Graveyard Vineyards: Not 100% Texas Wine, but you can Drink in Peace

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Winery History and Facility
• Wine Highlights
• Other Wines
• Wine Clubs
• Conclusion
• FAQ
• About the Author

Introduction

Exploring the world of Texas Wine has led me to a remarkable gem, Graveyard Vineyards. This hidden treasure among Texas wineries offers an unforgettable experience for both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts.

My visit to Graveyard Vineyards was nothing short of delightful, immersing me in a world where tradition meets innovation. Their wines, with their unique character and depth, stand as a testament to the quality and potential of Texas wineries.

In this review, I will share my captivating journey through Graveyard Vineyards. From its rich history and stunning facility to the exquisite wines that I had the pleasure of tasting, my experience was filled with discoveries and surprises. Let’s dive into the heart of Texas wineries and uncover what makes Graveyard Vineyards a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates fine wines.

History and Facility

Graveyard Vineyards, set in the lush landscapes of Dripping Springs, Texas, is steeped in history and charm. The winery’s story began not in Texas but in California and specifically in the Paso Robles region. The Texas winery was opened only four years ago due to feedback about their needing to be a Texas version of the winery in California.

The facility in California is situated in the Estrella Sub-Appellation near Paso Robles, on a high bluff overlooking Pleasant Valley, an area with ideal soil and weather conditions for growing a diverse range of world-class wines. A significant feature of this region is the extreme diurnal temperature variation, with summer temperatures soaring into the mid-100s but dropping significantly at night due to the cold Pacific Ocean. This temperature fluctuation allows grapes to ripen slowly and steadily throughout the summer and fall, resulting in high-quality fruit. In terms of viticulture, our practices are hands-on, with all harvesting, pruning, fruit dropping, and canopy management being done manually. Their Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, spanning five acres, are carefully managed to ensure low crop loads and optimal fruit exposure. Similarly, the Syrah vines, also covering five acres and planted in the same year, yield deep, earthy flavors representative of our soil and climate. Additionally, they have eight acres of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.

Now, let’s focus on Texas. Their facility in Dripping Springs is simply fun due to the “graveyard” theme that extends to their swag. It is a blend of rustic elegance and modern sophistication, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with live music on the weekends (check the website for schedule). The tasting room, with its cozy ambiance, allows visitors to relax and savor their wines in a serene setting, I guess somewhat like sitting in a graveyard! You could consider this a winery with year-around Halloween!

If you are hungry when you show up, or your appetite catches up to you while you are there and you haven’t turned into a zombie yet, there is a Lobster Dogs food truck there to serve you. Lobster and shrimp dogs are their specialty, but there are other options.

Wine Highlights

So, first things first, none of the wines at Graveyard Vineyards are produced in Texas. These are the same grapes and wine grown and produced in their California winery, they are just shipped to the Dripping Springs location. So, if you are looking for 100% Texas wine, you won’t find it here. But you will find some very nice wines there, so read on.

I did the standard tasting, which consisted of a flight of six wines: one white, one Rose’, and four reds. This is actually a small fraction of the number of wines they offer for sale, although the tasting was structured to these wines. I did get an extra taste (because I irresistible, I think) of their Dark Phantom.

Tombstone White: This wine is a blend of Pino Grigio, Viognier, and Muscat. While I thought at first it would be too sweet for me, it was dry and crisp. I did enjoy it, and it would be a great option for a warm summer day.

Tombstone Pink: This is their house rose’, and is a blend of Syrah, Malbec, and Dolcetto. It is light and fruity, but it is still a rose’ which is not my favorite.

Tombstone Red: A blend of Cabernet, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, this is what they would call their “house red’. I found it to be very nice and hit my list of my third favorite. I did purchase a bottle to take home, and you should too.

Mortal Zin: This 2021 Zinfandel came in as my second favorite. While a little light, you definitely get the hints of vanilla and black pepper as you would from any great zinfandel. This was my second favorite, but it was pretty much a tie with Scream.

Merlot: The 2021 Merlot was a typical Merlot for me and didn’t set me on fire (if it did, I suppose I was in the right place for my burial). It was very good, but not on the top of my list.

Scream: The 2021 Scream is a blend of Petite Sirah, Cabernet, and Syrah. Aged in both American and French Oak, this is a flavorful wine with a spicy finish. It is a full-bodied wine, and I walked away with this one in my number one spot. The bonus here is that the ghost image on the bottle glows in the dark! This was the other bottle I took home with me!

Dark Phantom: This was my extra taste because of my good looks. The 2020 Dark Phantom is 100% Petite Sirah. You’ll get hints of plum and strawberries, and heavy tannins. It was very nice but came in fourth on my list.

Other Wines

I am not able to go into all the wines here, as there are over twenty wines on the list at Graveyard Vineyards. The majority of the wines are red, but there are about seven wines in the sparkling, white, and rose’ category. Not all have great names like Dark Phantom, Scream, Deliverance, or Ancient Rituals, but I am sure they all bring their own unique character to your palate.

Wine Clubs

I did not see any brochures or details on the wine club while at the winery, and there are no details on the wine club on the website. I have inquired about it and will update the review once I receive the information from Graveyard Vineyards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey through Graveyard Vineyards has been a memorable exploration of the artistry and soul of winemaking, mixed with a fun ambiance you would normally only get once a year at Halloween.

Each wine I tasted was a testament to their dedication and passion for winemaking. For those who cherish the discovery of exceptional wines and the stories behind them, Graveyard Vineyards is a destination that truly embodies the spirit and quality of Texas wines and wineries. It would be great if they could partner with a Texas grape producer to create a 100% Texas wine at the Dripping Springs location.

As far as price and value, their wines are what I would consider to be about 10% below the Texas produced wines in the region. Dark Phantom retails at $60, which is the most expensive one on the list. The Tombstone Red at $25 is a steal, and even Scream at $42 per bottle is a bargain. Also, with your tasting, which by the way is only $20, if you purchase 2 bottles, you’ll get your tasting for free. So, instead of paying for the tasting, do what I did and get a Tombstone Red at $25 to offset the tasting and then choose a Scream, Dark Phantom, or Zinfandel as your premium pick.

FAQ

Are Graveyard Vineyards’ wines available for purchase online? Yes, all their wines are available for purchase on their website, allowing you to enjoy the taste of Texas wines from the comfort of your home.

Do I need a reservation to visit the tasting room? Reservations are not required, so you can stop by their winery anytime.

What is the cost of a wine tasting? The cost of a wine tasting is $20 per person for six tastings. Also, if you purchase 2 bottles of wine, your tasting is free.

Are Graveyard Vinyards’ wines made in Texas? Graveyard Vineyards’ wines are produced in California and made available in the Dripping Springs, Texas location.

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.