Explore the heart of Texas wine country with Adega Vinho, a winery blending tradition and innovation to craft unforgettable Texas wines. Dive in now!
Introduction and Quick Summary
As a fervent enthusiast of Texas wines and a frequent explorer of Texas wineries, discovering Adega Vinho has been a revelation. Situated in the heart of the Texas wine country, Adega Vinho stands as a beacon of innovation and tradition, merging the rich heritage of Texas winemaking with contemporary flair. This review delves into my personal journey through Adega Vinho, highlighting the winery’s storied history, its unique approach to winemaking, and the exceptional range of wines that left an indelible mark on my palate.
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The Winery’s History and Facility
Adega Vinho, nestled among rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, embodies the spirit of Texas winemaking. By the way, in Portuguese, Adega Vinho means “Wine Cellar”. Founded by the Bilger family, the winery’s history is a compelling tale of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The facility, designed with a nod to both tradition and innovation, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Texas wines.
The winery is located at 1000 Ranch Road 1623, just off Highway 290 in Stonewall, TX. As you leave 1623 and turn onto the dirt road leading you to the winery, you are greeted by an interesting sign and gate with “Adega Vinho” repeated again and again (and again)! The facility sits off the road a bit, and you’ll pass by their vines as you make your way there. The grounds of the winery offer up plenty of outside seating space, including a small pavilion you can reserve for a larger party. There is also another noticeable feature, which is the very interesting food truck (I’ve never seen one like it). The menu changes frequently, but wood fired pizza is always available along with other delights cooked up by Chef Marc.
Inside the tasting room, you’ll find it spacious and comfortable, with several tables, chairs and couches. There is also plenty of room at the wine bar if you want to stand for your tasting or glass of wine. During my visit, I never felt crowded or rushed, and the staff were super friendly and loyal to the winery.
What Makes Adega Vinho Unique
The modern Portuguese theme to the winery and the awesome food truck serving up wood fired pizza and other goodies by Chef Marc!
Highlighted Wines
One of the exciting things about visiting Adega Vinho is they have a significant number of estate wines. While most of the wineries in the Texas Hill Country have a couple of estate varieties, Adega Vinho had five available during my visit. The wines I tasted were all good, and I have detailed my tastings below, which totaled seven. The tasting was $25 which is standard and included 6 wines (I also was given a bonus tasting).
Branca Estate Reserve 2022
“Branca” in Portuguese means “white”, so this wine is an estate white wine with a mix of Arinto and Alvarinho grapes. I learned they have about 2 of the 8 acres of Arinto grown in the United States. It is similar to a Pinot Grigio, with notes of tart green apple and citrus, but not in your face strong. I enjoyed this one and would certainly recommend it for your white wine drinking pleasures.
Chardonnay 2022
This chardonnay, which by the way won a double gold medal in the 2023 San Francisco Wine Competition. This wine was aged in stainless steel and new French oak barrels, which means not a real “oaky” chardonnay but with a creamy finish. I would put this on your “buy” list as well.
Estate Rose 2022
Adega Vinho’s Estate Rose’ is a mix of Mourvèdre and Tempranillo, again all estate grown. This one has a strawberry and citrus flavor, with a high acidity. Recommended if you are a Rose’ fan (I’m not).
Estate Pordosol 2020
This is a Tempranillo and Mourvèdre blend. You will get the typical notes from these grapes with black cherry and spice. “pôr do sol” in Portuguese means “sunset”.
Estate Touriga 2020
The flagship red blend from Adega Vinho is a symphony of Texas terroir, showcasing the depth and complexity of the region’s grapes. Touriga is the national grape of Portugal. This one is 100% Touriga, and you will pick up the black cherry and floral notes from that grape. This 2019 version of this wine won a gold in the 2023 San Francisco Wine Competition. This was one of my favorites.
Estate Tempranillo 2020
Adega Vinho’s signature white is a testament to the winery’s skill in crafting wines of elegance and balance. With notes of citrus and orchard fruits, complemented by a minerality that speaks to the Texas soil, this wine is both refreshing and complex.
Mandachuva 2020
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Sirah and was really good. This was my favorite red wine with notes of black cherry. This is a wine club only offering that I got a sneak peak of and was glad I did.
Other Wines Produced
Adega Vinho‘s portfolio extends beyond these highlights, including:
- Viognier Reserve: A robust expression of Texas’s favorite varietal, with ripe fruit flavors and a touch of spice.
- 2020 Cuvée Carmesim: A 50% Touriga & 50% Merlot blend.
- 2020 Estate Mourvèdre: 100% Mourvèdre
- 2022 Riesling: 100% Riesling
- 2022 Alvarinho: 100% Alvarinho
- 2023 Sangiovese Sparkling (Pet Nat)
A couple of things to note. Adega Vinho is a boutique winery producing less than 3,000 cases annually, so you won’t find large numbers of wines or large numbers of cases of particular wines. Adega Vinho wines are popular so they could go quickly. I will say that many of their wines are a little expensive, with most reds ranging from $45-68, but expect to pay around $50-$60 for most. On the white side of things, even their Rose’ is $50, much higher than most. So, if you are there tasting and you like something, probably best to buy a bottle or more right then.
Wine Club
The Adega Vinho Wine Clubs are a bit different from the standard wine club, mainly because of the lower production rates at the winery. There are two levels: Founder’s Club (top level) and Friends of Adega Vinho.
The Founder’s Club is limited to 100 members, and members receive quarterly wine allotments for $500+tax per case. Founders get early access to wine releases, and also enjoy access to release parties, and exclusive events throughout the year. Founders receive a 15% discount on select merchandise and select wines, plus four free tastings OR glasses of wine per month.
FRIENDS of Adega Vinho receive a 3-bottle allotment quarterly, for $120+tax, and enjoy access to release parties, 10% discounts on select merchandise and select wines, plus two free tastings OR glasses of wine
per month. This is a bit different, as the price of the 3 bottles is fixed for each release, so you are getting the wines at $40 per bottle, which is good considering the cost of the wines.
FAQ
Q1: Can I visit Adega Vinho for a wine tasting?
A1: Absolutely! Adega Vinho welcomes visitors for tastings and tours, providing an intimate glimpse into their winemaking process.
Q2: Are Adega Vinho’s wines available online?
A2: Yes, a selection of their wines can be purchased through their website, offering a taste of Texas to those near and far.
Q3: Does Adega Vinho offer wine club memberships?
A3: Indeed, Adega Vinho offers wine club memberships, which include exclusive releases, discounts, and invitations to special events at the winery.
Q4: What sustainable practices does Adega Vinho employ?
A4: Adega Vinho is committed to sustainability, utilizing organic viticulture practices, water conservation measures, and environmentally friendly packaging.
Q5: Can Adega Vinho accommodate private events?
A5: Yes, the winery offers stunning venues for private events, including weddings and corporate gatherings, set against the backdrop of Texas’s beautiful wine country.
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.
Conclusion
Adega Vinho is not just a winery; it’s a testament to the passion, innovation, and community that define the Texas wine industry. Their wines, although a little pricier than most Texas wines, are rich with the essence of Texas, and invite us to explore, enjoy, and celebrate the vibrant landscape of Texas wines. It is a boutique winery. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of wine, Adega Vinho offers an enriching experience that captivates the senses and the heart. I thoroughly recommend you swing by their winery and try out what they have to offer.
