SIP, SIP, HOORAY!

Hill Country winery scores big on list of world's best vineyards for 2nd year in a row

William Chris Vineyards is now shining globally.

Photo courtesy of William Chris Vineyards

It used to be that the mere mention of Texas wine would cause oenophiles to pull down their eyebrows in a grimace. It took the hard work of maverick producers to turn that perception around. Now the state’s vintages are being honored on an international scale.

The latest vote of confidence comes from World’s Best Vineyards. The academy of 500 wine experts, sommeliers, and travel writers voted Hye’s William Chris Vineyards one of its 2023 top wine destinations for the second year.

The annual list accounts for the total experience, from quality wines and educational offerings to lodging and hospitality. The huge undertaking promotes wine tourism by considering thousands of vineyards (all must be open to the public) spanning five continents.

William Chris’ 60th place finish might not seem like such a big deal on paper, but it was only one of six wineries selected from the United States. It was also Texas’ sole winery to receive the recognition.

The voting body did not share why exactly they were taken by the winery’s charms, but the brand has steadily built a following since Chris Brundrett and Bill Blackmon opened the doors in 2008. A devotee of Texas-grown grapes, William Chris is known for using a low-intervention approach to showcase the state’s best fruit.

“We are thrilled and humbled to be included for the second year in a row on this distinguished list,” said Brundrett via a release. It really feels like Texas is starting to have its moment—people are seeing what we’re doing down here and are impressed with the quality of not only the wine but the experiences we’re offering as well.”

lists wine wineries hill country awards

Cat's Out of the Bag

Classic Austin dive bar Mean Eyed Cat opens new Driftwood outpost

Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

There ain't no grave can hold Austinites down when it's time to break in this new dive bar.

An Austin bar with a lot of personality has its eye on a new location. The Mean Eyed Cat is opening in Driftwood on Thursday, November 21.

This Johnny Cash-inspired bar has certainly always had the country aesthetic: the weathered wood, the live oak-shaded picnic tables, the black-and-white photos on the wall, and even the occasional taxidermy specimen. The same rustic vibes continue in Driftwood at 8750 W RR 150, Bldg. 100, according to a short press release.

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood interior This new bar already looks like it's been collecting antiques for decades.Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Good luck getting there on Google Maps. Right now, it drops a pin at the intersection of Ranch to Market Road 150 and Elder Hill Road. However, it appears to be next to Mad Rooster's Liquor Store — we can see the side of the building through the window and the same road signs. We've reached out to a spokesperson to get the proper directions.

The Austin original has been around since 2004, and this offshoot is only its second location. The promises "the same laid-back, offbeat charm that made the original bar an icon."

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood interior What's a dive bar without a pool table?Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Before the Austin location was a bar, it was a chainsaw repair shop that was aptly featured in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. Chris Marsh was who converted it to a watering hole and Christened it the Mean Eyed Cat, and he later sold it to current owners Matt Luckie, Max Moreland, and Jed Thompson, placing it in a lineage that also includes Lavaca Street Bar & Grill, Sign Bar, Lala’s Little Nugget, and more locally beloved staples and oddities.

All the proper references are there in Driftwood, including several saw blades on the wall, Johnny Cash memorabilia, and lyrics on every available surface, including a picnic table that ominously says "HURT." First and foremost on the menu are whiskeys and classic cocktails, keeping things as simple as anyone would expect at a dive bar.

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood patio A spacious patio takes advantage of the Hill Country surroundings.Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Despite the relatively remote location, commenters on Instagram have already spotted people inside and started chomping at the bit. It sounds like opening day will be a lively affair.

The Mean Eyed Cat in Driftwood will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 2 pm to 2 am, and Fridays through Sundays from noon to 2 am. Happy hour will be weekdays from 4-7 pm.

dive bars whiskey cocktails openings driftwood