William Chris Vineyards
Wine Tasting & Tours in Texas Hill Country
10352 US-290, Hye, TX 78635
William Chris Vineyards is a winery in Texas Hill Country, known for its exceptional wines and tasting experiences. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings in a relaxed setting with expert commentary. It is featured on LocalTastingTours' Texas Hill Country wine tasting experiences.
About William Chris Vineyards
William Chris Vineyards is the most thoughtful new-generation producer in Texas Hill Country — founded in 2008 by Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett with the explicit goal of making wines that reflect Texas terroir rather than imitating California or France. The estate is 100% Texas-grown fruit (a rarity in the region), with vineyards in both the Hill Country and the Texas High Plains, and the wines are made in a low-intervention, native-yeast style that lets the fruit speak.
The portfolio centres on Texas Mourvèdre (the flagship), Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a rare-in-Texas planting of Petit Manseng. The Mary Ruth Mourvèdre (named for Chris's grandmother) is the wine that put William Chris on the national map — a Texas Mourvèdre that drinks like a top southern French example. The single-vineyard bottlings (notably from Lost Draw Vineyards in the High Plains) are some of the most exciting wines in the Texas portfolio.
What to Expect
The tasting room is a converted farmhouse with covered porches and a casual, agricultural feel. The standard tasting walks through 5-6 wines. The premium tasting (the Members Only or 100% Texas tasting) is the must-do — it covers the most distinctive bottles in the portfolio. Service is unpretentious and knowledgeable.
Wines to Try
Visitor Tips
Reservations strongly recommended — William Chris is one of the most popular Hill Country stops and books up weeks ahead in season. The 100% Texas tasting (if available) is the definitive experience. The single-vineyard bottlings are small-production — buy from the cellar when you can.
Visit William Chris Vineyards on a Guided Wine Tasting Tour
See William Chris Vineyards with an expert local guide as part of our curated Texas Hill Country wine tasting experience. Small groups of max 6 guests only.
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