This past weekend I got to enjoy a remarkable tasting in William Chris Vineyards’ new barrel room, sampling five wines from Uplift Vineyards—four reds and one white—in an intimate, educational setting that perfectly captured the spirit of Texas terroir.
The experience began with a welcome pour of Lou Adah, Uplift’s estate white blend—a crisp and elegant start that immediately spoke to the vineyard’s commitment to showcasing its unique site. After that, we settled into the barrel room, surrounded by aging barrels and led by a knowledgeable guide (Jessica) who walked us through the story of Uplift, the geology of the Llano Uplift, and Claire Richardson’s winemaking approach.
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A Short History of Uplift Vineyards & Its Link to William Chris
Uplift Vineyard was born of a shared vision in 2021, when Chris Brundrett of William Chris Vineyards and Andrew Sides of Lost Draw Cellars acquired the former Hoover Valley property and launched a new, estate‑only brand in 2023—focused exclusively on fruit grown on its 55‑acre estate within the Llano Uplift formation. That geographic formation—an ancient granite dome—gives the vineyard unique decomposed‑granite soils and mineral complexity.
Part of the William Chris Wine Company portfolio, Uplift was launched to highlight site‑driven, premium wines—single varietals and blends crafted only from its estate fruit, under the direction of Claire Richardson, former assistant winemaker at William Chris. Uplift represents William Chris’s first fully estate‑focused brand within its portfolio of Texas wines.
The Wines We Tasted
I won’t pretend to remember all the details, but here’s a polished sense of what we tasted:
- Lou Adah (White Blend) – Straw‑colored, floral citrus aromatics, with stony minerality and a refined palate—refreshing and textured.
- Four estate reds, each distinctly expressive—likely grapes like Montepulciano or Tempranillo from the 13 varietals planted. The four we tasted were: (1) 2022 Montepulciano, (2) 2022 Sangiovese, (3) 2023 Estate Red, and (4) 2022 Merlot.
Each red showed careful low‑intervention winemaking, with clarity, elegance, and texture. The reds ranged from earthy and savory to plush and ripe—yet all possessed that guiding thread of Uplift’s sense of place.
Reflection on the Experience
Attending the Uplift Vineyard Cellar Experience at William Chris felt like getting two stories in one: the legacy and leadership of William Chris Vineyards—its role in elevating Texas wine, lobbying for truth‑in‑labeling laws, and championing terroir integrity William Chris Wines—plus the intimate exploration of Uplift’s emerging narrative.
Tasting in the barrel room behind the barrel stacks added drama and context: you could see where the wine is aging, feel the hush of fermentation just beyond, and appreciate how each varietal expresses itself before bottling. It’s a space that underscores William Chris’s philosophy: wines grown, not made—and that expression of place is at the heart of every sip.
Why This Matters
- Uplift Vineyards lets William Chris experiment with estate‑only precision on a unique Hill Country parcel.
- This tasting highlights Texas terroir at its refined best: the Llano Uplift soils, hot‑weather grape varieties like Tempranillo or Montepulciano, and minimalist winemaking that preserves site character Uplift Vineyards.
- For wine lovers curious about the evolution of Texas wine, it’s the perfect blend of innovation, narrative, and pure sensory delight.
Final Thoughts
If you ever get the chance, I’d highly recommend the Uplift Vineyard Cellar Experience at William Chris Vineyards. It’s a beautifully curated 90‑minute journey through soil, vine, and glass—for around $50 but offering memory and meaning far beyond the price tag. Sitting in that barrel room, tasting Uplift wines while learning where they came from—it felt like drinking a piece of Texas itself.
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.