Lewis Wines is a nice cozy down to earth winery with some nice offerings, including a pretty good Madeira. Prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Winery History and Facility
- Wine Highlights
- Other Wines
- Wine Clubs
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- About the Author
Introduction
Founded by Doug Lewis and Duncan McNabb, Lewis Wines started its journey in 2010. The winery is an embodiment of the young spirit and passion that is characteristic of many Texas Wineries. Located amid the picturesque hills of Texas, the facility is not just a place where wines are produced, but also a destination where visitors can experience the beauty of Texas’ landscape intertwined with the allure of winemaking.
The facility reflects a harmonious blend of modern winemaking techniques with traditional values. As one navigates through the vineyards and the production area, there’s a palpable sense of commitment to producing quality Texas Wines that resonate with both local and global palates.
History and Facility
The vineyard is about eight and a half acres. At the moment the vines are being converted over from previously damaged ones to a new crop of Mourvedre grapes. The tasting room is not very large and only accommodates about 6 tasters at the bar. However, there is a large, covered deck behind the tasting room offering beautiful views of the landscape.
This is what I would call a “down to earth” or “bare bones” winery without anything any fancy decor or bells and whistles.
Wine Highlights
Lewis Wines produces a variety of wines using only Texas grapes from both the Texas Hill Country and the High Plains of Texas. Wine prices are lower on average than most of the other wineries I have reviewed, with the average price of whites around $28 and $30 for reds. There is one exception / outlier, which is the 2012 Round Mountain Reserve that comes in at $75. Also, I am not including the two “club member only” wines.
Here are three of their wines that I particularly enjoyed:
- 2019 Round Mountain Estate Blend: This blend of Tempranillo, Touriga, and Tannat is unique with its subtle sweet flavors (but it is not a sweet wine). Initial on the taste buds was blackberries, but they didn’t quite follow through to the finish. I would consider it more of a premium red table wine.
- 2022 Phillips Chenin Blanc: This wine has a crisp acidity with notes of pear and apple.
- 2019 Klein Tempranillo: This wine has a rich texture with notes of black cherry and vanilla. It is not a strong tempranillo, but a milder one with the correct undertones. I think this was my favorite of everything I tasted followed by the Round Mountain Estate Blend.
Other Wines
In addition to the highlighted beers above, Lewis Wines produces several other wines using only Texas grapes:
- 2018 Parr Tempranillo: This Tempranillo was not as full as the Klein Tempranillo but is a good middle of the road option.
- 2022 High Plains Rose’: This Rose’ wasn’t as sweet as many, but that is becoming the trend in Rose’ production. If I were a Rose’ drinker I would not be disappointed with this one.
- Madeira: Madeira is a fortified wine made on the Portuguese Madeira Islands, off the coast of Africa. Madeira is produced in a variety of styles ranging from dry wines which can be consumed on their own, as an apéritif, to sweet wines usually consumed with dessert. This one was quite nice and if you like cognac you would like this one. It comes in at about 40% ABV.
Wine Clubs
The Lewis Wine’s Wine Club is generally consistent with other wine clubs where you can sign up for different levels and receive wine every quarter. However, at Lewis Wines, members pick up / get shipped either six or twelve bottles (no three or four bottle option) three times per year. There are two wines reserved for wine club members.
Wine members also receive a 20% discount on wine (six bottle club) or a 25% discount on wine (twelve bottle club) in addition to free monthly tasting when visiting the winery.
Conclusion
The Texas wine industry, while still emerging on the global stage, showcases promise and passion, and Lewis Wines is a prime example of this potential. Rooted in tradition yet embracing modern techniques, this winery offers a range of wines that capture the essence of Texas terroir. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious explorer, a visit to Lewis Wines or a taste of their offerings provides an enlightening experience into the world of Texas Wines and the dedication of Texas Wineries. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, establishments like Lewis Wines ensure that the future of Texas wine is both promising and exciting.
FAQ
Q: What are the winery’s hours?
A: The tasting room is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Q: Do they offer tours?
A: No, they do not offer tours at this time.
Q: Do they have a wine club?
A: Yes, they have a wine club that offers exclusive access to limited-production wines. At this time, there are two wine club member-only wines.
Q: Do they ship their wines?
A: Yes, they ship their wines to several states across the US.
Q: Do they have food available?
A: No, they do not have food available at this time.
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.
