"Discover the essence of Texas Wine at Airis'Ele Vineyards. Immerse in the heart of Texas wineries with our exceptional wines and unique vineyard experience."
Introduction
Deep in the heart of the Lone Star State, the burgeoning world of Texas Wine is capturing the attention of enthusiasts globally. Rich in history, diverse in terroir, and driven by a passion for excellence, these vineyards are pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking. This review delves into one such winery, Airis’Ele Vineyards, shining a spotlight on its contributions to the Texas Wine scene and exploring the exquisite vintages it has to offer. Join us as we uncork the essence of the region and savor the flavors that are setting Texas Wine apart on the world stage.
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What Makes This Place Different?
The tasting room at Airis’Ele Vineyards is one of the most comfortable I have visited in the Texas Hill Country.
History and Facility
Founded by the Bernard and Perrenoud families, Airis’Ele Vineyards is a testament to passion, tradition, and the art of winemaking. The vineyard’s history is rooted in a deep love for Texas terroir and a desire to produce wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the region. The tasting room has only been open to the public for about a year and a half as of this review. The facility itself is a blend of modern elegance and rustic charm, providing the perfect backdrop for wine tasting and vineyard tours.
As you drive into Airis’Ele Vineyards, you won’t find any grape vines unfortunately, which also means no estate wines. As you drive up to the tasting room, it is a beautiful setting with a beautiful outside to the facility. On the drive in you will get a glimpse of some of the outdoor seating on the patio or in the grass. There is another outdoor patio not visible as you drive in that could host up to 30 people comfortably, with a view of the property you could stare at for hours.
The entrance to the tasting room is inviting, and once in you will immediately feel the warmth of home. The bar is a large C-shape and can easily handle 12-15 guests. Around the room you will find elegant tables and chairs for parties of 2, 4, or 6, all with a view through picture windows of their beautiful grounds. Above the view are an array of wooden acoustic guitars (sorry, too high to get one to play). There is also a second indoor room just past the stairs and a small shop for merchandise and snacks.
The service I received during my tasting was top notch, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Wine Highlights
As mentioned earlier, you won’t find any estate wines at AV not all of the wines they serve are Texas wines. You will find some very nice wines here, and a couple that really stood out for me. I’ve outlined my notes below.
2019 Viognier: As the first one I tried, it really set the state for everything else. This Viognier from Lahey Vineyards was refreshing, clean, and distinctive. I knew I would be leaving with a bottle of this one.
2021 Redlin Rose’: A Rose’ with Texas grapes from Farmhouse Vineyards, it is a mix of Cinsault, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Mourvèdre, and Grenache. I definitely picked up barnyard aromas on this one, which sounds bad, but definitely not. You’ll have to try it see what I mean. For a rose’ this one was really good, and I recommend it as well.
2020 Cabernet Sauvignon: The grapes for this one were sourced from Columbia Valley in Washington State but the wine is made on site. It is a bit on the lighter side for a cab, so if you are looking for a full-bodied wine, this one is not it.
2020 Cabernet Franc: This one is a big, bold red wine with a nice big finish. The grapes are from California, but the wine is made onsite.
Nichols: A Texas blend of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot which is very smooth and lighter on the tannins. Definitely one to take home.
Other Wines
The wines I tasted above were all that were available at the time. This is a boutique winery producing only 80 to 300 cases per year for each wine, so don’t expect 15 different wines to choose from. They are particular on what they make and need a little more time to build up some vintages beyond a couple of years old. There were a few red wines they have sold out of so I didn’t get to try them (Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec).
Wine Clubs
The Airis’Ele Vineyards is consistent with other wine clubs where you sign up for different levels and receive wine every quarter. Options are 3-bottle, 6-bottle, and 12-bottle shipments 4 times per year.
At the 12-bottle level, members may choose their wines, while at the other lower levels there are no substitutions. You can choose an all red option or a mixed red and white option.
Wine discounts for members are 20%, with 10% discount on merchandise. Members get a complimentary wine flight for the member and one guest at each visit. All in all, this is a more restrictive wine club at the moment due to the newness of the winery and the volume of wines they produce. But, if you want to be a member of a more boutique winery, this would be a good one.
Conclusion
Airis’Ele Vineyards is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the best of Texas wines. With its rich history, unique wine selection, and welcoming atmosphere, it stands out as a beacon of quality and hospitality in the Texas wineries landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or new to the wine world, Airis’Ele Vineyards promises an enriching experience that will leave you longing for your next visit.
For more detailed information on their offerings and to plan your visit, you can check their website directly at Airis’Ele Vineyards.
FAQ
What are the hours of operation of the Airis’Ele Vineyards tasting room? The tasting room is open 7 days a week, but you should check the website for the specific hours.
Do I need a reservation to visit the Airis’Ele Vineyards tasting room? Reservations are not required, but you can reserve if you wish, especially for parties of 6 or more.
What is the cost of a wine tasting at Airis’Ele Vineyards? A tasting of five wines costs $25 per person.
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. Ken is certified by the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). 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.
