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Award-winning Texas wineries blend together in new Hill Country tasting room

Wedding Oak Winery wine glasses white red rose

Two of Texas' most lauded wineries are saying cheers to a new Fredericksburg tasting room.

For Austinites, taking a road trip down Wine Road 290 is so popular, one is as likely to run into a friend in a tasting room as an east side dive. It's no wonder why two Texas powerhouses would band together to bring their portfolio to the busy (and boozy) Hill Country strip.

On May 22, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards and Wedding Oak Winery announced the opening of a new 5,000-square-foot facility at 6009 U.S. Highway 290 E. in Fredericksburg. The two brands will share the building, but will operate two separate tasting rooms with different entrances for each. Selections from either maker can be enjoyed outdoors on a veranda or a large back porch.

Both wineries are new to the area. Los Pinos Ranch has been nestled in the East Texas woods since 2000. Wedding Oak, established in 2012, is located halfway between Temple and San Angelo in San Saba, a town that proudly calls itself the Pecan Capital of the World.

“Our presence in the Hill Country wine region is long overdue, and we are thrilled that the time has finally come,” says Gerald Jones, managing partner of sales and distribution for Los Pinos, in a release. “After 18 years of making wines at our winery in Pittsburg, Texas, we are fortunate to have created a loyal following of devoted Texas wine lovers. With this expansion into one of the hottest wine regions in the country, we can now join fellow wineries in the effort to promote the Texas wine industry while giving us the opportunity to showcase our wines to enthusiasts visiting this popular destination.”

Guests can expect two distinct wine experiences at the distillery. Under winemaker Arnulfo Perez, Los Pinos specializes in Italian and Spanish varietals grown in the estate vineyard and in the Texas High Plains. Its wines have racked up several awards in the state, include double golds at the Texas International Wine Competition, eight medals at the 2018 Houston Rodeo Uncorked event, and Top of Class at the 2018 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

Wedding Oak has its own share of honors, include four medals at the 2018 TEXSOM and a whopping 22 medals at the 2017 Lone Star International Wine Competition. Its vinos are recommended for white wine lovers who want a true taste of Texas terroir, especially the crisp Marsanne.

Neither tasting room has an on-site kitchen, so those planning to make a visit over Memorial Day weekend should pack a picnic or visit nearby restaurants like German favorite Otto’s or elegant New American eatery The Nest.

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Near and Deer

Vespaio-trained chef serves venison from trailer at Austin's Sign Bar

Photo courtesy of Sign Bar.

Born and Braised, specializing in native ingredients and braised meats, is now open at Sign Bar.

Born and Braised, a food trailer specializing in native ingredients and braised meats, has just opened for business at Sign Bar. Chef and owner William Woodland, a.k.a. Woody, says so far things are going great.

"They're doing a great job promoting us at Sign Bar. I feel really special," says Woodland.

This is a big change from several years ago when sign bar first opened and Woodland says he "pestered" the folks behind the cool new space.

"I think at that time they wanted to see a couple of years of good experience," says Woodland. "And now my reviews are insanely good — so I think that helped!"

Born and Braised started out at Lustre Pearl back in 2022, and then quickly moved over to Sage Brush where it stayed for more than a year. More recently, Woodland has been operating out of Bastrop and is happy to be closer to town again at Sign Bar, which is located in East Austin. It's still a bit of a drive for many, but not as far south.

Some of the menu items include birria tacos, homemade birria ramen, and multiple venison-based dishes: chili, a smash burger, and bratwurst. There's also grilled cheese, street corn, and other sides.

"I think it's one of only a couple of places in town where you can get venison any time," says Woodland. He adds that the main focus of any foods he prepares is minimal waste and using good, quality, native ingredients. "I'm kind of an ingredient hippie," he laughs.

These cooking roots can be traced back to Woodland's days at his grandparents' out in the country, where his uncles butchering deer in the garage was the norm, and venison was always on the table. As an adult, Woodland got his "formal" education in the kitchen at Vespaio under the tutelage of Ryan Samson.

"He gave me his culinary book from when he went to school and quizzed me everyday; basically took me to culinary school through that job," says Woodland. "I cry thinking about him all the time. Great guy; a really good mentor."

Born and Braised is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 4 pm to 2 am, and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 am, at Sign Bar Austin (9909 FM 969, Bldg. 3). The bar, decorated with more than 75 retired signs from legendary local businesses, offers a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Sign Bar Holiday Tree This miniature Zilker Tree is the newest permanent installation at Sign Bar. Photo courtesy of Sign Bar

As of early December, guests can enjoy all Sign Bar has to offer next to the Sign Bar Holiday Tree. This 64-foot tall tree is an homage to the Zilker Tree, and unlike most holiday displays, this tree will be up year-round. Guests can even spin under this mini-Zilker Tree — but may want to give it a minute after a bowl of venison chili.

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