Brennan’s Vineyard and Winery
Tucked in the hills of Central Texas is a gem known and loved by the surrounding area for their wine. For me, it is known for the people.
The owners have been on the land for about 15 years and have devoted their lives to making some of the best wines I have tried. While I am no expert on the finer points of wine, I do know what I like and what I don't like.
I'll start with the drive out. The main road on which one drives just before turning off on a long, windy hill road, is scenic and picturesque in itself. The vistas and valleys dip and curve into an undulation of trees and shrubbery. If one isn't careful, one will lose themselves in the curves and find themselves wandering aimlessly on the_ back roads.
I'm not saying that would be a bad thing, just that while one enjoys the road, one should stop and taste the wine!
The winery itself grows most of their own grapes. They are able to control the quality of the grape as well as when the grapes are harvested. Grapes judged to be ready based both sugar sweetness and phenolic (physiological) ripeness. Growing one's own grapes ensures the grapes are at the exact quality the winemaker wants, not that which will secure the highest profit for the growers. Such a hands on approach allows the maker to decide what is best for their chosen crop and thus the wine.
The wines available are both affordable and varied. While they have a nice Moscato that will appeal to most drinkers of semi sweet wines while the Sangiovese with its bold, peppery flavor leans more to the experienced palates tastes.
Although I am always willing to lift a glass for a good reason, and there are always good reasons, the people here are the main reason to come. While some Tasting Rooms make me feel as if Im a lowlife for not being familiar with their products (why else would one come to a tasting room? Oh to TASTE!), I immediately felt comfortable with Teresa, one of the owners. She is kind and patient and genuinely loves her winery and vineyard, as well she should. Her pride has not taken her hospitality. If you're lucky enough to catch her on a slow day, you are likely to make a friend for life.
Out on the patio, one can witness the beauty of the Texas landscape. The trees abutting the main building lends to the feeling of being on a retreat deep in the woods, while drawing one's eye to the eastern horizon. One can almost feel the history of the land. Respect for that history is evident in the surroundings.
Both times I have been to Bluff Dale, I have left being happy to have spent my time with the amazing people there. The wine, the people, and the company kept make for good memories every time.
Drive out and stay a while. Make friends and memories.