, they start together and then one winds up here and the other at the wine tasting.” R&V

drinkery

OLD 290 BREWERY AND RESTAURANT (Inside Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa) 4064 West US Highway 290 Johnson City, Texas, 78636 877-232-0138 www.cartercreek.com Wed-Thu 11:30am-8pm Fri 11:30am-10pm Sat 9am-2:30pm, 4-10pm Sun 9am-8pm (Winery open every day 11am-6pm)

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BUILDING, BOOSTING THE WINE INDUSTRY HENSLEYS TAKE CHARGE OF STORAGE, SHIPPING, COMPLIANCE SO WINEMAKERS CAN DO WHAT THEY DO BEST.

By ADA BROUSSARD Photo by KIMBERLY GILES

Keri and Jason Hensley of WineCub in the Wine Den tasting room.

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e know the Texas wine industry is still young, especially compared to California’s, which has been well-established for over 100 years.

A $13-billion-dollar industry, Texas wine is still a relative baby, albeit a chubby one. With a few exceptions, vineyards are home to young vines, with some growers even ripping up acres of established plants to replace them with varieties slowly proving to be the best bet for hot summers and volatile springs. Winemakers are figuring out what the craft means in Texas, how the terroir varies from Hye to Stonewall, not to mention from the Davis Mountains to the High Plains. Slowly but surely, Texas wines are winning national awards, and this thirst for Lone Star wines has created an explosion of “enotourism,” especially in the Hill Country where there are over 100 wineries and tasting rooms.

and cooling big storage spaces is significantly cheaper than constructing small ones, and the efficiency this storage hub has created no doubt trickles down to the small producers and wineries.

This isn’t really about the winemakers, nor the tourism boom, but instead a nod to those helping the industry progress behind the scenes. Meet WineCub, the business of wife and husband duo Keri and Jason Hensley and Texas’s only wine storage, shipping, and compliance solutions provider. It’s a mouthful, but their amiable logo of a baby bear clutching a sparkling bottle of wine makes it all palatable.

Down a cement pathway is the packing room, actually a warehouse. The sound of forklifts and smacking of empty pallets echoes. The facility is about the size of a small H-E-B with tall ceilings and towering shelves framing three of the four walls stocked with all the varieties of wine its shipping clients are selling. The whole space has Supermarket Sweep meets Santa’s workshop energy, but more breakable.

WineCub has been in operation since 2018, but if you’ve never heard of them, that’s okay. Until they recently opened their public-facing tasting room, aptly called The Den, the operation was mostly invisible — unless, you happen to be one of the over 75 wineries that use their services. In that case, they’re likely a portent. WineCub says the storage bit is simple. When I visited, WineCub had 27,000 square feet of climate-controlled storage where wineries can simply store finished product. “If you have wine going from barrel to bottle, once it’s in the bottle, there’s nothing left to do with it, you need to put it somewhere. So we provide space,” said Jason, who oversees operations.

In the center of the room, there is a miscellany of packing technology, including a formation of refurbished shopping carts, some filled with an assortment of wine that gives the impression of someone throwing an awesome dinner party.

The seller told him, “We take the wheels off, pull the hair out, and spray paint them.” There is a tape machine — an automated tool with a conveyor belt, and a robot eye, which puts boxes together at impressive speeds. A large walkin freezer holds ice bricks which get fitted into recyclable packaging for the journey from Hill Country hub to some connoisseur’s clinking glass.

A bacchant storage unit that, in addition to wine, has been packed full of glass, barrels, and other supplies wineries order ahead in bulk to try and mitigate supply chain shortages. Jason said calls he’s received lately query, “Can we stick that in your warehouse for a while?’ I don’t have room for it, either. But I say, sure, we’ll figure it out.” The aisles between pallets of wine are filling up, and by the time this article is published, an additional 9,000 square feet of storage will be completed and likely already packed with wine. A gradual concrete ramp was just poured to connect the existing storage to the new storage, and Jason will spend a Saturday slowly forklifting pallets of wine to their new accommodations. Another 7,000 feet of storage are slated for the coming months, bringing the grand total of storage space to 43,000 square feet. Jason possesses a mental map of each unit’s contents, and each shelf’s stock — information that’s also recorded using software. By the square foot, building

BEYOND STORAGE Storing wine at a cool 60 degrees is just one corner of the niche Jason and Keri have created. The two other major solutions WineCub provides its customers are shipping and compliance. For about 75 local wineries, the WineCub crew is the invisible muscle that packs and ships Texas wine directly to consumers. WineCub’s software connects directly to the point of sales systems of their winery clients, and when an online order comes through, WineCub picks, packs, and ships the wine.

The WineCub packing crew, including their tape robot, can pack as many as 550 boxes an hour when fulfilling a club shipment. These club packs are currently responsible for about 65-70% of WineCub’s total annual shipments, and like the industry itself, their workload is bookmarked by seasonal wine releases that mostly happen in the spring, fall, and holiday time. Last year, WineCub sent out 94,000 individual packages averaging 4.2 bottles of wine each. That’s almost 400,000 bottles of Texas wine shipped directly from Winecub to home consumer. This year, they’re set to send around 130,000 individual shipments. This volume creates economies of scale, and WineCub clients are able to benefit from their secure carrier discounts with the good folks at UPS and Fedex, both of whom are integral pieces to the puzzle.

Through its shipping services, WineCub acts as an extension of the wineries themselves, and for small and large producers alike, outsourcing this lift to Jason and Keri is smart business.

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drinkery “Wineries don’t ever have to stop what they’re doing in the tasting room or on the winery premise to go pack a box. We do it here…that’s our bread and butter for sure. That is why we’re here. And we’ve tried to plug that pain point for so many people.” The Hensleys wouldn’t divulge the names of any of the wineries they work with; they are NDA’d by some, and have an unofficial-official (and classy) policy of keeping their clients’ info private, letting the wineries disclose the partnership if they choose. Despite the industry’s reputation of being a friendly, cooperative bunch, “There’s still a little bit of competition out there,” Jason said. “They don’t always want to share their information on volumes.”

Keri chimes in, “If someone’s coming out with something new and exciting that no one else is doing, you know, it may land here, and we might be the only ones to know other than them.” I asked William Chris Vineyards (WCV) whether they used WineCub’s services. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they were one of their first customers in 2018. In addition to using their storage services, WCV use their packing services. Prior to this partnership, they did their packing internally, but are happy to have found “a partner that has as much care and respect for your product and the customer experience as you do,” CEO and Co-Founder of William Chris Wine Company Chris Brundrett said of the Hensleys. “Club packs are a responsibility heavily laden with exhausting attention to detail. Precision is key. During the peak of the pandemic, WineCub shipped 25,000 packages for our company which would have been nearly impossible for us to do internally, especially at the speed and level of accuracy that they did.”

“It has freed up our key personnel to do what they do best — share a piece of our world with our guests and members.

Our team gets to be in the tasting room interacting with our fans rather than dealing with the cumbersome details of interstate packing and shipping. Watching Jason and Keri build efficiencies in their business has been impressive, that’s their focus, and it pays off for clients like us.”

The Hensleys moved to the Hill Country in 2018 after years of planning their escape from the corporate ladders they were climbing in Houston. They wanted to work for themselves, but together. The couple had an interest in wine, both mentioning a lightbulb bottle they had at their engagement, and the burgeoning industry and small-town life of Fredericksburg attracted them. They briefly considered opening their own winery, but friends of theirs in the industry steered them in the direction of services. For three years they did their homework, including an important trip to Walla Walla where they visited and observed an operation like the one they hoped to build. “It was husband and wife, family-owned, very similar to us,” Keri said. “But you just don’t know until you do it.” Eventually, they took the plunge, “If our third child arrived healthily, we said we were going to quit our jobs,” Jason tells me. Healthy baby indeed, and suddenly “we had to, like, figure it out.”

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IF YOU HAVE WINE GOING FROM BARREL TO BOTTLE, ONCE IT’S IN THE BOTTLE, THERE’S NOTHING LEFT TO DO WITH IT, YOU NEED TO PUT IT SOMEWHERE. SO WE PROVIDE SPACE. - Jason Hensley Keri, who grew up near San Angelo in a ranching and farming family, worked at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she was the Managing Director of Auctions. On the hot Monday morning when I met her, she seemed painlessly put together, with casually waved hair that seemed Godgiven. Keri also told me that she is extremely proficient at Excel. “People are scared of spreadsheets!” she laughs, “and I heart Excel.”

All this data visualization comes in handy when considering yet another service WineCub offers its clients: compliance.

Not only does WineCub themselves hold out-of-state shipping permits for 38 states, but they’ll also help individual wineries obtain, and maintain, additional permits when needed.

“It was becoming increasingly challenging and difficult to navigate all of the different state by state requirements,” Brundrett told me, “The compliance piece is huge — it really takes a lot of burden off of our key personnel.” The WineCub team can even take care of monthly TABC and TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) reporting.

In April, WineCub rolled the stone away and opened The Den, a tasting room built in what was its first-ever storage warehouse but is now furnished in royal blue and bits of brass. The Den and WineCub are near Stonewall, north of the Pedernales River near the LBJ ranch. The warehouses pronounce themselves amid the surrounding hayfields.

If you’re looking for a true insider’s view of what it takes to grow the Texas wine industry, stop by. The Den’s tasting menu features WineCub’s own red blend (yes, they also make some wine), as well as a rotating list of vintages from smallbatch producers.

Caroline Bradley, The Den’s tasting manager, commented on the visitors they’ve seen since opening. “The people who are coming out are like third- or fourth-time visitors to this area,” she said. “Maybe they come out and they just want to chill. And they want to experience something different. We’re that. We’re never going to be competing with the vineyards.”

And why would they want to compete? Winecub’s primary aim is to support those vineyards, those wineries, and give the industry the launch pad it needs to bud out beyond state lines. The twinkly-eyed vinter, the sparkling rosé, the newest tasting room on the 290-corridor — those are the stories that easily bewitch the wine-curious. But 43,000 square feet of Texas wine? That’s something to behold, too.

R&V

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3915 HWY 290 E. • Fredericksburg Yee Haw Ranch www.yeehawranch.com • 830-998-2079 96

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Outfitters

drinkery

INAUGURAL TEXAS WINE AUCTION RAISES $130K Hospital foundation, viticulture lab are beneficiaries

exas Wine Revolution (TWR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, raised $130,000 at its inaugural Texas Wine Auction through donations and ticket sales and during live and silent auctions on April 7-10. Prizes included rare wines, curated experiences and travel packages.

The Texas Wine Auction was developed to bring together Texas wineries and winemakers to showcase Texas-grown wine and raise money for charitable organizations.

Roughly 150 wine enthusiasts gathered in Fredericksburg for an evening of wine auction lots, including a four-day silent auction, music by The Powell Brothers, and culinary delights with wine pairings, presented by award-winning chefs and top winemakers from all over Texas.

“It was remarkable to have some of the best wineries and chefs across Texas brought together under the same roof to raise money for great causes,” says Chris Brundrett, president of Texas Wine Revolution and co-founder of William Chris Wine Company. “We are proud of the support we received and the amount raised that will aid in our mission to make an impact on the Texas Hill Country hospitality and Texas wine communities.”

Beneficiaries of the event included Hill Country Memorial Foundation, which will establish a medical mobile unit providing wellness services throughout the Hill Country for underserved populations, including employees of restaurants, wineries, vineyards and other hospitality personnel.

In addition, an endowment to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Viticulture & Fruit Lab will help with research and development to further the Texas Wine industry.

More than fifteen wineries participated, including 2022 featured winery, William Chris Wine Company, along with Arché Wines, Becker Vineyards, Brennan Vineyards, Calais Winery, Flat Creek Estate, Float Wines, Frio Canyon Vineyard, Hawk’s Shadow Winery & Vineyards, Hidden Hangar, Inwood Estates, Kalasi Cellars, Lost Oak Winery, Reddy Vineyards, Sandy Road Vineyards, Texas Heritage Vineyard, Texas Wine Collective, Westcave Cellars, and Yoder Cellars.

“I was proud to be a presenting sponsor and even more excited to be the winning bidder of the 15L custom etched bottle,” said presenting sponsor Dr. Robert Ebeling III of the Friendship Lane Center for Cancer. “It’s a great addition to my cellar and will always hold a special place in my heart for helping the up-and-coming Texas wine leaders.”

Renowned chefs taking part included Dallas-native chef Casey Thompson, Austin-based chefs Todd Duplechan of Lenoir and Shane Stark of Mongers Market + Kitchen, as well as chef John Boehm of Otto’s German Bistro and chef Michael Hall of Hill & Vine.

Attendees were also able to join participating wineries on Friday night for special events, exclusive winemaker dinners, and tastings, all of which were separately ticketed from Saturday’s Texas Wine Auction.

Hotel partner was Stonewall Motor Lodge, which provided accommodations, and Texas Wine Tours, which gave complimentary transportation pick-up points around Fredericksburg. texaswineauction.com

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SUMMER 22 99

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wine dogs

DOG DAYS: BENTO & XOANA of BILGER FAMILY VINEYARDS & ADEGA VINHO

By SALLIE LEWIS Photos by KIMBERLY GILES

hen visiting Adega Vinho winery in Stonewall, visitors might feel temporarily transported to the rolling hills of Portugal. After all, the very name, Adega Vinho, translates to “wine cellar” in Portuguese, and the Bilger Family Vineyards is strewn with unique grape varietals like Touriga Nacional and Arinto. It was only after starting their vineyard, however, that co-founders Andy and Elena Bilger, along with Andy’s brother-turned-headwinemaker, Michael, discovered that they have a small trace of Portuguese ancestry.

“According to 23andMe we have this much Portuguese,” said Elena, holding up tightly-pinched fingers. Texas has a similar climate to Southern Portugal and the Bilger family leaned into those similarities when starting their operation in 2016. “We had the benefit of looking at all the vintners growing grapes in the area and got to pick the grapes that did well in the Texas heat and soil,” said Andy. He ended up loosely building a wine program around Portuguese varietals. “We’re very thankful we did that because we have wines that are not found everywhere in Texas.”

Most recently, the Bilgers have welcomed two new additions to the family with their brother and sister Black Mouth Curs, named Bento and Xoana. The puppies were born in January and weened in March before they made their way home to the Bilgers’ Fredericksburg residence.

Bento – which means “Blessed” in Portuguese – is a beigecolored male with white paws, a dark muzzle, and a calming disposition. His sister Xoana – Portuguese for “God is Gracious” – has a black coat and white chest, with an active, alpha personality.

“She’s into ev–er–y–thing,” said Elena. “She’s super curious and completely fearless, but smart as a whip.” Meanwhile, brother Bento is more inclined to take a break or saunter over for a snuggle. “He is just a cuddle-muffin,” she said.

“He’s a lot more chill.”

On a warm spring day in late April, the puppies sat on their respective bed pads in the family’s living room. Sunshine poured the walls of glass, flooding the space with morning

light. Before long, Bento drifted to sleep, while Xoana gnawed a small, stuffed hedgehog with her sharp baby teeth.

Though the siblings are opposites in many ways, they share the natural hunting instinct that is common among their breed. This instinct was one of the main reasons the Bilgers sought them out in the first place. Previously, Andy’s brother, Michael, had a Great Pyrenees named Gus who lived on the vineyard and protected the vines from varmints such as raccoons and possums. After he passed away, it only took a month before the critters came back.

“Andy researched what are good ranch dogs and Black Mouth Curs came up,” shared Elena. “They are working dogs and when they don’t have a purpose they get very unhappy. Their first priority is going to be protecting the vineyard and the vines from all of the things that want to destroy them.”

These days, Bento and Xoana are hunting crickets around the family’s home, which the couple takes as a good sign of a promising future in the field. “We’re hoping that will turn into hunting raccoons,” said Elena. “If you watch them off leash, within five minutes you’ll see their hunting skills,” added Andy. “They’re like a leopard in the grass, chasing after bugs and birds. The instinct is definitely bred into them.”

Ultimately, Bento and Xoana will move to the 13-acre vineyard, where they will live full-time and work protecting the vines. In the interim, Elena has been tasked with training them, and she carries a small cross-body full of treats around her waist. Almost every day, she takes them to the tasting room and lets them mingle with guests passing through. “We have a lot of dog lovers there and would love for them to be part of that,” she said. “They’re very sweet dogs.” R&V VISIT ADEGA VINHO 1000 South Ranch Road 1623, Stonewall, Texas, 78671 adegavinho.com Follow along on Instagram @adega_vinho

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY’S PREMIER LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Nestled deep in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, The Backyard in Fredericksburg, TX was opened in 2016 as a dream fueled by a deep love of music, and a passion for making memories with and for the communities & people of Central Texas. Whether you’re a Fredericksburg local, weekend-visitor, or here to experience Texas’ incredibly rich culture — EVO Concerts combines a unique live music experience with its goal of visionary amphitheater offerings, world-class lights & audio, and the hosting of top-tier musicians all within the scenic Hill Country views to create an unforgettable entertainment experience.

Our vision is simple, to be a destination for everyone to come together for a good time.

See ya’ at the show!

PAST ARTISTS: BILLY RAY CYRUS / TRAVIS TRITT / JOSH ABBOTT BAND / PARKER MCCOLLUM GRANGER SMITH /JASON BOLAND / CODY JINKS / RANDY ROGERS / KEVIN FOWLER LEE BRICE / JON WOLFE / MARSHALL TUCKER BAND / WILLIAM CLARK GREEN

CHECK OUT UPCOMING SHOWS AT:

www.evoconcerts.com 102

Rock&Vine

@thebackyardamphitheater @evoconcertstx @thebackyardtx @evoconcerts

A unique tasting room and meeting space.

Tastings are by appointment only. To make reservations or purchase wine go to winecubwines.com.

The Den is open Thursday - Saturday 12pm-6pm

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stompin’ grounds

SLATE THEORY

By LORELEI HELMKE Photos submitted by SLATE THEORY

t seems appropriate that a winery would pay homage to the mind. Wine does, after all, enhance contemplation.

Slate Theory set out to create a space in which art and historical psychology come together. The mission is not to take mental illness lightly, but to apply psychological principles in a unique and thought-provoking way.

Visitors have the opportunity to taste their pondering pours in a beautiful underground cellar, and stroll through the elegant tasting room filled with thought provoking art.

Slate Theory offers the mind a respite from the stresses of everyday life. In the words of the immortal George Strait, “it’s cheaper than a shrink.”

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stompin’ grounds

Pharmacist 2020 White Blend Orange Muscat, Muscat Canelli Texas High Plains Essence of orange blossom, honeysuckle and Meyer Lemon greet the nose with hints of geranium, providing complexity to a lightstyled dry wine. Flavors of ripe grapefruit with a touch of vanilla mix with bright acidity. A lovely Texas white that will pair well with grilled shrimp or oysters on the half shell.

Roussanne 2020 100% Roussanne Texas High Plains Inviting straw color with attractive viscosity. Bouquet of white peach, violet blossoms and a hints of toasted sourdough bread rise in the glass. This mediumbodied white finishes clean with racy acidity. A fine accompaniment to Oysters Rockefeller and Snapper Ponchartrain.

Schizophrenic 2017 Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Sirah Texas High Plains Garnet red hues with aromas of cherries, pepper and red roses are the first impressions. Whiffs of nutmeg, leather, tobacco leaf and brambleberry round out the nose on this medium- to big-bodied red wine. The finish is long with solid tannins showing through. This would be phenomenal with a tenderloin steak cooked in butter with chives and Stilton cheese.

Insomniac 2017 Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Souzao Texas High Plains

Dissociate 2017 Red Blend Tannat, Petite Sirah, and Souzao Texas High Plains This red sports an almost black ruby tone. Weighty aromas of black plum, blackberry, and blueberry intertwine with saddle leather almonds, mission fig, licorice and rose petals. Structured tannins suggest a long cellaring potential. This aptly named wine will make you want to decouple from all worries and just enjoy perhaps with bacon wrapped dates.

Kleptomaniac 2017 Red Blend Aglianico & Petite Sirah Texas High Plains In the glass, brick red pigments show as a bouquet of ripe cherry, red plum, strawberry jam, and violets envelope the olfactory.

Hints of dried tobacco leaf, and black tea add complexity. On the palate, velvety tannins coat the tongue on the long finish. The Kleptomaniac will steal your heart, especially if paired with an Italian-inspired meal. It will certainly elevate a pizza.

Petite Sirah 2017 Estate Grown 100% Petite Sirah Texas Hill Country Deep, ruby red color with rich black cherry and black pepper up front. A touch of smoke, violets, black current and char mingle in the glass. Bright on the palate, good acidity, and silky tannins on the finish.

Find an axis burger with truffle fries for a gastronomic indulgence.

A perfume of violets, blackberries, black cherries, red plum enhanced with hazelnut, leather, and cigar box essences. A pleasing, rich ruby color graces the fullbodied red. Balanced tannins and a just right acidity exhibit on the long finish. There is a toasty quality that suggests pairing with veal shank and mushrooms.

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scene

Cody Page, Jen Page and Eli (baby)

Drawing tickets submitted to support local Boys & Girls club.

Henry Croswen, Amy Croswen, Ashley Pilgrim, Brookes Friesenhagn and Tim Withers

Katya Medina

Jay Mallinckrodt and Leo Aguirre

Traci Dodds, Cadye Ellwanger and Teresa Scott

Sam Wakefield and Phil Giglio of Orobianco

ROCK & VINE SUMMER LAUNCH PARTY

By KEN ESTEN COOKE Photos by AVA SNOOZY

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Prince and Dylan Ricker

scene

Jack Henderson

Dietz and Elle Fischer

Brenda Delgado , John Bigelow, Taylor Collins, and Rachael Bigelow,

Heather and Jay Mallinckrodt

Teri Gonzales

Kimberly Giles and Kimberly Kraus

Ken Esten Cooke and Richard Laughlin

June 2, Rock & Vine held a spring issue party at Dietz Distillery, a collaborative between siblings Dietz and Elle Fischer, and the newest addition to the Fischer & Wieser family of businesses. Guests enjoyed cocktails from Dietz and his crew, along with delicious bites from personal chef Leo Aguirre and cold creamery treats from Orobianco.

Attendees also pitched in for auction items, including a skillet from Fredericksburg Cast Iron Co., Fischer & Wieser Culinary Adventure Cooking Classes, and a picnic basket with F&W goodies. Proceeds benefited The Boys and Girls Club of the Texas Hill Country.

Sherah Mills

The young owners of the venue harkened their parents’ generation and spun records from the 1970s and beyond on their turntable. Their story was featured in our spring edition, which outlined their history in the food industry, along with marketing savvy, to launch the area’s newest distillery. (We highly suggest any cocktail with their Five Judges’ Gin or their fruit-infused brandies.)

We so enjoyed visiting with all patrons, including the fatherand-son team of Milton and Tim Crenwelge, of Crenwelge Motors, who shared tales of acquiring classic cars over the years.

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THE CLUB

The Locals’ Place

Opening Hours: Thursday - Saturday 5-11 pm Saturday Afternoon: Bluesic - Wine - Bistro Wine Tasting by Reservation 316 Goehmann Ln. Fredericksburg, TX • 830-992-3421

LIVE M US FINE B IC AND I SPECIA STRO LTIES

18 CABINS on 26 acres just two minutes to Main Street along the creek.

The only Vineyard IN Fredericksburg!

Home of the “Cabelas” photo shoots

Barons

The Romantic

830-990-4048

Getaway

www.baronscreekside.com

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Honoring the Past While Celebrating the Present.

100% TEXAS WINES • LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

830.992.3323 • TexasHeritageVineyard.com 3245 E. US Hwy 290 • Fredericksburg SUMMER 22 109

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drinkery maps Pontotoc

35

SAN SABA 109

114

Lake Buchanan

Florence

Tow

281

Blufftown Buchanan Dam

MASON

LLANO

43, 72 & 85

Inks Lake

Castell

105

Oatmeal

Lake LBJ

87

Sunrise Beach

290

FREDERICKSBURG

7

SEE PAGE 114

12

91

86

Stonewall

32

99

50

108 3

81

14

JOHNSON CITY

62 65

Hye

100

76

Luckenbach

Center Point

5 74 5 22

10

68 Vanderpool

281

3 4

6 69

13

Wineries

Altstadt Brewery

10. Hitmaker Brewing

Boerne Brewery

11. Last Stand Brewing

4700 Fitzhugh Rd • Dripping Springs 6120 E. US Hwy 290 • Fredericksburg 106 Sage Brush • Boerne

Cibolo Creek Brewing Company

5.

Comfort Brewing

402 River Rd. • Boerne

Farm Ale

10261 W US Hwy. 290 • Hye

Fitzhugh Brewing

15435 Fitzhugh Road 112 Springs Dripping Rock&Vine

37 Driftwood 36 113

35 183

SAN MARCOS

N

101 Gruene

35

NEW BRAUNFELS

W

Breweries

Distilleries

E S

Highlighted areas on page 114

DISTILLERIES 9.

Dodging Duck Brewhaus

Smithson Valley

AUSTIN

29 Seguin

12 Fox Brewing

523 Seventh St. • Comfort

63

106

4.

8.

34

61

Bulverde

BREWERIES

122 N. Plant • Boerne

84

Canyon Lake

87 LEGEND

7.

DRIPPING SPRINGS

Canyon City

83

BOERNE

10

290

2

40

Bandera

6.

17

9 11 11 12 92

3

Spring Branch

54

3.

8

WIMBERLEY

89

88

2.

1

BOURBON

Sisterdale

Bee Cave

8

18

19

1.

Lakeway

110

87

COMFORT

Jonestown Lago Vista

95

51

9

1 16

Blanco

KERRVILLE

ROUND ROCK

69 Cypress Mill

25

Lake Travis

94

Round Mtn.

59

10

42

Spicewood

WILLOW CITY

47

183 Travis Peak

MAP

26

15

MARBLE FALLS

Horseshoe Bay

16

GEORGETOWN

Liberty Hill

Granite Shoals

RV DRINKERY

Rogers

35

77

Kingsland

32

Andice

Bertram

Burnet

102

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Fredericksburg Brewing Company 245 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

11160 Circle Dr • Dripping Springs 12345 Pauls Valley Rd Bldg I & J • Dripping Springs

12. Jester King Brewery

13187 Fitzhugh Rd • Dripping Springs

13. Kinematic Brewing Company 635 E. Hwy 46, Suite 207 • Boerne

14. Pecan Street Brewing

106 E. Pecan Dr. • Johnson City

15. Pint & Plow Brewing Company 332 Clay St. • Kerrville

16. Real Ale Brewing Company 231 San Saba Court • Blanco

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Andalusia Whiskey Company 6462 N. Highway 281• Blanco

7.

Deep Eddy Vodka

8.

2250 E. US Hwy. 290 Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs Vodka

5330 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs

Garrison Brothers Distillery

1827 Hye Albert Rd. • Hye

Hill Country Distillers

723 Front St. • Comfort

Hye Rum

11247 W. US Hwy. 290 • Hye

9.

Iron Goat Distillery

817 Usener Rd. • Fredericksburg

One Shot Distillery and Brewing

31610 Ranch Rd. 12 • Dripping Springs

Revolution Spirits Distilling 12345 Pauls Valley Rd Bldg H Dripping Springs

10. Salvation Spirits

10091 US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

11. Treaty Oak Distilling Company

16604 Fitzhugh Rd. • Dripping Springs

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

WINERIES 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

12 Fires Winery

13217 FM 1117 • Seguin

100 Durango • Johnson City

30. Covington Hill Country Wine

290 Vinery

8262 W US HWY 290 • Hye

300 W. Main (Hwy. 290) • Johnson City

290 Wine Castle

31. Cross Mountain

308 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

101 Durango • Johnson City

32. Dancing Bee Winery (Off Map)

1851 Vineyards

8060 W. US Hwy. 190 • Rogers

4222 S. Hwy. 16 • Fredericksburg

Ab Astris

33. Das Peach Haus

1406 South Hwy.87 • Fredericksburg

320 Klein Rd • Stonewall

Adega Vinho

Alexander Vineyards

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

Arc de Texas

4555 Hwy. 281 • Johnson City

10. Armadillo’s Leap Winery

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

11. Arrowhead Creek Vineyard

13502 E., US Hwy. 290 • Stonewall

13. Baron’s Creek Vineyard

N

662 Woodrose Lane • Stonewall

15. Becker Vineyards

2 Locations 307 E. Main St. 464 Becker Farms Rd. • Fredericksburg

W

16. Bell Mountain Vineyards

463 Bell Mountain Rd. • Fredericksburg

S

17. Bell Springs Winery / Brewery 3700 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs

18. Bella Vista Ranch

3101 Mount Sharp Rd. • Wimberley

19. Bending Branch Winery

142 Lindner Branch Trail • Comfort

20. Bingham Family Vineyards

3915 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

21. Blue Lotus Winery

8500 W Hwy 290 • Hye

22. Branch on High

704 High St. • Comfort

23. Brewbonnet (inside Wildseed farms) 100 Legacy Rd • Fredericksburg

24. Calais Winery

8115 W. US Hwy. 290 • Hye

25. Carter Creek Winery

4064 W US Hwy. 290 • Johnson City

26. Chisholm Trail Winery

2367 Usener Rd. • Fredericksburg

27. Cicada Cellars

14746 E. US Hwy. 290• Stonewall

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

29. Copper Star Cellars (Off Map)

3209 W. US Hwy. 290 • Johnson City

63. Limestone Terrace

101 Rocky Meadows Lane Wimberley, TX

36. Duchman Family Winery

66. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards

37. Fall Creek Vineyards

67. Lost Draw Cellars

2 Locations 18059-A FM 1826 • Driftwood 1820 County Rd. 222 • Tow

315 Ranch Rd. 1376 • Fredericksburg 555 Klappenbach Rd. • Johnson City 6009 US Hwy. 290. • Fredericksburg 113 E. Park St. • Fredericksburg

68. Lost Maples Winery

34986 Farm Market 187 • Vanderpool

38. Fat Ass Winery Tasting Room

69. McReynolds Winery

39. Fat Ass Ranch Winery

70. Mendelbaum Winery/Cellars

153 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

51 Elgin Behrends Rd. • Fredericksburg

40. Fawncrest Vineyard & Winery 1370 Westside Circle • Canyon Lake

41. Fiesta Winery - 2 locations

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

42. Flat Creek Estate

24912 Singleton Bend East Rd. Marble Falls

5865 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

14. Beaumont Winery Coming Soon

7405 FM 2722 • Canyon Lake

62. Lewis Wines

65. Longhorn Hills and Winery

12. Augusta Vin

140 Augusta Vin Ln • Fredericksburg

92. Solaro Estate Winery

35. Dry Comal Creek Vineyards 13308 FM 150 W. • Driftwood

Andreucci Wines

61. La Cruz de Comal Wines

34. Driftwood Estate Winery 1741 Herbelin Rd. • New Braunfels

6360 Goehmann Lane Fredericksburg

91. Slate Mill Collective

18421 E. US Hwy. 290 • Stonewall

64. Longhorn Cellars

4001 Elder Hill Rd. • Driftwood

972 S County Rd. 1623 • Stonewall

60. Kuhlman Cellars

43. Fly Gap Winery (Off Map)

2851 Hickory Grove Rd. • Mason

44. Foyt Winery - coming soon

E45.

38 Jenschke Ln. • Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Winery

247 W. Main St. • Fredericksburg

46. French Connection

1197 Hye Albert Rd. • Hye

47. Georgetown Winery

715 Main St. • Georgetown

48. Grape Creek Vineyards

10587 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

706 Shovel Mountain Rd. • Cypress Mill 10207 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

71. Messina Hof Winery

9996 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

72. Murphy's Cellars

120 Fort McKavett St • Mason

73. Narrow Path Winery

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

74. Newsom Vineyards 717 Front St. • Comfort

75. Pedernales Cellars

2916 Upper Albert Rd. • Stonewall

76. Pelota Wines, Inc.

3209 US Hwy. 290 • Johnson City

77. Perissos Vineyards

7214 W. Park Road 4 • Burnet

78. Perspective Cellars

247 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

79. Pilot Knob Vineyard 3125 CR 212 • Bertram

49. Grape Creek Vineyard on Main 80. Pontotoc Vineyard 223 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

320 W. Main St. • Fredericksburg

4222 S State Hwy 16 • Fredericksburg 13111 Silver Creek Rd. Dripping Springs

93. Southold Farm + Cellar 10474 Ranch Road 2721 Fredericksburg

94. Spicewood Vineyards 1419 CR 409 • Spicewood

95. Stone House Vineyard

24350 Haynie Flat Rd. • Spicewood

96. Tejas Winery

8638 US 290 West • Hye

97. Texas Heritage Vineyards

3245 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

98. Texas Wine Collective

10354 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

99. Turtle Creek Winery

211 Earl Garrett Street • Kerrville, TX

100. Texas Hills Vineyard

878 RR 2766 • Johnson City

101. Three Dudes Winery

125 Old Martindale Rd. • San Marcos

102. Torr Na Lochs

7055 W. State Hwy. 29 • Burnet

103. The Vineyard at Florence 8711 W. FM 487 • Florence

104. The Vintage Cellar

6258 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

105. Thirsty Mule Winery & Vineyard 101 CR 257 • Liberty Hill

106. Timber Ridge Winery

2152 Timber Creek Rd. • Pipe Creek

107. Untamed Wine Estates 202 RM-1320 • Johnson City

108. Vinovium

214 Edmonds Avenue • Johnson City

109. Wedding Oak Winery

2 Locations 316 E. Wallace (Off Map) • San Saba 290 Wine Rd., • Fredericksburg (Under construction)

110. Westcave Cellars Winery & Brewary 683 Ranch Rd 1320, Johnson City

50. Hahne Estates Winery

81. Ron Yates Wines

111. Western Edge Cellars

51. Hawk’s Shadow Estate Vineyard

82. Safari

112. William Chris Vineyards

52. Heath Sparkling

83. Saint Tryphon Vineyard

113. Wimberley Valley Winery

53. Hilmy Cellars

84. Salt Lick Cellars

114. Wines of Dotson Cervantes

54. Hill Country Cellars & Winery

85. Sandstone Cellars (Off Map)

115. Winotus

55. Horn Wineries

86. Santa Maria Cellars

116. Zero 815 Winery

14802 US Hwy. 290 East • Stonewall 7500 McGregor Ln. • Dripping Springs 10591 US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg 12346 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg 3540 S. Hwy 16 Ste 2D • Bandera 9953 E. US Hwy. 290 • Hye

6676 W. US Hwy. 290• Hye 5479 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg 24 Wasp Creek Rd • Boerne

1800-C FM 1826 • Driftwood 211 San Antonio St. • Mason

12044 S. Hwy. 16 • Fredericksburg

56. Hye Meadow Winery

87. Signor Vineyards

57. Inwood Estates Winery

88. Singing Water Vineyards

58. Kalasi Cellars

89. Sister Creek Vineyards

59. Kerrville Hills Winery

90. Six Shooters Cellars

9953 US Hwy. 290 • Hye

10303 US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg 414 Goehmann Ln • Fredericksburg 3600 Fredericksburg Rd. • Kerrville

228 W. Main St. • Fredericksburg 10352 US Hwy. 290 • Hye

2825 County Road 183 • Driftwood

13044 Willis Street • Pontotoc

115 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg

11157 W. US Hwy. 290 • Hye

362 Livesay Lane • Fredericksburg 316 Mill Dam Rd. • Comfort

1142 Sisterdale Rd. • Boerne

6264 E. US Hwy. 290 • Fredericksburg

SUMMER 22 113

drinkery maps 93

FREDERICKSBURG

8

290

66

Rd

Meusebach Creek Rd.

BLUMENTHAL

1376

70 57

39

53

14

48 52 43

15

290

STONEWALL

Albert

fort

60 6 116

6

112

HYE 21

4

56 28 46

4

1623

75

73

ALBERT

Rd

CAIN CITY

10

98

87

.

Rd

io on

-Cain nbach LuckeCity Rd.

71

Lower Albert Rd.

13 64

23

30 & 106

5

Upper

nt Old San A

20 82

90 7

Hahn Rd.

97

LBJ STATE HISTORICAL LBJ NATIONAL PARK HISTORICAL STATE PARK RANCH Pedernales River

27

11

Jenschke Lane

104 ROCKY HILL 2 41

Luckenbach Rd.

290 87

Pedernales River

Woodland Dr.

33

Goehmann Lane

58

Hye Albert Rd

Gellermann Lane

Goehmann Lane

Klein Rd.

16

Old

Com

LUCKENBACH LEGEND Wineries

WINE CORRIDOR

Breweries

Distilleries

DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG W. CENTRE ST.

PECAN ST.

ELM

W. COLLEGE ST.

TRAVIS ST.

ORCHARD ST.

FREDERICKSBURG

RV DRINKERY MAP

16

SCHUBERT ST.

PIONEER MUSEUM

N W

73 115 41 38

45 SAN ANTONIO ST.

EK ST

E. CRE

16

UFER ST.

PARK ST.

67

Rock&Vine

31 49

9

MUSEUM OF THE PACIFIC WAR

15

78

MAIN STREET

8

87

E S

10

LINCOLN ST.

MARKTPLATZ

LLANO ST.

111

ADAMS ST.

ORANGE ST.

80

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

AUSTIN ST.

S WASHINGTON

MAIN STREET

MILAM ST.

EDISON ST.

BOWIE ST.

ACORN ST.

AUSTIN ST.

CROCKETT ST.

SCHUBERT ST.

114

TRAVIS ST.

290

1 96 3 55 24

WELCOME WELCOME TO TO YOUR YOUR HOME IN THE TEXAS HOME IN THE TEXAS HILL HILL COUNTRY. COUNTRY. Discover our family-owned, boutique wine Discover our family-owned, boutique wine resort in a rustic-meets-upscale oasis in the resort in a rustic-meets-upscale oasis in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Stay in heart of the Texas Hill Country. Stay in our spacious villas with luxury amenities. our spacious villas with luxury amenities.

Pamper yourself in The Spa. Whether Pamper yourself in The Spa. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a much needed you’re visiting for a day or a much needed get away, Carter Creek Winery Resort & get away, Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is the perfect escape.

Spa is the perfect escape.

WINE, WINE, DINE DINE & & BREW BREW Equal parts rustic and refined, Old 290 Equal parts rustic and refined, Old 290 Brewery combines Hill Country craft beer Brewery combines Hill Country craft beer with hearty, Texas-inspired cuisine featuring with hearty, Texas-inspired cuisine featuring locally-sourced ingredients Enjoy awardlocally-sourced ingredients Enjoy awardwinning wines inspired by a founding family winning wines inspired by a founding family of Texas Wine Country. In true Lone Star of Texas Wine Country. In true Lone Star State style, enjoy live entertainment every State style, enjoy live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night, and BBQ from Friday and Saturday night, and BBQ from JC Smokehouse.

JC Smokehouse.

4064 West US Highway 290 | Johnson City, Texas 78636 4064 West US Highway 290 | Johnson City,| Texas 78636 855.729.0443 | reservations@cartercreek.com CarterCreek.com 855.729.0443 | reservations@cartercreek.com | CarterCreek.com

SUMMER 22 115

FREDERICKSBURG General Store TEXAS

Your Fredericksburg Souvenir Headquarters We have something for everyone. Open seven days a week, earlier and later than most others.

116

Rock&Vine

143 E. Main St. ~ 830.990.4100 www.fbgEnEralStorE.coM

Proud member of

SUMMER 22 117

END

notes

Recipes & photos provided by ASHLEY ODOM, FEAST & MERRIMENT Fresh Burrata with Strawberry and Tomato Caprese 12 oz Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes 12 oz Fresh Texas Strawberries 4 TBSP Fresh Basil-torn 2 TSP Balsamic Vinegar- or try Mandarin or Fig from Texas Olive Oil Co Several Drizzles of your Best Olive Oil Salt and Pepper to Taste DIRECTIONS: Wash & trim the strawberries. Cut them into quarters. Wash & halve the baby tomatoes. Place the strawberries & tomatoes in a salad bowl In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over your salad and lightly toss.

Place burrata in center of serving plate. Arrange tomato and berry salad around the burrata and drizzle burrata with more olive oil salt and pepper. Place torn basil leaves intermittently in salad. Serve with fresh Joju bread or crackers!

Fresh Summer Corn Chowder with Mint and Basil Shrimp 4 slices bacon, diced 3 cloves garlic, diced 1 onion, diced 2 TSP smoke d paprika, or more, to taste 2 TBSP fresh oregano 2 TBSP chopped fresh basil 1/4 TSP crushed red pepper flakes, optional Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 cups chicken stock 2 cups fresh corn kernels 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, marinated in roasted garlic, mint, basil, salt and pepper to taste 2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley leaves DIRECTIONS: Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess fat, reserving 1 tablespoon.

Add garlic and onion to the stockpot, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in paprika, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Whisk in chicken stock, corn and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 12-15 minutes; discard bay leaf. Add heavy cream and puree with an immersion blender.

Heat oil in skillet and add shrimp and cook, searing both sides around 1 ½ minutes on each side Serve immediately with shrimp, garnished with bacon, basil oil and parsley leaves, if desired.

118

Rock&Vine

Fredericksburg’s first one-stop destination to sip, savor + stay.

An elevated tasting room experience featuring English Newsom Cellars.

Sitting on 140 acres located on the Pedernales River. The Resort features on-site cottages for rent, The Edge tasting room, a five-story wine memberexclusive Tower, a seasonal food menu, incredible water features, golf putting green, and much more.

English Newsom Cellars is proud to be 100% Texasgrown, with one of the largest production facilities in the state. From the stem of the vine to the stem of the glass, each English Newsom wine is carefully crafted in the heart of the Texas High Plains.

T H E E D G E | T H E T O W E R | T H E C OT TA G E S | THE STORE | THE MARKET | THE CELLAR Discover more at www.TheResortAtFredericksburg.com

SUMMER 22 119

We don’t just sell the Texas Hill Country…

WE LIVE 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 families and investors discover the property of their dreams, from second homes to sprawling ranches and everything in between. Clean country air. Rolling green pastures. Breathtaking golden sunsets. Discover what could be, from our family to yours.

8 3 0 - 9 97- 6 5 3 1 F R E D E R I C K S B U R G R E A LT Y.CO M 120

Rock&Vine