Becker Vineyards
by
K. L. Sullivan
Summary: Becker Vineyards, owned by Richard and Bunny Becker is located in Stonewall, Texas. They were the first owners of a Texas winery to produce Viognier commercially. Nicole Bendele, Public Relations & Tasting Room Coordinator provided our tour and tasting. We learned that Dr. Richard Becker wants Becker Vineyards to be a hands-on winery. Enjoy visiting a winery building based on a German barn-style.
Becker Vineyards was the creation of Richard and Bunny Becker who purchased the property in 1990. The Beckers decided to add a vineyard and today they have 46 acres of grapes. The varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Syrah and Malbec. They also source grapes from other Texas vineyards. The winery produces 59,000 cases.
By 1996, the Beckers opened a tasting room and in 1997 purchased another vineyard, Bluebonnet Hill Vineyards in Ballinger, Texas. In 1998, they decided to add lavender to their Stonewall property and now have three acres of lavender. From the lavender, they produce lotions, shower gel and lip balm. These items are for sale in the tasting room. Other items include note cards, sachets, massage oil, lavender soap, cloth wine bags, gourmet foods and wine related books. The gourmet food includes Basil Pesto, Mousse Truffée and wine jellies.
Renovations for a larger tasting room were almost complete at the time of our visit. The larger tasting room had been the tank room. The new tasting room is much larger and brighter. Pinewood walls and ceilings add a warm glow to the new tasting room. A large rectangular tasting counter provides space for large groups.
The smaller tasting room has character provided by a stone fireplace and an antique bar. Originally, the bar was at the Green Tree Saloon in San Antonio. It was at this antique bar that we enjoyed our wine tasting.
The best sellers are the Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier. We tasted several Becker wines beginning with the Viognier. The bouquet was floral while the taste was peachy. The finish was crisp and fruity. This is a nice summertime wine. Sauvignon Blanc 2008 offered a green apple bouquet. The taste also was of green apple with spice. The wine finished with green apple and a hint of tannins. The Sauvignon Blanc was aged ¼ American oak and ¾ stainless steel. Barbera 2007 had a spice aroma while the taste was of dark fruit and spice. The finish was crisp, fruity and had light tannins. Grenache 2007 offered a spice bouquet and the taste was smooth with raspberry nuances. The finish was crisp and fruity with tannins. Malbec Reserve 2007 offered a bouquet of plums and chocolate. The taste reminded one of plums. The finish was crisp with plums and mild tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007 had a bouquet, taste and finish of blackberries. The taste was smooth while the finish offered tannins. Tony Bell, an artist, created the wine labels based on his artwork.
We toured the facility and observed the large stainless steel tanks, French and American oak barrels, and bottling line. The bottling line bottles wine at 55 bottles per minute.
A few feet away from the winery and tasting room is a small “antique” log cabin that visitors can rent. This rustic log cabin was built about 1890 and was the original home of the Heinrick Peese family. Today the log cabin has been renovated while at the same time keeping its original character. The Beckers named the log cabin The Homestead Bed and Breakfast.
Beyond the log cabin is the event building, the Lavender Haus reception hall. They opened this facility in 2003 and it is available for weddings, dinners, parties including birthdays, meetings and private wine tastings. The event room is bright with walls and ceiling of pine. Large chandeliers add to the ambience. Outside the event room is a patio with tables, chairs and an outdoor fireplace. This is a wonderful spot to sit and relax.
Enjoy a visit to Becker Vineyards and the German barn-style winery. While you are there, be sure to ask about the acres of lavender. Consider purchasing a glass of wine and enjoying it on the large covered patio.
Becker Vineyards
464 Becker Farms Road
Stonewall, Texas 78671
GPS: N30º 12.223’ W98º 42.562’
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