Driftwood Estate Winery
by
K. L. Sullivan
Summary: Enjoy a visit to Driftwood Estate Winery, located in the country with beautiful distant views of vineyards and Texas Hill country. The staff is friendly and helps to make the wine tasting an enjoyable experience. Future plans include building a new event center.
We enjoyed our visit to Driftwood Estate Winery where we learned more about the harshness of the Texan temperamental weather and the constant struggle viticulturists have against Pierce’s disease. Despite these difficulties, Texas winemakers have a phenomenal determination to conquer these difficulties and produce quality wines.
Gary Elliott, owner and winemaker, of Driftwood Estate Winery is just one of many Texans determined to push on and succeed. Gary started his vineyards in 1998. In the past few years, Gary had damage to the vineyard from spring freezes and harvest rains. In 2007, it rained every day for a month. This past spring his vineyard was healthy and he was looking forward to a productive harvest when there was a sudden freeze and he lost his grape crop for 2009. Rather than giving up, Gary will source grapes for this year and is considering purchasing a wind machine to protect the vineyard against cold weather. Gary commented that it is a “roller coaster ride.” However, he is determined to continue. Currently, he has 14 acres under vine and plans to increase the vineyards to 20 acres. Varietals in the vineyards included Chardonnay, Viognier, Muscat, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah.
Vineyards and winemaking is a passion for Gary. His parents were involved in agriculture and owned a vineyard in California. His sister also owns a winery in California. The first wine bottled by Driftwood was in 2003 and the winery opened a month later. Production for the first year was 1,200 cases and Gary hopes to produce 4,500 cases in 2009.
The tasting room overlooks the vineyards down below a steep hillside. The views are delightful. Gary has provided seating to relax and enjoy the views with a glass of Driftwood wine.
Inside the tasting room, an L-shaped pinewood countertop and pinewood walls create a warm feeling. Large windows provide light. Note the hummingbird feeder visible from the tasting room, just outside under the trees. While tasting wines browse the accessories including Dixieland Candles, wine jellies and wine accessories. T-shirts with quotes are also available. Quotes include “Peace, Love & Wine,” and “Liquid Happiness.”
We tasted several wines in the tasting room. Both wine labels and awards come with a western theme. One Grand Star wine award was a cowboy boot. The 2008 Cuvee Blanc, bottled in a cobalt blue bottle, was a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, Muscat and Chenin Blanc. The result was a wine with a tropical aroma and taste while the taste had additional notes of pear. The finish was fruity and dried on the aftertaste. Super Tuscan 2006 was a blend of 88 percent Sangiovese and 12 percent Merlot. This wine offered an aroma and taste of red cherries. The finish was fruity with tannins. The Lone Star Cabernet 2006 offered an aroma of blackberries. The taste was of black fruit and the finish was fruity with tannins. Longhorn Red was 60 percent Cabernet and 40 percent Syrah. The aroma was of black fruit and pepper. The taste was fruity. The finish was also fruity with bold tannins. Syrah 2006 offered an aroma and taste of blackberries and pepper. The finish was fruity with tannins.
The winery frequently has events. Special events vary between music and special dinners. For up-to-date information be sure to check the winery website. Anyone interested in hosting a private event is encouraged to contact the winery. Small events of up to 50 people can be hosted inside and tents are available for larger outdoor gatherings.
Enjoy your visit to Driftwood Estate Winery. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy with a glass or bottle of Driftwood Estate wine.
Driftwood Estate Winery
4001 Elder Hill Road
Driftwood, Texas 78619
GPS: N30º 06.177’ W98º 05.148’
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