Texas Hills Vineyard, originally founded by Gary and Kathy Gilstrap in 1995, was purchased by entrepreneurial brothers Jim and John Mueller in early 2024. Under its new ownership, the award-winning winery is introducing substantial enhancements including a refreshed wine portfolio, new wine clubs with exclusive benefits, and new dining opportunities that make it a must-visit destination on the Texas Wine Trail (now called Texas Hill Country Wineries).
As it enters a new chapter, the new owners are keen to honor and preserve the rich history of the storied Texas Hills Vineyard’s winery and build on its heritage. Texas Hills Vineyard has retained its core staff, rehired long-time general manager, Dyana Pemberton, and added top professionals to its winemaking team. The winery continues to produce Texas wines made with grapes grown in scenic, 29-year-old estate vineyards. The Texas Wine Trail was started around the kitchen table at Texas Hills Vineyard along with owners of neighboring wineries, and the Texas Wine Trail still starts there.
Texas Hills Vineyard welcomes guests and loyal club members to enjoy a wine tasting on the patio overlooking the estate vineyards, green pastures, wildflowers, and rolling hills. The winery is family-friendly offering live music, light bites, food pairings, sensory classes, and a gift shop.
Texas Hills Vineyard is well-known for its high-quality wines which have won more than 300 medals at prestigious international wine competitions. The winery recently released its Estate Chardonnay from the Texas Hill Country with great acidity rounded out by minimal oak to highlight lemon curd, vanilla, and tropical fruits. And a Tempranillo Newsom Vineyards from the Texas High Plains with an abundance of ripe Bing cherries, purple fig, caramel, and a soft chocolate and vanilla finish. Both wines come with beautiful new labels. Texas Hills is preparing to release new wines to its portfolio in the coming months.
“Texas Hills Vineyard is one of the most unique, historic wineries in Texas and we are proud to carry on its rich tradition while adding to its facilities,” says new owner Jim Mueller. “Texas Hills Vineyard has produced award-winning wines for nearly 30 years, and we are now adding experiences around these famous wines including The Red Room speakeasy and a petting zoo for the kids.”
New Winery Venues
To bridge the rich past of the vineyard to an exciting new future, Texas Hills Vineyard is adding to its culinary offerings with The Red Room speakeasy with a menu that perfectly complements and highlights the wines.
Introducing the Texas Hills Vineyard Club
To provide elevated experiences for members, Texas Hills Vineyard is introducing its Vineyard Club which offers exclusive access to the new amenities at the winery. Vineyard Club members will enjoy priority reservation access to the soon-to-open Red Room. Vineyard Club members also receive invitations to three annual members’ parties, four free wine tastings at The Red Room, and 18 bottles of wine per year.
Members of any of the Texas Hills Vineyard wine clubs enjoy complimentary tastings and VIP treatment at the winery. Members can choose to receive four, six, or 12 bottles five times a year and unlike many wine clubs, members can hand-pick the wines they want to receive. The winery is introducing an exclusive Barrel program with 20% discounts on wine, merchandise, and events. There is no fee to sign up for the wine-tasting club directly via the newly updated Texas Hills Vineyard website.