When visiting Untamed Wine Estates, take the time to explore their diverse wine selection and enjoy something from the food menu. During the tasting, make sure to savor each wine, taking note of its unique characteristics and discovering your personal preferences.
Attention Texas wine enthusiasts! Are you tired of the same old wineries with generic tasting rooms and mass-produced wines? Look no further than Untamed Wine Estates in Johnson City, TX. This hidden gem offers a unique and authentic wine tasting experience, perfect for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
What makes Untamed Wine Estates Different?
Their food menu, including the South African pizza (even with an amazing Gluten Free crust), is to die for!
Location and Atmosphere
Untamed Wine Estates in Johnson City, TX, offers a picturesque location and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for wine enthusiasts. The winery is situated in the stunning Texas Hill Country, providing a tranquil and inviting setting for visitors to enjoy their wine tasting experience. The rustic charm of the winery and the surrounding vineyards creates a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for wine lovers seeking a serene and inviting environment.
Established in 2010, Untamed Wine Estates was founded by a group of passionate wine connoisseurs who aimed to create a space where people could savor exceptional wines amidst the beauty of the Texas landscape. The winery’s location was carefully chosen to provide visitors with a serene and picturesque setting, reflecting the founders’ commitment to offering a unique and unforgettable wine tasting experience.
Where is Untamed Wine Estates Located?
Untamed Wine Estates is located in the heart of Johnson City, TX, offering a picturesque setting surrounded by rolling vineyards and scenic countryside. This serene and charming atmosphere provides the perfect location for visitors to enjoy. The more precise location is at the intersection of Texas Highway 290 and Ranch Road 1320.
What is the Atmosphere Like at Untamed Wine Estates?
The ambiance at Untamed Wine Estates is enchanting and laid-back, providing a rustic and inviting atmosphere. Guests can immerse themselves in a cozy and intimate setting, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and breathtaking views. The winery’s hospitable and inviting atmosphere sets the ideal scene for indulging in wine tastings and mingling with friends and fellow wine enthusiasts.
Overall, you might look at Untamed Wine Estates on the inside and get the impression it was more a restaurant than a winery. There are tables inside and out, laid out like a nice upscale restaurant, so that might be what gives you the impression.
Prestige Waiters Corkscrew By Coutale Sommelier
Wine Selection and Tasting
Wine tasting is mostly done at a table and not while standing around bar as most wineries do it. This strategy also opens up more opportunities for food pairings from the menu. Wine tastings are $30 for 4 reds or 4 whites.
The first thing you will notice about Untamed Wine Estates is that their wines are sourced from grapes outside of Texas, while their production is done at the winery. For this reason, you are going to see wine varietals you probably won’t see at other Texas-Only wineries. I would say this was actually a nice change in wine tasting for me as I almost exclusively drink Texas wines now, and taking the opportunity to taste some wines outside the Texas genre was a nice change. Untamed offers a selection of red, white, and sparkling wines.
Starting on the white wine list, I tried four of the five: the Grenache Blanc, The Steen, Chardonnay, and the Pinot Grigio. I did not get an opportunity to try the Sauvignon Blanc. Here is what i found:
- Grenache Blanc: This white has a crisp signature to and very complex for a white wine. You might pick up a bit of green apple or pear notes.
- Steen: This wine, a Chenin Blanc, was delightfully refreshing. It is crisp and clean and works well just for sipping or with a nice charcuterie board or seafood. This is one of the best white wines I have tasted.
- Chardonnay: The chardonnay is fermented in French oak but does not come across too “oaky”. There are some nice fruit aromas and flavors that come through in this delightful wine.
- Pinot Grigio: The Pinot Grigio is quite nice with hints of bitter almond and citrus as most pinot grigio wines do. However, this one is very clean tasting and would pair nicely with any seafood.
To summarize the white wines, I would give the Steen the top prize here with its crisp, clean fruity and floral flavors, followed by the Chardonnay, although the Pinot Grigio might be a tie for second. I enjoyed the Grenache Blanc, but it was not quite up there with these others.
Moving on to the reds, there was a bit larger selection to choose from. They were Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon (2 varieties), Grenache Noir, Malbec, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, and Pinot Noir (2 varieties). I tried the Cabernet Sauvignon – San Benito, Malbec, and Pinot Noir – Monterey.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – San Benito: With a fruit-forward flavor this cab will excite your taste buds from the tip of your tongue to your throat. It is velvety on the finish with its high tannin and acidic properties.
- Malbec: This wine has a very “jammy” and savory flavor one would expect from a Malbec. It is very bold but not too heavy on the palate. If you are a Malbec fan, you’ll love this one.
- Pinot Noir – Monterey: I had to try one of the Pinot Noir’s as you don’t find them in Texas due to the climate and the needs of the pinot grape. This one did not disappoint. The hints of blackberry and raspberry epitomize the Pinot Noir experience.
To summarize the reds, I wish I could have tasted all of them as I might have missed one even more amazing than the ones I tasted. Of the three tasted, I have to go with the Pinot Noir. I am a big Pinot Noir fan, and when I find one that rocks, it takes a lot to beat it. The Cab and the Malbec were impressive, and to be truthful, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
When visiting Untamed Wine Estates, take the time to explore their diverse wine selection and enjoy something from the food menu. During the tasting, make sure to savor each wine, taking note of its unique characteristics and discovering your personal preferences. Whether you are there for tastings only or for food and tasting, it is highly recommended you make reservations.
Food Options
Untamed Wine Estates offers a delectable selection of food options to complement their wines.
From artisanal cheese platters to gourmet charcuterie boards and enticing small bites, the winery provides an array of culinary delights to enhance your wine-tasting experience.
- Seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and a variety of food options.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options available for those with dietary restrictions.
- Wine pairing recommendations for each dish to enhance your dining experience.
- Enjoy your meal outdoors with picturesque views from the outdoor seating area.
Wine Club
Untamed Wine Estates’ Wine Club (“Untamed Cru”) is similar to other wine clubs with a 3, 6, and 12 bottle option dispersed quarterly. The wines for all three levels are selected by the wine maker. Wine bottle purchase discounts are 12%, 15%, and 18% dependent on level. Complimentary tastings are by quarter (not by month as most wineries in the Hill Country), and only available for the 6 and 12 bottle members. All three levels get 12% discount on merchandise, events, and food purchases.
Overall, this club is not as lucrative as most in the region as the discounts are lower for wine bottle purchases and for the two lower levels, complimentary glasses of wine are per quarter not per month for those who frequent the area. Also, complimentary tastings for members and guests are per quarter and only at the 6 and 12 bottle levels.
Summary
When planning a visit to Untamed Wine Estates, be sure to indulge in their diverse selection of wines, including their bold reds and crisp whites. Make sure not to miss out on their unique wine tasting experience, where you can savor the flavors and learn about the winemaking process.
For a well-rounded visit, consider pairing your wine with delicious charcuterie and cheese boards or pizza. My recommendation is to make this your midday stop for wine tasting over lunch.
On the pricing side of things, you might be a bit shocked at the wine prices (especially the reds) as they are a bit more expensive than most of the Texas Wineries. Tastings are $30, which is $5 more than most other wineries, and only for 4 wines not the usual 5.
The white wines start at $32, with the Chardonnay the most expensive at $42. On the red side, the least expensive is a Cab at $65, with the most expensive at $125. Most of the reds are around $70. Both sparkling wines are $69 which I will compare with most of the Heath Sparkling wines down the road that retail for about $55.
Customers have nothing but praise for Untamed Wine Estates, from its tasting room ambiance and warm hospitality to its extensive wine selection. The intimate wine tasting experiences and knowledgeable staff are highly appreciated by many. Visitors highly recommend trying the bold reds and soaking in the serene ambiance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of wines does Untamed Wine Estates offer?
Untamed Wine Estates offers a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines made from grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Is there a tasting room at Untamed Wine Estates?
Yes,Untamed Wine Estates has a spacious tasting room where visitors can sample their wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Can I purchase Untamed Wine Estates wines online?
Yes, Untamed Wine Estates offers online purchasing and shipping options for their wines. They also offer curbside pickup for locals.
Are there any food options at Untamed Wine Estates?
They do have food options, including a selection of snacks and cheese plates available for purchase to accompany your wine tasting.
Does Untamed Wine Estates offer any events or activities?
Yes, Untamed Wine Estates hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, wine pairing dinners, and holiday celebrations. They also offer private event spaces for special occasions.
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.
