Alamosa Wine Cellars
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Alamosa Wine Cellars is the farthest northern winery in the Texas Hill Country AVA. Jim Johnson, owner and winemaker, likes working with different varietal grapes to produce quality wines.
The Vineyard
Turning onto Country Road 430 we traveled past vineyards on our left. The road curved to the winery entrance. We met Jim Johnson, owner and winemaker, at Alamosa Wine Cellars. Jim graduated from UC Davis and worked at three wineries in California and two in Texas before starting his own vineyard and winery. In 1995, he purchased property and planted the vineyard. Today the 10-acre vineyard consists of Sangiovese, Grenache, Syrah, Viognier and Tennat. Alamosa produces 2,000 cases and Jim is happy with that number.
The Tasting Room
In 2004, he expanded the winery and added the tasting room. In the beginning, the tasting room was only open one weekend a month. Currently it is open every weekend, Friday to Sunday. The tasting counter top is of stressed wood. Throughout the tasting room, visitors will see numerous replicas of the Texas Horn Toad for sale. Jim commented that it is a "Texas thing.” The winery has numerous giftware items available. Giftware includes gourmet food items, Riedel stemware, books, ceramic dishes with Tuscany pictures, t-shirts, wine accessories, goat’s milk soap, olive oil soap and jewelry. Gourmet foods available include Pear & Port Jam and Raspberry Pecan Preserves. While tasting Alamosa wines, be sure to browse the giftware.
French doors lead into the winery. The doors provide a nice view into the barrel room from the tasting counter. Visitors can see the barrels gently aging wine. A large stone fireplace on the sidewall of the tasting room adds ambiance to the tasting room. Outside the tasting room, a covered patio offers a respite for those who would like to sit awhile near the vineyard and perhaps sip a glass of Alamosa Wine Cellars wine.
& 
Wines
At the tasting counter we tasted 2007 Scissortail. This is a blend of Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier. The aroma offered grassy nuances while the taste had grassy and green apple notes. The finish was crisp. El Guapo 2004 was a blend of Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aroma and taste were of dried fruit and spice. The finish was crisp and fruity. Amigo White 2008 was an Orange Muscat. The aroma and taste were of oranges. The taste was smooth and sweet. The finish was crisp with orange notes, that began to dry on the aftertaste.
As we tasted wines, Jim explained some of the attractions that the Way Out Wineries Trail, known as WOW offers. One of the collections was an elaborate barbeque set that could be acquired at a Way Out Wineries Trail event. At each winery on the wine trail, visitors were able to pick up a piece of barbecue equipment to complete the set. It is absolutely remarkable. Of course, there was an event ticket needed to participate. However, by participating in this, visitors actually obtained a quality item and have fun at the same time. The WOW Trail has similar events each year where one can receive a piece of a set at each winery. Sets vary with each event.
While traveling to the Way Out Wineries in Texas, save time to enjoy the delightful country settings and small towns you will travel through. Sometimes the biggest surprises are at the smallest, unknown wineries.
Alamosa Wine Cellars
677 County Road 430
Bend, Texas 76824
GPS N31º 06.128’ W 98º 32.151’
Visit these Texas wineries that partner with Wine Trail Traveler.
 |
 |
 |
 |
