We visit a winery in Hye, Texas to check out their wines and their tasting room. Read on to find out what we thought of our experience at Covington Cellars.
Introduction
We recently made a stop with a group of friends at the Covington Cellars in Hye, TX to see what it was all about. Continue reading below to get our opinion of this place and whether it is worth it for you to visit if you are in the area.
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What Makes This Place Different?
They produce very few 100% Texas Wines at Covington. Most of the wines are produced in Washington State.
My Wine Pick
If you can get it as it is a Wine Club only wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon would be the best pick of their wines. However, it does cost $95!!!
History and Facility
Covington Cellars, located in Hye, Texas, boasts a rich history and a commitment to crafting exceptional wines. Founded by Greg and Lori Covington, the winery emerged from their passion for winemaking and a vision to produce high-quality, distinctive wines. The facility itself is designed to blend seamlessly with the picturesque landscape, featuring a charming tasting room where visitors can experience the winery’s offerings in a welcoming atmosphere. The state-of-the-art winemaking equipment and barrel aging rooms ensure that each bottle reflects the dedication to craftsmanship and quality that Covington Cellars is known for. The winery’s picturesque setting and well-appointed facilities provide a delightful backdrop for wine tastings and events, making it a notable destination for wine enthusiasts exploring Texas’ burgeoning wine scene.
The Wines
I did not get the opportunity to do a standard tasting from the tasting menu, but rather tasted a variety of wines from the group I was there with. Here is what I tasted and where I categorize them.
Memorable Wine(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Good, But Not Memorable Wine(s): Ode, Chardonnay, Josie Rose’, Grenache Blanc, Rio Ronde
Not So Good Wine(s): None of the wines got this low!
Other Wines
Here are some of the other wines available at Covington I was not able to taste.
Sparkling Wine, OG (Gewurztraminer), Cabernet Franc, Field Blend, Sangiovese, Temp (Tempranillo) (not available now), Syrah, Rough House.
Overall, from a value standpoint, I would not characterize any of their wines as a steal. The wines range from $30 to $95 (Cabernet Sauvignon), but these are west coast (Washington state) wines I feel comparable wines could be acquired in stores for much less.
Wine Club
Members of the wine club enjoy quarterly allocations of four, six, or eight bottles; and are welcome to customize each release. These memberships offer a 10%, 15%, and 20% discount, respectively. Also included are four complimentary flights or glass pours per month, access to club only wines, limited production wines, special offers & library wines, and exclusive club pricing and ticket access to wine dinners and pairings. Also, complimentary entry to release events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I didn’t come away from Covington Cellars with the excitement I typically come away with when I visit a Texas winery. But, as mentioned, this winery is more about bringing a Texas presence of a Washington Winery to the area. If you are into Texas Wines mostly, this would not be a good fit.
I also would say that the wines are good, but not spectacular. Their pricing is high for west coast wines so the value to me simply is not there.
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FAQ
What are the hours of operation of the tasting room? The tasting room is open Sun-Thurs: 12 – 5pm
Friday: 12 – 7pm, and Saturday: 12 – 6pm.
Do I need a reservation to visit the tasting room? Reservations are not required, and wine tasting consists of 5 wines. You can reserve if you wish.
What is the cost of a wine tasting at Covington Cellars? The cost of a wine tasting is $25 per person for a standard flight and $35 for the “North of 90” flight, which consists of wines given a score of 90+ by national critics.
About the Author
A native of Texas, Ken “Texan” Pierce is a renowned alcohol aficionado with decades of experience in the Texas wine, whiskey, and beer industry. With a vast number of alcohol production resources right in his back yard in the Texas Hill Country, Ken has made it his mission to promote and advance the Texas winemaking, distilling, and brewing industry across the country. Ken holds certifications from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) for wine and is a Certified Texas Wine Ambassador. His ability to identify tasting notes and pairings makes him a respected authority within alcohol enthusiast circles. When he’s not reviewing the latest craft spirits, you can find Ken playing his guitar, trying to sing, and sipping on a Texas libation.
