Embark on a journey to Hye Meadow Winery, a beacon of innovation in Texas wine, offering a unique blend of tradition and taste in the heart of Texas.
Introduction and Quick Summary
In my continuous exploration of Texas wines and the vibrant culture of Texas wineries, Hye Meadow Winery has emerged as a beacon of innovation and tradition in the heart of the Texas wine country. This hidden gem combines the rustic charm of the Texas Hill Country with a forward-thinking approach to winemaking, creating an experience that is both authentically Texan and refreshingly novel. In this review, I’ll share insights from my delightful visit to Hye Meadow Winery, highlighting its rich history, unique offerings, and the standout wines that exemplify the best of Texas winemaking.
Hye Meadow Winery sets itself apart with its commitment to producing small-batch, handcrafted wines that capture the essence of Texas terroir. From the serene beauty of its location to the innovative spirit that guides its winemaking process, Hye Meadow offers a wine experience that is as educational as it is enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, Hye Meadow Winery invites you to discover the depth and diversity of Texas wines in a welcoming and engaging setting.
The Winery’s History and Facility
Nestled on the picturesque slopes of the Texas Hill Country in the town of (you guessed it), “Hye”, Hye Meadow Winery boasts a history that is deeply intertwined with the rich viticultural heritage of the region. Founded by enthusiasts with a deep passion for wine, Hye Meadow has quickly grown from its humble beginnings into a standout among Texas wineries. The facility, designed to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings, features a modern tasting room that offers beautiful views of the grounds and providing the perfect backdrop for tasting their wines.
Most of the grapes at High Meadow come from the Texas High Plains AVA, with about 20% coming from their local vineyards. The tasting room is nicely decorated, with wisdom and humor expressed in chalk around the room. there is a rectangular tasting bar with tables and chairs along the walls. It can get a little crowded for the table goers when there is a full crowd at the tasting bar, but not so crowded that it is uncomfortable.
Outdoors you will find more seating areas opening up to the beautiful grounds, where they have games to play and donkeys to pet. There are two separate patios to handle the crowds, as well as additional seating out on the grounds. Fans are heaters are all around the patios to help you handle the variations in the Texas climate.
There is a nice food menu offered at the winery, with cheese boards and sandwiches being the most prevalent. There are a few other items on the menu if the cheese plates or sandwiches don’t do it for you.
What Makes Hye Meadow Winery Unique
What sets Hye Meadow Winery apart is its resident donkey’s you can pet while you are there!
Highlighted Wines
As stated earlier, about 80% of the grapes used by Hye Meadow are from the Texas High Plains. The wines at Hye Meadow Winery also have an Italian theme, with wines such as Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Montepulciano. None of the wines I tried were of poor quality and I did enjoy each of them, but some more than others. My results are below.
2021 Trebbiano
We’ll start with the whites beginning with the Trebbiano. It was a light-bodied dry white which as very crisp and clean. I have spat out some Trebbianos before due to the higher probability of an off flavor, but this one was very nice. I am putting this on the “buy” list.
2022 Rosato
The Rosato, a rose’ wine, is a full-bodied rose’ on the dry side. You’ll notice the darker color to it due to the Saignée method they use. I am not a rose’ fan, so I’ll rarely recommend a rose’ wine. But this one was nice.
2019 Collo Rosso
Next up was the Collo Rosso, a blend of Tempranillo, Carignan, and Sangiovese from the Texas High Plains grapes. Apparently, “collo rosso” translates to “Redneck” in Italian, so this is their redneck blend! It is a lighter blend, with an evident bit of smokiness, making it a middle of the ground wine for those who like not so dry and bold and not too light and fruity. The flavor is quite unique, and I picked up some tartness like a cabernet and it is dry. I quite enjoyed this one.
2019 Estate Tempranillo
With the grapes grown at the winery, this wine is leathery and spicy and tastes more like a cabernet to me. I think my issue is I have had some really good Tempranillos in the past, and I am very picky with them. This one just didn’t rise to the occasion for me.
2019 Estate Montepulciano
The Estate Montepulciano is also sourced from grapes at the winery and is a bit more “jammy” than the others. It exhibits some spiciness from the barrel aging, and this was probably my favorite on the red side.
Other Wines Produced
In addition to these standout offerings, Hye Meadow Winery produces a range of other wines, including:
- Barbera D’ Hye
- Albarino
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Sweet and Sparkling Wines
All in all, I had a very good tasting experience. The staff was very attentive and positive, and knowledgeable about their wines. As far as the wines, my favorite white was the Trebbiano and my favorite red was the Montepulciano. Tastings are $25, which is pretty standard (unless you go for all red tasting at $30). So, if I left with a bottle of each, I would be paying $74 ($27 and $47). In general, the wines are in the $25-$47 range, with a few being more. the most expensive is the Estate Tempranillo at $54 (which is also among the ones I liked the least). Overall, you will get a decent value for your experience and your wine.
Wine Clubs
The Hye Meadow Wine Club is consistent with other wine clubs where you sign up for different levels and receive wine every quarter. Hye Meadow options are 3-bottle, 6-bottle, and 12-bottle shipments. The 3 and 6 bottle shipments are quarterly, while the 12-bottle option is 3 times per year. Members get the choice of all red, all white, or a mix, or just sweet wines. At the 6 and 12 bottle levels you can choose your individual wines, which is a nice option. Wine members also get access to member-only vintages. As a member, you and your guests (number varies by membership level) get free tastings each visit.
Wine discounts for members are 15%, 20%, and 25% depending on your membership level, which I find very reasonable. This is about 5% more than most wineries are offering its members, so kudo’s to Hye Meadow Winery for being so good to its members! All in all, this is one of the more flexible wine clubs you will find. Events exclusively for members only are also held regularly, along with other member-only activities. Check out their wine club options online for more details.
FAQ
Q1: Can I visit Hye Meadow Winery for a tasting?
A1: Yes, Hye Meadow Winery welcomes visitors for tastings and tours by appointment, offering an immersive experience into their winemaking process.
Q2: Does Hye Meadow Winery offer a wine club?
A2: Absolutely! Their wine club provides members with exclusive access to limited releases, special events, and discounts on purchases.
Q3: Are Hye Meadow Winery’s wines available for purchase online?
A3: Yes, a selection of their wines can be conveniently purchased through their website for those who wish to enjoy a taste of Texas at home.
Q4: What sustainability practices does Hye Meadow Winery follow?
A4: Hye Meadow Winery is committed to sustainable winemaking, using environmentally friendly practices in both the vineyard and the winery to minimize their impact on the land.
Q5: Can Hye Meadow Winery host private events?
A5: Yes, the winery offers a picturesque setting for weddings, corporate events, and other private functions, providing a memorable backdrop for any occasion.
Conclusion
Hye Meadow Winery is a testament to the vibrant and innovative spirit of Texas wineries, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern winemaking practices. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and the exploration of new varietals makes them a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Texas wines. I characterize their wines as generally average for the Texas region, with a couple extending beyond that. However, you should expect your experience there to be a memorable one. The wines are very competitively priced, and if you like them and join the wine club, you’ll get an even better value.
As I reflect on my visit, I am reminded of the passion and dedication that define the Texas wine community, and I am eager to return to Hye Meadow Winery to discover what new delights they have in store.
