Issuu

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WINE AT

Adega Vinho

HOME + DESIGN

J ESSI CA AN D M AT T LI N ES O N FAM ILY, HO M E AN D FREDERI CKSBU RG O C TO B E R 2 02 6

LOVE YOUR HOME.

830.998.1556 • BLACKCHALKHOME.COM FOLLOW US @BLACKCHALKHOMEANDLAUNDRY

....................................................................................................................................................................... EAT. DRINK. CELEBRATE . .......................................................................................................................................................................

Fredericksburg’s finest gathering space and event venue for all special occasions.

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Luxury uncorked with Fredericksburg's first champagne, sparkling wine and caviar lounge.

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Upscale chocolate & curated wine cellar with handcrafted artisan chocolates for drinking or parings

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Raise a Glass to the Season October is such a fun month for our Texas Hill Country region with so many food & wine activities, festivals, and celebrations of our bounty and harvest. With the hot days of summer behind us, we are all excited to usher in this new season of tastes, treats, and sips. This issue, I am excited to feature a favorite longtime couple, Andy and Elena Bilger of Adega Vinho. They have been wonderful and inspiring friends to support, transition, and grow with. I hope you get a glimpse in "Behind The Wine” with these two special people and get a sense of how they are evolving alongside their award-winning wine. The businesses in this issue exemplify how our region celebrates family businesses thriving and collaborating within our community. We are thrilled to see El Quincho (a local’s favorite) reach beyond and collaborate with Adega Vinho. This partnership in Stonewall will be a game-changer for our wine and foodies en route to our region. We also want to recognize Hilmy Cellars, and Marianne, to be specific. This “original” tasting room off the 290 was the first Texas winery I had the pleasure to visit in 2016. I hope you will discover or rediscover one of the original, passionate wineries that have taken root here. Another collaboration elevating our region is the presence of Elisa Christopher Wines, a husband-and-wife team dedicated to the art of bubbles and bringing sparkle to our Hill Country. Getting a fresh new taste this season, we also look at Calivence Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro. Owners Kameron and Alex open up their French-inspired winery and bistro to us and share some of the extraordinary food and wine pairings they offer in our region Lastly, I want to invite readers to know the Lines family, the true “Taste-Makers” in this issue, who share with us why they love their home and creating new ones for us in the Texas Hill Country. Tandem Builders Corporation is a lovely representation of our community values. I also want to welcome our new editor, Kelly, who has called the Hill Country home for several years. I hope you, as readers, enjoy this issue, and I thank you for reading and supporting the small, independent businesses in our region. Cheers to you all! K I M B E R LY G I L E S , P U B L I S H E R @FREDERICKSBURG_CITYLIFESTYLE

October 2026 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Giles | Kimberly.Giles@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Kelly Shearing | kelly.shearing@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Aime Nemic, Andre Boada, Shannon Oelrich C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Ava Snoozy, Danielle Lochte Photography, Lilianna Story, El Quincho, Caroline Bradley, Scenarios Media, Bevvy Group

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Fredericksburg City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fredericksburg area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FREDERICKSBURG

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fredericksburg City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Drink More Texas Wine! Adega Vinho, where Family & Friends Choose to enjoy the day. Here in Stonewall, we are creating our vision of a community centered around our Texas Hill Country wine. Our spaces provide friends and visitors with a setting that creates wonderful experiences and lasting memories. After all, wine is the time machine that often takes us back to life’s greatest memories, moments, and conversations with the people we love. Adega Vinho is a family-owned and operated Estate winery producing award-winning wines from 100% Texas-grown fruit, tipping our hat to Portugal, one of our favorite wine regions.

Making Texas Wine History. Winner of one of the first-ever Gold Medals for a Texas winery at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards for our 2021 Estate Tempranillo.

www.adegavinho.com | 830.265.5765 1000 Ranch to Market Rd 1623 Stonewall, TX 78671

inside the issue OC TOB E R 2 02 6 | FOOD & D R I N K

24 Featured

14 18

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Behind the Wine

Tasting with Andy & Elena Bilger of Adega Vinho

Calivence, A Fresh Escape

Elevated wine & bistro experience in Fredericksburg

The Tandem Tastemakers

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Hot Spot FOOD + BEVERAGE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAGE

Open House HOME + DESIGN

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

Now Open FOOD + BEVERAGE

Local Limelight FOOD + BEVERAGE

Events

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Creating homes where family memories take shape

On the Cover At Adega Vinho, wine is only part of the story. Meet Andrew and Elena Bilger, whose love of family, adventure, community, and connection is woven into the life they’ve built. Photography: Ava Snoozy

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

TURNING DREAMS INTO LIFELONG INVESTMENTS BUILDING TRUST AND VALUE SINCE 1965

RANCH | RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL 830-997-6531 | FREDERICKSBURGREALTY.COM

OCTOBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

Fredericksburg City Lifestyle Magazine, alongside Kaffee Haus, hosted a marketing breakfast for continued learning. Each month, we like to gather at our community mixers that help small businesses grow. 1: Jill Elliot of BlackChalk Home & Haberdashery alongside Kaffee Haus owner Lori Allen 2: Teresa Carosella and Laura Pollard of Kerrville Window Fashions 3: Jessica Lines of Tandem Building Corp 4: Litsa and Gabriel Folse 5: Payton Schuette of Lenard Crafted Homes 6: Jill Elliot and Amy Slaughter of Slaughter Design Studio 7: Mitchell Dickinson, Aimee Chockley, Andrew Bray of Mustard Architects

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ F R E D E R I C K S B U R G _ C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

Fredericksburg City Lifestyle Magazine, alongside Kaffee Haus, hosted a marketing breakfast for continued learning. Each month, we like to gather at our community mixers that help small businesses grow. 8: Breakfast & Learn Event with Fredericksburg City Lifestyle partners at Kaffee Haus 9: Dalton Hatch of Eager Plumbing 10: Marianne Hilmy of Hilmy Cellars-Vineyards 11: Chef Ashley Odom of Feast & Merriment and the Harvey with Kimberly Giles, Publisher

Walnut Creek Ranch

Come and check out the NEW Walnut Creek Ranch!

Walnut Creek Ranch is 10 miles from Fredericksburg, surrounded by rolling hills that bring out nature’s beauty with each parcel (25-75 acres). The Burr Oak Creek traverses the ranch with a few live springs mixed in; each parcel has abundant hardwoods for shade and cover. www.txranchlandsales.com | 817-454-3173 1001 Water Street STE B 200 Kerrville, TX 78028 OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

OCTOBER 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Slate Theory Winery’s Masquerade Ball Celebrate Slate Theory Winery’s 5-year anniversary at the Moonlit Masquerade on Friday, Oct. 23, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of wine, music, mystery, costumes, and a silent charity auction featuring exclusive wines and original artwork. Tickets are $50, with membership discounts available. Slate Theory Winery and Vineyards offers an immersive Hill Country wine experience with bold wines and a distinctive, unconventional atmosphere. Photography by Slate Theory Winery

German Imports just in time for Oktoberfest

Get Oktoberfest Ready with Liebeskind Shop the cutest German imports, just in time for Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg! LiebeskindFBGTX.com | (830) 307-9349 127 E. Main St. Fredericksburg, TX 78624 10

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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Brooke’s Boujee Bar Offers an Unforgettable Night Fredericksburg is getting a bold new nightlife destination with the upcoming opening of Brooke’s Boujee Bar, a pink, elevated cocktail bar where creativity takes center stage. Reservations are now open for the intimate Leopard Lounge and Monkey Martini Bar, offering handcrafted cocktails and unforgettable themed experiences. With glamorous decor, creative drinks, and plenty of surprises, this new downtown spot is one to watch. Photography by Brooke's Boujee Bar

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Host your event with us! Team meetings | customer appreciation | Wedding rehearsals | special birthdays | retirement Indoor & outdoor options available Scratch kitchen or outside catering

For inquiries please contact cindy@covingtoncellars.com 8262 W US 290, Hye, Texas CovingtonCellars.com

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

business monthly CONTINUED

Forging meaningful relationships through thoughtful design solutions

People & Pups Halloween Costume Content at Michel Ros Winery Kick off Halloween with your favorite four-legged friend at Michael Ros Winery’s People & Pups Halloween Costume Contest! Dress up, bring your pup, sip Texas wine, and enjoy an afternoon of festive fun and prizes. Michael Ros Winery is a family-owned boutique winery offering 100% Texas wines on a beautiful 38-acre Hill Country property. Photography by Michel Ros Winery

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209 s. llano, suite b fredericksburg mustardarchitectsTX.com 830.997.7024

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Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ FREDERICKSBURG

JLP BUILDERS | AFFORDABLE LUXURY | CUSTOM HOME BUILDER JLP Builders is excited to announce its expansion into Fredericksburg and the surrounding Hill Country. With over a decade of experience, we specialize in affordable luxury homes built with quality, functionality, and reliable timelines. Ready to build? Let’s talk!

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OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

B E HIND T HE W INE TASTING WITH ANDY & ELENA BILGER OF ADEGA VINHO

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY GILES PHOTOGRAPHY BY AVA SNOOZY Andy & Elena taking a wine break

H OT SP OT | FO O D + BEVERAGE

Often, we read about wineries, awards, and coveted wine features that expound on words that can be intimidating when it comes to your “palate” or “grape varietals.” One thing that is expressly missing is the “people” behind the wine. For that reason, Andrew and Elena Bilger of Adega Vinho feel like the perfect place to start. I’ve had the immense fortune of knowing the Bilgers for nearly eight years, watching them move through several chapters of life and business. From

establishing their estate winery in 2017, to opening their first tasting room during the uncertainty of COVID-19, to welcoming their grown sons from destinations around the world, they have continued to meet each chapter with the same warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in their community. Their story also offers a glimpse into what makes the Texas Hill Country wine region special. As wineries in other regions face growing challenges, it is worth asking what helps this community continue to grow. The answer, in part, seems to be the people behind it. Here, success does not have to come at the expense of a neighbor’s success. Andy describes the relationships among the growers in Stonewall this way. “We have a community of growers here in Stonewall, and they all have been incredibly helpful during storms or with questions; undoubtedly Narrow Path Winery, William Chris, Pedernales, and Ron Yates have all been supportive neighbors in our enclave.” The philosophy is simple: “We want our neighbors to be well, successful, and thriving” That spirit seems to extend well beyond the vineyard. Andy and Elena have built a life around curiosity, adventure, and shared experiences. Andy is an avid surfer, and the two travel the world together in search of great waves and new places. Married for more than 30 years, they share a love of ’80s alternative music, cool vinyl collections, wine, travel, and good stories. Their pursuit of an estate winery began in early 2016, when Elena discovered the Stonewall property that would eventually become home to

Tasting room in Stonewall location

Adega Vinho. As empty nesters, she, Andy, and Andy's brother and business partner, Michael, had become increasingly focused on making that dream a reality. Elena encouraged Andy to take the leap with his brother. Andy’s appreciation for his wife and business partner is clear: “ I am so incredibly grateful for Elena because she always believes in me. That is what makes her a great partner.” Today, with their Fredericksburg tasting room established and wine production underway, the Bilgers are settling into a chapter that feels more like enjoying what they have built. Andy states, “We want to enjoy getting older and not be reliant on anyone.” Elena smiles and states, “ Anything we can do that inspires adventure, restoration, ways to reconnect with our family, and enjoying slowing down is perfect for me.” That perspective may be one of the most compelling things about the Bilgers. Their investment is in more than wine. So, the next time you visit Adega Vinho, talk with Andy and Elena about your travels. You may leave with a great glass of wine, but you’ll likely leave with a good story, too.

Andy & Elena at home

Taking in the sunset at Adega Vinho

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Texas Wine. Sweet Pairings. Good Times.

People & Pups Halloween Costume Contest October 31st: 3-5pm michaelroswinery.com 830.307.1323 | VB 982 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, TX

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

Elevated wine & bistro experience in Fredericksburg

ARTICLE BY ANDRE BOADA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEVVY GROUP

Calivence, A Fresh Escape 18

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Kameron and Alex Radovanovic

Bringing a California wine concept to the heart of Fredericksburg is no small undertaking. Alex and Kameron Radovanovic, however, have never been afraid to venture beyond the expected. Their passion for wine and farming led them from California's Santa Ynez Valley to a historic limestone home at 419 W. Main Street, where they opened CALIVENCE Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro. The couple's love affair with wine and farming began more than 25 years ago. Their passion brought them to Los Olivos in California's Santa Ynez Valley, where the cool climate, winds, clay and limestone soils provided an ideal setting for growing Bordeaux varietals. In 2019, they planted four acres of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot, malbec, and sauvignon blanc. Their approach to the vineyard goes beyond the grapes. Regenerative farming practices, olive trees, fruit trees, lavender, French herbs, and a French culinary garden help create a biodiverse growing environment. That connection between land, food and wine is central to CALIVENCE. While exploring opportunities for a Texas tasting room, the couple quickly fell for Fredericksburg's charm. They eventually built a home here and found the perfect location for their Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro. The land was acquired by Wilhelm Crenwelge in 1865, and he built the limestone home in the late 1860s as a rental property. The house remained in the Crenwelge family for nearly a century and is a preserved example of Fredericksburg's early German heritage. Today, its original character remains, while the wine tasting bar and bistro bring a fresh design that reflects CALIVENCE's Old World-New World approach. The bistro menu is designed to complement the estate wines, featuring fresh CONTINUED >

White Party occasion at Calivence OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

White Party event at Calivence

oysters, sashimi-grade fish, and local Angus steaks. One of the best ways to understand that philosophy is through their Get Uncorked experience, CALIVENCE's 5-course culinary and wine pairing adventure. Offered Thursday through Sunday, Get Uncorked features multiple courses built around what is fresh and in season. Each dish is plated individually and paired with a thoughtfully selected CALIVENCE estate wine. The menu changes with the ingredients, letting guests experience the season at its freshest. There is something satisfying about knowing where your food comes from and enjoying it at its best. Get Uncorked embraces that connection, turning a meal into an opportunity to slow down and pay attention. It’s an educational experience that invites guests to discover how flavors, textures, and aromas change from one pairing to the next.

Check local and seasonal menus

Spacious garden areas in front and back of Calivence

Downstairs dining at Calivence

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Whether you're stopping in for a glass, settling in for dinner, or reserving a seat for Get Uncorked, CALIVENCE offers a distinctive West Main experience. California estate wines, fresh food, seasonal inspiration and the character of a historic Fredericksburg home come together in a setting that encourages you to linger a little longer and savor what's in front of you. If you're ready to bet on a new food and wine favorite in Fredericksburg, we'd say, “All in, please,” and make your way to CALIVENCE.

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7272 Wurzbach RD, Suite 1104 San Antonio INTRODUCING

A NEW SEASON OF FLAVOR AT

A (830)733-5000 | ALBERTHOTEL.COM

Art + Environment PLLC.

Modern Casitas | Artists Workshops | Nature for Everyone

Hill Country’s Injury Law Experts In the Hill Country, accidents can happen when you least expect them and when they do, you deserve a legal team that fights hard and cares deeply. At George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC., we specialize in auto accidents, 18wheeler collisions, and workplace injuries. With more than 15 years of experience standing up for injured Texans, we deliver aggressive representation with a personal touch. Your recovery is our priority. Auto & 18-Wheeler Accident Representation Workplace, Oilfield & Construction Injuries Results that matter. Your recovery is our priority, with no upfront fees. Contact us for a FREE consultation — no costs unless we win for you.

www.georgeescobedo.com (210) 999- 0230 Headquartered in San Antonio, our firm proudly serves the Hill Country through our satellite office led directly by our founding attorney to ensure you receive dedicated, top-tier representation.

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Inspiration for your best local life.

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Inside scoop on all things local.

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Matt and Jessica Lines of Tandem Building Corporation

THE

Tandem

TA S T E M A K E R S

O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN

All Quartzite kitchen surfaces, and backsplash with custom metal range hood

C re a t i n g h o m e s w h e re f a m i l y m e m o r i e s t a ke s h a p e ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY GILES PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE LOCHTE PHOTOGRAPHY, AVA SNOOZY

Matt and Jessica Lines of Tandem Building Corporation established Fredericksburg as their “home” in 2008, along with their three children. It was at this time that Matt Lines served as Director of Development at Boot Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Responsible for all facets of construction in Boot Ranch, Matt decided to CONTINUED >

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Matt, Eden, Camber, Holden and Jessica

embark solely on custom home building with the establishment of Tandem Building in 2015. It was this unique concept of “Tandem” that solidified what the Lines wanted all along: to work in partnership with others, an invested joint effort to achieve a desired outcome. "Jessica and I treasure our home and the homes we grew up in. The comfort, memories they held, and this is why our home is so important to our family and the homes we build for other people." To ensure a prospective homeowner be aligned with Matt, you can expect unwavering commitment every step of the way in their building process. I had the chance to sit down with Matt and Jessica to talk about life, family, and creating space for memories.

WHY IS FREDERICKSBURG IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?

Fun and giggles with Holden, Matt, Jessica, Camber and Eden Fire place feature is 3-sided with a suspended chimney

We love the sense of community here. Our children love their school, their teachers, and their friends. We have met some wonderful people and created lifelong friends here. Fredericksburg has the perfect mix of old history and exciting plans for the future. We value that our community is based on so many small businesses, and we love to support them. It is a community in the truest sense of the word.

WHY IS A HOME IMPORTANT TO YOU AND CLIENTS?

A home begins with a dream. People start dreaming of their home years before ever starting construction. To play a role in making that dream become tangible is an honor few will experience. Once the dream is realized, a home transitions from something in the future to the present. It’s where memories are created. When a person looks back at most of their memories, it’s within the backdrop of a home. It is a place where we spend so much time cooking, watching CONTINUED >

O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN

The minimalistic modern, floating stairway does not obstruct beautiful views OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

Left to right: Holden, Jessica, Matt, Camber and Eden

Powder room has floating quartz skirt and red oak paneling

O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN

movies, watching our children grow, and just being together as a family. The time with our kids under our roof goes by quickly, and having a space to be together is so important.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR HOME?

The natural light. The Hill Country is so beautiful, and we love looking out to see that beauty each day. We appreciate the conversations, decisions, and teamwork it took to build our home. It provided a sense of unity between us as the owners, but also through contributions from those working on the home.

WHAT DO YOUR CHILDREN LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR HOME?

Our children are drawn to the outside – they love playing in the pool with our dog, on the trampoline, and seeing our chickens. We also think that there’s a sense of belonging inside of them. Jessica and I both grew up in the same house (not together), which solidified all those

childhood memories. That’s what we’re hoping to provide for our children.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WANTING TO BUILD THEIR OWN CUSTOM HOMES? DO YOU LOOK AT STAGES OF LIFE FOR CLIENTS?

Prepare yourself for one of the most satisfying experiences you’ll have in life. It takes time, decision-making, many satisfying milestones, and a challenge or two. All that makes the completion and move-in so rewarding…like crossing the finish line of a marathon! We’re excited to build for all clients, whether they’re undertaking their first home, the custom home they’ve dreamed of for decades, or downsizing to something smaller later in life; there’s the same person-to-person interaction that makes the career we’ve chosen so satisfying. One thing is certain: these two “Tandem-Taste-makers” have ushered in an air of elevated living that reflects the beauty and balance of our beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Trampoline fun for the Lines Family

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The Art of the View THE HILL COUNTRY'S CHOICE SINCE 2001

Curated Food & Wine Excellence Explore the unparalleled wine tasting experience offered by VinoCadre-trained professionals. Originally founded in Saint Helena, CA, Vinocadre now kicks vineyard dirt in Texas Hill Country. Comprised of leading professionals promoting food and wine education, Vinocadre offers an innovating platform by taking the winery experience to your office, vacation retreat or home. Our sommelier team offers a wide array of creative options, all custom designed to your group.

vinocadre.com | V vinocadre (707) 696-0592 | Reservation & Personal Concierge

Enjoy The View, Love The Shade. Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable, relaxed, and truly at home—inside and out. At Kerrville Window Fashions, we believe your outdoor spaces should be just as inviting as the rest of your home. Our custom outdoor shades and awnings can help transform a sunny patio, porch, or outdoor living area into a comfortable space you’ll enjoy throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a little more shade, added privacy, protection for your furnishings, or simply a more beautiful way to enjoy your outdoor space, we’re here to help you find the perfect solution. We’ll take the time to listen to what you want, understand your home and your lifestyle, and help you choose options that are beautiful, practical, and made to last. From stylish outdoor shades to elegant awnings, we offer solutions designed to complement your home—not compete with it.

Come visit our showroom, or let us bring the showroom to you! Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover what’s possible for your home. 12-month no-interest financing available, making it easier to create the outdoor space you’ve been dreaming about.

Let us help you make your home unforgettable —one beautiful view at a time. kerrvillewindowfashions.com 830.733.0041

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kerrvillewindowfashions 512 Sidney Baker #160 Kerrville TX

SIP. SAVOR. STAY. Your perfect Fredericksburg getaway starts here.

Savor the Season, Sip the Hill Country. Good wine deserves good company. A thoughtfully crafted pour, seasonal flavors and a table shared with friends. This October, celebrate Wine Month and the spirit of Come Over October at Hilmy Cellars, where artisan wines and relaxed surroundings create the perfect setting to gather with friends, sip, savor and stay awhile.

Visit the tasting room, stay awhile and savor a taste of Wine Month at Hilmy Cellars. www.hilmywine.com | 830.644.2482 12346 E US Hwy 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Experience the Stories That Shaped History

Explore a six-acre campus with 55,000 square feet of exhibits that bring the people, events, and sacrifices of the Pacific War to life. 311 E Austin St Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Visit Us Today! PacificWarMuseum.org

FbgLodging.com | @fbglodging (830) 997-5612 231 W Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

Marianne Hilmy

ARTICLE BY ANDRE BOADA PHOTOGRAPHY BY AVA SNOOZY

A look at one of our original wineries with wine maker Marianne Hilmy

Hilmy Cellars

The Texas Hill Country wine scene is growing by the glass, but some of its most compelling stories have been unfolding here for years. While the Texas Hill Country wine industry continues to grow, the novelty of a new winery often gets the spotlight. Hidden in plain sight, however, is a landmark with a story worth revisiting: Hilmy Cellars. Founded in 2009 with the planting of its first vineyard, Hilmy Cellars released its inaugural wines in March 2012. It began as a family vision, along with friends.

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

pink grapefruit aromas and zesty citrus. It’s releasing soon. Perhaps what makes Hilmy most compelling is its commitment to 100% Texas wine. Marianne, as a long-standing ambassador for Texas-grown grapes, continues to prove that the state belongs in the conversation on the world wine stage. I’d say, “Splash your way through all the wines and thank me later.” Educational tasting flights, wines by the glass, bottles, behind-the-scenes production tours and wine club memberships offer plenty of ways to experience Hilmy Cellars. Children are welcome, and leashed pets can join you outdoors.

Together, they even hand-built the original tasting room, creating an artisanal space with character and charm. Today, a distinctive wooden door shaped like a wine barrel welcomes guests into the tasting room, where a wall of international awards shares the winery’s history. Outside, a relaxed courtyard and pavilion overlook the vineyards, while an on-site kitchen operated by Chef Alex of Cast Iron Punk offers food designed to pair with Hilmy’s wines. Marianne Hilmy, the matriarch of Hilmy Cellars, says, “Our family values resonate with true, artisan, Texas wine striving for the highest quality. We marry that with warm hospitality.” That philosophy carries through the winemaking team of Taylor Szymanski and Sarah Yockey. As a sommelier, I recently tasted through current releases, along with pre-bottling tank and barrel samples. The wines showed impressive merit, from their small-batch craftsmanship to their value. My sommelier pick to beat the summer heat is the 2025 Hilmy Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Texas High Plains, TX. Unoaked and bright, it offers

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for your next event Host your next private event or enjoy a curated supper club at The Harvey at Elk & Main in Fredericksburg. As warm, welcoming and cozy as it is beautiful, this intimate space will allow you and your guests to relax and connect while our team takes care of every detail to make your experience at The Harvey memorable.

theharveyfbg.com 423 e. main st. fredericksburg, tx

TEXAS BLUEBONNET

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10915 US-290 Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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El Quincho Al Paso

El Quincho Ig n i t e s Ne w Culinary Passion

Soon El Quicho Al Paso opens alongside Adega Vinho ARTICLE BY SHANNON OELRICH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILIANNA STORY & EL QUINCHO

NOW OP E N | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

Chef Maxi with Marisa

El Quincho, an Argentina-inspired asador and Spanish tapas restaurant, has gone from pop-up to local favorite in just a few years. Marisa Pettit, co-founder and sommelier, engages her deep knowledge of wine and spirits to complement Chef Maximiliano Pettit’s food, giving visitors a full, curated experience. On a typical evening, the open-air restaurant weaves a spell, with cicadas humming in the background and the smells from the grill giving a hint of what’s to come. Chef Maxi can be found in the screened-in kitchen cooking over a fire, while Marisa goes table to table, guiding diners towards wines or cocktails that will marry well with their food. It’s not just the food and wine that pair well here—the two proprietors have a passion for working together. “He came out of retirement to marry me and go to work,” Marisa says, smiling. Their goal is to bring open-fire cooking to a larger audience using flavors from Spain, Argentina, and other places where Chef Maxi worked and traveled in his laudable culinary journey. To this end, he and Marisa are expanding El Quincho to Adega Vinho, a family- owned winery in Stonewall. “They’re just great people,” Chef Maxi says of Andy and Elena Bilger, who run the winery along with Head Winemaker Michael Bilger. “We like the energy of the space they’ve created, and it was an honor to be asked to partner with them.” They know that Adega Vinho’s award-winning wines pair brilliantly with El Quincho’s food. “[Michael’s] style of wines, I really love,” says Marisa, “I love Portuguese varietals. I think they grow really well in Texas.” The new venture will be called El Quincho Al Paso, meaning “El Quincho on the go.” The first step will be using the food truck that’s already on-site to serve handheld food like empanadas and brochettes. Meanwhile, the winery will be building a restaurant and kitchen with open-fire cooking, which they hope to open in the new year. The Pettits hope to not just serve wine-country tourists there, but to create the kind of community they have in Fredericksburg. With their winning combination of fire, food, wine, passion, and partnership, they’re sure to succeed.

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ADDING MORE

“Sparkle"

TO OUR REGION

WITH ELISA CHRISTOPHER WINES ARTICLE BY AMIE NEMEC PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE BRADLEY, SCENARIOS MEDIA

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

Texas Hill Country is already known for wine. Now, Elisa and Chris Jones want to put a little more sparkle into the picture. The couple's story began long before their first bottle of wine. As children of Air Force fathers, Elisa and Chris met in first grade. A full 36 years after their elementary school friendship, the two reconnected and married. Wine, however, had already found Elisa. When Elisa helped her father plant his vineyard near College Station in 2007, she realized she couldn't ignore her love for wine. She later completed Texas Tech University's winemaking certificate program, with plans to make wine her second career. Chris joined her in the program after they were together, giving them a shared vocabulary for their new venture. The first vintage of Elisa Christopher Wines was crafted in 2020. Two years later, the couple purchased 43 acres in the Hill Country. Development began with a tinyhome tasting room. The next year, the 4,000-squarefoot production facility came online, including special equipment imported from France. The first acre of Chardonnay vines will be planted this year. Bubbles can be made in a few different ways, but the traditional method used in the Champagne region of France is typically the most elegant. Why focus on sparkling wines? Elisa responds, "Sparkling wine really is the thing that goes best with Texas food. It goes with barbecue… Mexican food… Steak. Plus, it's hot here, so having a refreshing wine all summer is pretty exciting." The winery produces about 2,000 cases annually, more than half of them sparkling. The couple also uses its equipment to add traditional-method bubbles to wines produced by other Texas wineries. They are not making wine for other brands, just adding the sparkle. For Elisa and Chris, the goal is bigger than making good wine. They are helping redefine what Texas wine can be, one bottle of bubbles at a time, and proving that a little sparkle has a natural place in the Hill Country.

“Sparkling wine really is the thing that goes best with Texas food. Having a refreshing wine all summer is pretty exciting.” - Elisa

Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro 419 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg

Open 7 Days for Lunch + Dinner

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Wine from our Estate Vineyard in Santa Barbara perfectly paired with Farm to Table Cuisine!

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OCTOBER 2026

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4 2 9 P e t e r s o n D r . Ke r r v i l l e , TX 7 8 0 2 8

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

OCTOBER 2ND

Oktoberfest 100 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX, United States, 78624 | 6:00 PM Celebrate Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg with a weekend of German food, music, dancing, beer, and family-friendly fun. The festival runs Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Grab your friends and raise a stein to an unforgettable Hill Country weekend! OCTOBER 3 R D

17th Annual Oktoberfest Kraut Run 8K/5K 110 W. Travis Fredericksburg, TX 78624 | 8:30 AM Lace up for the 17th Annual Kraut Run, benefiting literacy and youth programs. The 8K, 5K timed run, and 5K non-timed walk all begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Registration is $40-$45 for adults and $35-$40 for ages 16 and under. Packet pickup is Friday, Oct. 2, 4 to 7 p.m. or on site at 7:00 a.m race morning. OCTOBER 9 TH

33rd Texas Mesquite & Fine Art Spectacular 100 West Main Street Fredericksburg, TX 78624 | 12:00 PM Discover handcrafted Texas artistry at the Texas Mesquite & Fine Art Spectacular in Fredericksburg, October 9-11. Browse exceptional works in wood, metal, leather, glass, fabric, and more while meeting talented artisans. The show runs Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

EVE N TS

OC TOBE R 1 7 T H

Bestfest 100 West Main Street Fredericksburg, TX 78624 | 11:00 AM Raise a stein at Bestfest on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Marktplatz in Fredericksburg! This craft beer and premium sausage festival features live music, raffles, children’s activities, and an all-youcan-eat sausage meal with German trimmings. Tickets are required. OC TOBE R 1 7 T H

YOUR LEGACY,

Restaurant Meals at Home 8262 US-290, Hye, TX 78635 | 11:00 AM Join Covington Cellars and Chef Briana Fuchs for an afternoon of restaurant-worthy cooking made easy. Learn how to create simple, delicious meals at home without the restaurant price tag. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, samples of prepared dishes, recipes to take home, and a glass of wine. 11 a.m.-noon. Tickets are $55 per person.

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OC TOBE R 2 1 ST

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival 13454 Lower Crabapple Rd., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 | 6:00 PM

tandembc.com | VB 830.998.8300 info@tandembc.com

Savor the flavors of the Hill Country during the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival, featuring a series of special culinary events throughout Fredericksburg. Highlights include Opening Night at Contigo Ranch, a Street Dinner downtown, the Grand Tasting at Marktplatz from 1 to 5 p.m., and a Waterfront Brunch at Fischer & Wieser Farmstead from 10 a.m. to noon.

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ONE BOTTLE, THREE DRINKS The Thyme-Honey Smash The easiest pour if you're new to bourbon INGREDIENTS: • 2 oz bourbon • ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice • ½ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water) • 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs, plus one to garnish • Large ice sphere or cube To make: Press the thyme gently in the bottom of a shaker (enough to wake up the oils, not enough to shred it). Add bourbon, lemon, honey syrup, and ice. Shake hard, strain over a large ice sphere, and finish with a thyme sprig and a strip of lemon peel. Honey syrup keeps for two weeks in the fridge and improves nearly every whiskey drink it touches.

The Old Fashioned Four ingredients. That's the drink.

The Amber Hour BOURBON, THREE WAYS Bourbon carries a certain mystique: dim lighting, hushed tones, a vocabulary all its own. Cut through it and here's what you'll actually find: a spirit that does more with three ingredients than most bottles manage with ten. Shaken with lemon and honey, it goes bright. Stirred with bitters over one good cube, it turns deep and unhurried. Add vermouth and a proper cherry, and you've got the drink that's been quietly holding up hotel bars for a century. One good bottle, a few minutes, a comfortable chair. Everything else is just details.

Speak Bourbon Like You Mean It THE WHISKEY AISLE READS LIKE A SECRET HANDSHAKE. HERE'S THE QUICK TRANSLATION. • • • • •

Wheated: softer, sweeter, leans toward baked goods. High-Rye: more pepper, more spice, more backbone. Single Barrel: one barrel, one personality, quirks included. Bottled-in-Bond: one distillery, four years minimum, 100 proof. Finished: aged a second time in port, sherry, or rum casks.

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

INGREDIENTS: • 2 oz bourbon • ¼ oz demerara or simple syrup • 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters • Large ice cube • Orange peel, to garnish To make: Stir bourbon, syrup, and bitters with ice for a full 30 seconds (longer than feels reasonable — the dilution is part of the recipe). Strain over one large cube. Pinch the orange peel skin-side down over the drink so the oils mist across the surface, run it around the rim, and drop it in. Demerara syrup, two parts raw sugar to one part water, brings a toffee depth that plain sugar can't reach. Classic: orange peel only. Dressed up: add a brandied cherry alongside the peel for a little sweetness and color.

The Manhattan The drink that built a century of hotel bars. INGREDIENTS: • 2 oz bourbon • 1 oz sweet vermouth • 2 dashes aromatic bitters • Cocktail cherry, to garnish To make: Stir everything with plenty of ice until the mixing glass frosts over, then strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a real cocktail cherry (dark, rich, worth every penny of the jar). Park the coupe in the freezer while you stir. A warm glass undoes thirty seconds of careful work in about a minute.

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TEXAS STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

THE AMERICAN SPIRIT. Celebrate 250 years of the American Spirit with Garrison Brothers Bourbon. Every red, white, and blue wax-dipped bottle is a toast to freedom and a tribute to all American heroes. Scan to support Boot Campaign and give back to those who’ve given so much.