Table of Contents
- Introduction and Overview
- Winery History and Facility
- Wine Highlights
- Other Wines
- Wine Clubs
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- About the Author
Introduction
As a wine lover living in Texas, I’m always on the lookout for new local wineries to try. Additionally, I feel sometimes it is hard to keep up with all the new wineries opening every year. So, when I heard about Portree Cellars in Hye, Texas, I knew this Texas Wine addict had to pay them a visit. In this review, I’ll provide an overview of Portree Cellars, highlight some of their wines I was able to sample, and answer some frequently asked questions about the winery.
Portree Cellars recently opened its doors on its picturesque estate which is just under 30 acres. In fact, the new tasting room only recently opened for business in December 2023. The tasting room offers sweeping views along with flights and glasses of Portree’s handcrafted Texas wines. In the short time they’ve been open, Portree has already made a name for themselves in the Lone Star State’s blossoming wine industry. Keep reading to learn more!
What makes Portree Cellars Different?
Their tasting room is one of the newest in the Hill Country.
History and Facility
Inside the modern tasting room, their warm hospitality makes you feel right at home. I visited before the tasting room was officially open. In fact, I believe they only received their occupancy permit a few days before I visited. Nothing on the walls yet (but, I did see some of Janet’s art leaning against the walls ready to be hung), and lots of landscaping still to do. But the beautiful parking lot had just been finished and looked so nice I didn’t want to drive or park on it! (Note: don’t let my rating on the ambiance of the winery deter you, as in all fairness the new tasting room was not complete or decorated. I’ll update it on my next visit).
I was able to visit with the owners Janet and Mark Miertschin for quite some time uninterrupted. Not from a family or history of winemaking, Janet received her winemaking certificate through Texas Tech University and Mark completed his winemaking courses through UC Davis. Simply wonderful people.
Portree’s first commercial vintage was bottled in 2020 from about five tons of grapes sourced elsewhere in Texas. This allowed them to start their winemaking journey while they attended to the maturing vines. Their vineyards of about 15 acres contain mostly warm-climate grapes like Tannat, Fiano, Touriga Nacional, Mourvedre, Aglianico, and Malvasia Bianca. And, like most vineyards in the Texas Hill Country, they buy grapes from the Texas High Plains. The winemaking team combines Old World techniques with modern technology to craft their small-batch wines.
Wine Highlights
During my visit, I sampled several of Portree’s wines mainly from their 2020 vintage. Here are some highlights:
The 2021 Mourvèdre from Buena Suerte Vineyards had a rich, purple color and notes of raspberry, red currant, and vanilla. The full body and firm tannins make it perfect for barbecue or rich meats. I really enjoyed this one and would consider it my second favorite.
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from Family Vineyards had a fresh fruit character with hints of vanilla and cherry and finishes with notes of chocolate and red plum.
The 2020 Anglianico from Reddy Vineyards smelled of ripe cherries and baking spice. It had a velvety mouthfeel and long, elegant peppery finish. Ok, this was my favorite. I love the peppery finish as it reached out and grabbed my taste buds.
And last, the 2021 Rose Mourvèdre. This Rose is dry with a floral bouquet and palate. I am not bit on Rose wine but I know many people love them and almost every winery produces them. If I had to buy a Rose from a winery, I’d go with this one.
Rabbit Original Lever Corkscrew Wine Opener with Foil Cutter and Extra Spiral (Silver)
Other Wines
In addition to the wines above, Portree Cellars produces a variety of both red and white blends and varietals.
- 2021 Fiano and Fiano Reserve: A Southern Italian varietal white wine.
- 2021 Sangiovese Rose
- 2021 Marsanne: Well-balanced, medium bodied wine
- 2021 and 2022 Petit Manseng: Fruity with a smooth finish.
- 2022 Gewurztraminer: A generally sweet European Alps varietal.
- 2022 Semillon: Creamy and fruity white wine.
Most wines are available for purchase on-site as well as through their wine club. I was very pleased at the prices for Portree wines as they range $28-$45 per bottle, with the Rose’s at the lower end and the Anglianico’s on the higher end.
Wine Club
The Portree Cellars Wine Club is very consistent with other wine clubs where you can sign up for different levels and receive wine every quarter. Some wines are reserved for wine club members, and there are complimentary wine pickup parties with tastings and food pairings. Occasional events for members only are also held.
As members, enthusiasts receive exclusive access to the finest vintages which may be reserved solely for the club. Members choose between 3-bottles, 6-bottles, or 12-bottles (Founder’s Club) delivered quarterly and receive a discount of 10%, 15%, or 20% on wines depending on the level. There are other perks such as free shipping in Texas for 12-bottle members and complimentary monthly tastings. Members enjoy invitations to private events, and a first look at latest releases. This club isn’t just about wine; it’s about becoming part of a community that celebrates the spirit and tradition of Texas winemaking.
Conclusion
Portree Cellars is certainly one of the rising stars of the Texas wine scene. They have already received several awards such as three medal wins at the 2023 Lone Star Wine Competition. Their scenic estate provides the perfect backdrop for experiencing their small-batch wines. For Texas wine lovers looking for high quality, I’d highly recommend a visit to Portree Cellars – it’s clear their hard work in the vineyard has paid off in the bottle. I will be keeping an eye on this vineyard and their wines as I believe they will become one of the premier vineyards in the Texas Hill Country in the coming years. Plus, so many more of their wines to try!
FAQ
Q: Where is Portree Cellars located?
A: Portree Cellars is located in Johnson City, Texas, just off Highway 290 on Ranch Road 1320 (aka “Sandy Road”).
Q: What are Portree’s tasting room hours?
A: The tasting room is open Fridays-Sundays 12pm-5pm. Thursdays are by appointment only.
Q: Do they distribute their wines in stores or restaurants?
A: Currently they only sell their wines direct-to-consumer through the tasting room, wine club, or website.
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.
