Introduction
Nestled in the heart of the Lone Star State and the Texas Hill Country, Ab Astris Winery is a true treasure for wine enthusiasts seeking the finest Texas Wine and a memorable winery experience. Ab Astris is a family-owned and operated boutique winery producing high-quality Texas wines. The winery is also known for its picturesque outdoor scenery.
What makes Ab Astris Winery Different?
Its picturesque outdoor scenery and the meaning of its name.
Winery’s History and Facility
Ab Astris Winery, located in the Texas Hill Country, is a family-run operation that takes its name from the Latin phrase “of the stars,” a reference to a quote by Galileo about wine being “sunlight, held together by water” (and not to be confused with “ad astra” meaning “to the stars”).
The winery is owned by Erin and Tony Smith, and features Kristen and Mike Nelson (daughter and son-in-law) as co-founders and general manager and winemaker, respectively, and opened its tasting room in 2018. The winery now sports a 12-acre estate vineyard. The winery sits a little off the beaten path of Highway 290 and adjacent to the LBJ State Park.
The tasting room opened in 2018, and while not overly large or elaborate, does provide for a nice tasting experience. Seating options include indoor at individual tables, indoor standing at the bar (though most don’t), and outdoor covered patio seating. Live music tends to be on calendar for Saturday afternoons from 2pm – 5pm.
Highlighted Wines
I went for the standard tasting menu at $25/person for five tastings, which seems to be standard these days for Texas wineries. Below are the wines I tasted and my opinion of each.
- 2021 Roussanne: This was a typical Texas Roussanne, with a bright floral aroma and a hint of pear on the palate. While I enjoyed this one, it remained middle of the road for me when it comes to a white wine.
- 2022 Aurora: A basic Rosé wine made from a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, Carignan. Again, I’ll call this one middle of the road.
- 2019 Mourvedre: Ab Astris Winery’s Mourvedre is a true revelation. This red wine boasts a rich, velvety texture and deep, complex flavors of dark berries, oak, and a hint of spice. This was my favorite of the five I tasted, and I walked out with a bottle for my collection.
- 2019 Dextra: This is a full-bodied Bordeaux style Texas red blend with the minerality coming through. This was a close second for me after the Mourvedre.
- 2019 Tannat: The Tannat is a crowd-pleaser with its smooth, supple tannins and notes of cherry and raspberries. A nice bottle of wine, but in my opinion did not measure up to the Mourvedre or the Dextra.
Other Wines Offered
Ab Astris Winery offers a diverse range of wines beyond what I tasted, including Petite Sirah, Montepulciano, Zinfandel, Fiano, and a few more Rosé. In fact, they have a number of medals and awards for their wines which they proudly display in the tasting room. The most recent awards included gold medals in the prestigious 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
With four Rosé’s on the wine menu, that is more than most wineries. Each of their wines showcases the distinct terroir of Texas, making them unique and memorable. Whether you’re a red wine connoisseur or a fan of crisp whites, Ab Astris Winery has a bottle that will captivate your taste buds.
From a price and value perspective, Ab Astris wines stay below the $50/bottle range for non-member red wine purchases, and under $40 for white and rosé wines. which is fantastic. With the most expensive red at $49, and a 15% low end discount for a wine club member, the price drops to $41.65 which is very reasonable for a nice Texas wine.
Charcuterie Board Gift Set – Bamboo Cheese Board with Accessories for Wine & Meat
Wine Club
The Ab Astris Wine Club is very consistent with other wine clubs where you sign up for different levels and receive wine every quarter. The wine club here follows along the common trend of offering a 3, 6, and 12-bottle option for members, with increased benefits as you go up the ladder. At the 3-bottle level, the winemaker chooses the wines as opposed to the wine member making the selection for the 6 and 12 bottle levels. While most wine clubs offer 10%, 15%, and 20% discounts on wine bottles for members, Ab Astris offers 15%, 20%, and 25% discounts which makes membership even better. Additionally, Ab Astris offers both mixed and red-only options.
Some wines are reserved for wine club members, and there are complimentary wine pickup parties where members can invite up to two additional guests for free. Occasional events for members only are also held. And lastly, Ab Astris offers members two complimentary tastings or glasses of wine for each membership per day, compared to per month for most other clubs. Given all this, I would say Ab Astris has some of the best benefits offered by any wine club I have reviewed thus far. About the only thing missing on their wine club is complimentary shipping in Texas for the 12-bottle membership.
Conclusion
Ab Astris Winery has undoubtedly earned its reputation as a hidden gem in the world of Texas wines. Their commitment to quality, rich history, and delightful range of wines makes them a standout choice for both novices and seasoned wine enthusiasts. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to their winery to explore their offerings and embark on your own journey through the flavors of Texas. Additionally, if you like the wines, join the wine club.
FAQ
- Can I visit Ab AstrisWinery in person? Absolutely! Ab Astris Winery welcomes visitors to their picturesque facility for tastings and events. Be sure to check their website for visiting hours and availability.
- Do they offer wine club memberships? Yes, Ab Astris Winery has a fantastic wine club that provides exclusive access to their limited-production wines and special events.
- Are their wines available for purchase online? Yes, you can conveniently purchase their wines through their website, and they offer shipping to many states.
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.
