Honest review of 12 Fires Winery in Johnson City, TX. Stunning venue but underwhelming Texas Wine. Get the best tips for visiting Texas Wineries.
Introduction
I rolled into 12 Fires in Johnson City, TX hoping to uncover another hidden gem in the ever-growing world of Texas Wine and Texas Wineries, but I walked away feeling more underwhelmed than inspired. While the setting impressed me with its open-air Hill Country charm, the wines simply didn’t live up to the promise of the beautiful space. From thin textures to muddled flavor profiles, the overall tasting lineup just didn’t deliver the depth or balance I expect from quality Texas Wine.
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What Makes This Place Different?
12 Fires prides itself on a strong commitment to Texas-grown fruit and a mission built around wildfire recovery and rebuilding. The winery’s outdoor setting and mission-driven origins are undeniably admirable.
My Wine Pick
If I had to choose one wine that I could actually drink a glass of, I’d lean toward their Aglianico. Even though the overall tasting felt unbalanced, this wine came the closest to showing complexity, with hints of dark cherry and mild spice. It’s not a standout compared to other Texas Wineries offering stronger Tempranillos, but it’s the one and only bottle I’d consider revisiting.
History and Facility
Even though I wasn’t thrilled with the wine, I’ve got to hand it to 12 Fires on their facility. The outdoor venue is genuinely stunning — thoughtfully arranged, breezy, and perfect for long afternoons in the Hill Country. The winery was born out of a belief in community and resilience, especially following devastating wildfires, and that story is genuinely moving. The layout, the vibe, the sense of space — all top-notch. It’s the kind of place I want to love. Unfortunately, the wine doesn’t meet the same standard.
The Wines
Overall, there is not a tremendous selection of wines at 12 Fires. On the white side, they really push their Trebbiano varietal, but I could barely get past finishing the small amount from the tastings. I tried three different vintages but was not happy with any of them. I’m just not sure a Trebbiano single varietal is a good path to take.
Memorable Wine(s): None
Very Good, But Not Memorable Wine(s): None
Other Wine(s): Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Grenache, Dolcetto, Sparkling Rose’
- Overall value of the wines: NOT GOOD
- Cost of Whites / Rose’s: The whites range between $26 and $32.
- Cost of Reds: The reds range between $36 and $55
- Most Expensive: The most expensive wine is the Saw ’em Off Blend at $55.
Wine Club
The 12 Fires Wine Club offers members a selection of quarterly releases, discounts, and access to special events. While the perks are normal for a wine club, the value is hard to justify when the wines themselves don’t rise to the level I expect from a Texas Wine program. The events and sense of community might make it worthwhile for some, but from a purely wine-focused standpoint, it’s a tough sell.
The 12 Fires Wine Club is consistent with other wine clubs where you sign up for different levels and receive wine every quarter.
- Fee to Join: None
- Bottle Options: 3, 6, 12
- Shipments: 4X per year
- Shipping Available: Yes
- Glasses / Tastings Each Visit: 2
- Discounts: 3-Bottle: 10%, 6-Bottle: 15%, 12-Bottle: 20%
- Club Choices: Mixed
- Reserve Wines for Members: No
- Special Events Invitations: Yes
- Pick Up Parties: None
- Other: Nothing Additional
Conclusion
In the broad landscape of Texas Wine and Texas Wineries, 12 Fires left me feeling split down the middle. The facility is fantastic — honestly, one of the most enjoyable outdoor spaces. But the wines simply don’t match the appeal of the venue, and the tasting experience felt lacking compared to other producers in the region. If you go, go for the setting, stay for the atmosphere, but temper your expectations when it comes to what’s in the glass.
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FAQ
1. Is 12 Fires worth visiting for the wine?
If wine quality is your main priority, you may be disappointed. The setting is lovely, but the wines don’t stand out.
2. What’s the best part of 12 Fires?
Hands down: the outdoor venue. It’s spacious, scenic, and relaxing.
3. Which 12 Fires wine is the best option for first-timers?
Go with the Aglianico. It’s the most balanced of their offerings.
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.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and buy a product, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
