Discover Inwood Estates Vineyards, offering a welcoming atmosphere and an educational tasting experience.
Introduction and Quick Summary
As a passionate advocate for Texas wines and an enthusiast of Texas wineries, I recently had the pleasure of exploring Inwood Estates Vineyards to try their take on Texas Wine. In this review, I will share my experience, focusing on the winery’s history, its distinctive qualities, and the range of wines it offers.
Inwood Estates Vineyards has carved a niche for itself in the Texas wine industry by combining traditional techniques with innovative practices. The winery’s commitment to quality is evident in every bottle, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Texas wines. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of wine, Inwood Estates offers a welcoming atmosphere and an unforgettable tasting experience.
The Winery’s History and Facility
Inwood Estates Vineyards boasts a rich heritage that is deeply rooted in the Texas soil. Founded by a visionary winemaker, Dan Gatlin, who believes in the potential of Texas terroir, the winery has grown from a modest operation into a leading producer of premium Texas wines. The facility, nestled in the heart of Texas wine country, combines rustic charm with state-of-the-art winemaking technology. This blend of old and new is a hallmark of Inwood Estates, reflecting its respect for tradition and its forward-looking approach to winemaking.
My tasting at Inwood consisted of four different wines, all produced as full-bodied red wines. Wine tastings are $30, which is more than average for tastings in the area (most are $25). Our wine guide as very knowledgeable of the Inwood wines and wines in general, and she treated me very well.
There is also an elevated tasting for $42 and a barrel room tasting for $55. The facility is beautifully decorated and setup for live music. You can reserve tables for ordering food from the bistro while enjoying a glass or bottle of wine (not for tasting).
Outside in the back you will find some beautiful landscape with tables and a firepit, and a view of wine barrels and the grape containers. If the weather is bad, I would enjoy the indoor facility, but if the weather suits you, definitely go for the outdoor option.
What Makes Inwood Estates Unique
What sets Inwood Estates Vineyards apart from other Texas wineries is its commitment to small-batch production ensures that each bottle receives the attention it deserves, resulting in exceptional wines that capture the essence of Texas. A few of their wines are harvested at .29 tons per acre, where the normal harvest could be 10 times that. Of course, this comes at a price.
Highlighted Wines
2021 Touriga Nacional
This wine boasts to be the spiciest wine at Inwood, with grapes coming from the Texas High Plains. It is a Portuguese grape varietal often considered to be Portugal’s finest. This wine offered some black fruit flavors, but it wasn’t as pronounced as expected. This was the least expensive wine I tasted but would probably be the best value for money.
2020 Petit Sirah
The Petit Sirah, with grapes grown locally in the Hill Country is a very popular wine at Inwood. Unfortunately, having had the Petit Sirah at Siboney Cellars, this one did not meet my expectations. It is very aromatic, but I didn’t get the distinct flavor I was hoping for.
2021 Cab Franc
The Cab Franc, also from the Texas High Plains, probably came the closest to capturing my heart. I did pick up on some spiciness and some red fruit and even a hint of bell pepper. If I were to buy a bottle from my tasting, this would be the one.
2020 Magdalena
This wine is harvested at 1.5 tons per acre and is a Bourdeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot all from the Texas High Plains. I expected this one to knock my socks off as it is $120 per bottle (non-wine club member price), but unfortunately it did not. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but nowhere near enough to spend that much on a bottle.
Other Wines Produced
In addition to these highlights, Inwood Estates Vineyards offers a diverse portfolio of wines, including:
- 2017 Colos: Pure Texas-grown Tempranillo harvested at .29 tons/acre. $225/bottle
- 2017 Magnus: Texas-grown Tempranillo blended with Cabernet in the classic Ribera style harvested at .29 tons/acre. $225/bottle
With everything considered, and comparing Inwood with other wineries in the area, I do not rate it as high as I would have hoped. The wine, though generally nice, just did not have the flavorful taste and bouquet I experience with other wineries. At $30 for the tasting, and the thought of spending $120-225 for a bottle of their premier wines, you need to really like their wines to make this stop a successful one.
Wine Clubs
Inwood Estates Vineyards offers a number of options for wine club membership. These options include 2, 6 and 12 bottles per quarter. There are additional niche options deliver wines once per year in the either the spring or fall. As with most wine clubs, Inwood offers discounts on wine, access to limited wines, complimentary tastings when picking up your wine club order, and exclusive access to special events.
FAQ
Q1: Can I visit Inwood Estates Winery and Bistro for a tasting?
A1: Yes, the winery welcomes visitors for tastings. It’s recommended to check their website for current hours and availability.
Q2: Are there any food options available at the winery?
A3: Inwood Estates offers a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie along with salads and sandwiches to complement their wines.
Q3: Can I purchase Inwood Estates Winery and Bistro wines online?
A4: Yes, a selection of their wines is available for purchase through their website for those who cannot visit in person.
Q4: Does Inwood Estates Winery and Bistro host private events?
A5: The winery offers a picturesque setting for private events. Contact them directly for more information on planning your event.
Conclusion
Inwood Estates Vineyards offers a nice array of Texas red wines that appeal to a wide range of palates. Their commitment to quality, combined with a deep respect for the land and a passion for innovation, makes Inwood Estates a standout in the Texas wine industry. Whether you’re exploring the rich history of Texas wineries or seeking out more limited small batch wines, Inwood Estates Vineyards offers an experience that could be both enriching and enjoyable. However, I just didn’t see the value when I compare the wine quality and cost to other wineries in Texas.
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.
