Table of Contents
- Introduction and Overview
- Winery History and Facility
- Wine Highlights
- Other Wines
- Wine Clubs
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- About the Author
Introduction
In my quest to explore notable Texas Wines and Texas Wineries, I came across Elisa Christopher Wines. This review aims to provide a balanced and detailed perspective on what this winery has to offer, from its historical roots to the unique characteristics of its wine selection. Situated in the rich viticultural landscape of Texas, Elisa Christopher Wines presents a compelling story interwoven with the art of winemaking.
What makes Elisa Christopher Winery Different?
The tasting room is the smallest and most intimate you will ever go to!
History and Facility
Elisa Christopher Winery sits on a 43-acre site covered in cedar and live oak trees. When you first pull up to the tasting room, you’re first impression will be “tiny house”. The tasting room is small and will be crowded with a group of four but will handle a group of six. Please don’t let that deter you. This temporary tasting room is immensely quaint, and you will enjoy the personalized tasting you will receive. You won’t be around 20 other people – you will have a more intimate experience.
In addition to the indoor area, there are chairs and tables outdoors with beautiful ambiance among the trees. Perfect for good weather days.
The actual vineyards are not visible from the tasting room, so your view will be the trees and foliage around you. The vineyards are still very young, with the plans being to plant Merlot, Malbec and Trebbiano grapes.
The winery was started by Elisa and Christopher Jones, hence the blending of the names to form Elisa Christopher. Elisa received her winemaking certificate from the Texas Tech Winemaking Program and also studied in partnership with Kerrville Hills. She also helped her father in his winemaking endeavors. Elisa and Christopher married in 2020, and rumor has it that Christopher moving to Texas and starting a winery with Elisa was marriage condition. The Texas wine industry will be glad he accepted those conditions!
Wine Highlights
Being a fairly new winery, the wine selection at Elisa Christopher is not large, but not small either. A product line of nine different wines have been produced at the winery. Here are some notes from my tasting.
Trebbiano 2021: The 2021 Trebbiano was very nice, and I considered it much better than the last few Trebbiano wines I have tasted in the Texas region. Grapes for this wine came from the Pepper Jack Vineyards in the Texas High Plains. It has a bit of nuttiness to it which gives it a very unique flavor. These grapes were due to become sparkling, but an unexpected ice storm caused the grapes to ferment longer than expected because they couldn’t get to the winery. I highly recommend this wine for its uniqueness.
Cinsaut Rose 2021: The Cinsaut rose comes from the La Pradera vineyards in the Texas High Plains. It finishes with strawberry and raspberry on the palate. As far as rose’s go, it was nice. But, not being a rose fan myself, I was neutral about it.
Malbec 2020: With grapes from the Lahey Vineyards, this one is a Bronze Medal Winner of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. A very nice wine with notes of black pepper and blackberry. Absolutely stunning and a recommended taste or purchase.
Merlot 2020: Not your merlot from the movie “Sideways“, this wine has notes of raspberry and plum and will not disappoint. While very nice, I would put the Malbec ahead of this one.
Patriarch 2021: The last wine on our tasting list was the 2021 Patriarch, a Merlot and Malbec blend. This is a big, bold wine you will enjoy if you like big and bold.
Enjoy your Elisa Christopher 2020 Malbec with these great glasses to enhance your experience.
(As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Other Wines
Not on our tasting list are a 2020 Aglianico and a 2021 Vermentino which are both wine club member purchases only. There is also another Malbec and Cinsaut Rose from 2021.
Wine Clubs
The Wine Club consists of three different levels: Veraison Wine Club (3 bottles), Harvest Wine Club (6 bottles), and the Terroir Wine Club (12 bottles). Membership is limited at all levels with fewer memberships available to the higher levels. Shipments are three times per year for all three levels, and all three offer a 15% discount on wines. Some wines are reserved for wine club members. The Terroir wine club members will have first access to the sparkling wine offerings when they come available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the burgeoning world of Texas Wineries continues to impress and surprise even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts. With a unique terroir and a dedication to refining the art of winemaking, this vineyard is producing remarkable bottles that rival those from traditional wine regions. A visit to this winery not only offers a delightful tasting experience but also a glimpse into the passion and perseverance that define the Lone Star State’s vintners. For anyone seeking a memorable wine journey, Elisa Christopher Winery is a must-visit destination that promises to exceed expectations. Also, keep an eye out for their sparkling wines as they ramp up their capability for Pet Nat and traditional methods of producing sparkling wines.
FAQ
What are the hours of operation of the tasting room? The tasting room is open Saturdays from 11am to 4:30pm and Sundays from 12:30pm to 4pm.
Do I need a reservation to visit the tasting room? Reservations are not required, but due to the limited size of the temporary tasting room, you should try to reserve your time.
What is the cost of a wine tasting? The cost of a wine tasting is $25 per person for five (5) wines.
If I wanted to just get one glass of wine, which one would you recommend? Get the Malbec if you want red, and the Trebbiano if you want white!
About the Author
A native of Texas, Ken “Texan” Pierce is a renowned alcohol aficionado with over 15 years 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. His uncanny 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.
