Photo courtesy of Scenarios Media
With all the traffic and great wines off Highway 290 and in downtown Fredericksburg, it was refreshing to take a short scenic drive north of town to visit this gem. Prochnow Vineyard at Crabapple Creek is a beautiful ranch complete with 12 acres of grape vines, a charming farmhouse relocated from Llano, a heritage garden, ample outdoor family space, and virtually never-ending oak trees.
If you’re a local or a regular visitor to Fredericksburg, you may already know the town was a settlement founded in 1846 by German immigrants. This heritage is still strong in the area, and the Prochnows are among the families who want to preserve the area’s history and pour a little wine while they’re at it.
Ross and Valerie Prochnow established the vineyard on the family farm as a nod to both of their families and as a legacy for their own children. Both of their fathers were military men. In fact, Colonel Marvin Prochnow was a heroic pilot in World War II who returned to his roots north of Fredericksburg. He married Margie Langerhans, his high school sweetheart, and raised two children. The family farm is now home to Prochnow Vineyard.
Photo courtesy of Scenarios Media
It seems every inch of this project is stamped by family ties. Ross and Valerie’s daughter, Rachel, was the model for their wines’ labels. She was photographed by her husband sitting on a limestone rock overlooking Crabapple Creek, and that image was turned into a sketch by her brother Caleb. Rachel’s other brother, Lincoln, is very involved with the winery, and he is learning winemaking alongside his father with the guidance of John Rivenburgh as part of his incubator program. Lincoln’s fiancée, Julieanne, is managing the tasting room while she plans the final details of their wedding to take place on the estate this fall.
The estate is welcoming, with a lush vineyard on the left as you drive in and a charming old house serving as the tasting room. The building was carefully restored with subtle changes to create the spaces needed for a lovely wine-tasting experience. The grapevines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, and Roussanne, are high fenced to keep the deer from enjoying a buffet.
Photo courtesy of Scenarios Media
While the property is only 19 miles north of Main Street, Fredericksburg, it feels like a world away from daily life. The drive takes nearly 20 minutes on the way to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. While many wineries are only open to guests 21 and over, Prochnow Vineyard is family-friendly and welcoming to everyone, making it a refreshing place to spend an afternoon.
The wines are made in a variety of styles, so there is something for everyone, whether you prefer a sweet white or a bold red. Currently, Rivenburgh Wine is making these wines from fruit sourced from other vineyards in Texas, however, this year, there are high hopes for a bountiful harvest from the estate vineyard. I personally enjoyed the crisp and refreshing Picpoul Blanc and the Cabernet Sauvignon, which paired surprisingly well with a warm pretzel and cheese sauce. There are light bites available, and the oak grove is outfitted with picnic tables and a children’s playscape. With a tasting bar, two indoor seating spaces, and outdoor tables with plenty of shade, I can easily see this country escape as a perfect afternoon spot for families, friends, and couples.
Valerie & Ross Prochnow and Amie Nemec. Photo courtesy of Scenarios Media.
The Prochnow family is working hard to ensure their farm can be enjoyed for generations – by their own family and yours!