The Bluebonnet Chapter of the Wine Society of Texas traveled May 11, 2024 to the Hoover Valley near Burnett the location of Uplift Winery for a private guided tour and tasting. The 55-acre property is located on County Road 119 and is neighbor to the Perissos Vineyard. The approach to the vineyard was covered with countless yellow flowers up to the entry gate. Behind the coded entry gate were the acres of beautiful mature grape vines in all directions. This property was meticulously developed by Reed and Joan Williams. The William Chris Vineyards co-founded by Chris Brundrett and Lost Draw’s co-founder Andrew Sides, who had been obtaining grapes from this vineyard in past years, acquired the property in 2021 and is now operating as the Uplift Winery.
The name reflects its location in the Llano Uplift a geological region of the Texas Hill Country. There are several soil types including sand, sandy loam, and clay which offers perfect placement for the 13 grape varieties. The Colorado River located almost a mile away offers beneficial climatic effects as do the hills surrounding Hoover Valley. Some members toured by golf cart around the property while others stayed in the spacious Tasting Room to enjoy the ambiance of the bucolic surroundings. When the golf cart riders returned, we entered the 60-degree Barrel Room and sampled wine straight from the barrel. Christian Thibodeaux, our guide, used a glass wine thief to give everyone a generous taste.
After the barrel tasting, members returned to our table for more wine tasting and smoke infused cheese. We then took the stairs to the second-floor lounge with its expansive views of the vineyard and surrounding hills. Conversation on the outside seating balcony was an excellent finish to our Uplift Winery experience.
