Punch Drunk
A punchy event at one of the world's best vineyards lets travelers make Hill Country wine
Three women engage in Grape Punch Day at William Chris Vineyards.
Why take your date out for a glass of wine when you can make the wine together instead? Guests can try their hand at winemaking with a significant other or bestie at one of the Hill Country's most famous vineyards on August 26.
At Grape Punch Day ($25), William Chris Vineyards will guide guests on a wine-making journey that includes the fine art of grape punching, they say. This Hye-based vineyard was recently voted 60th in the world (yes, you read that right) by the World's Best Vineyards.
You've probably seen people do it in the movies: They roll up their pant legs and stomp on grapes. There's some truth to that Hollywood trope, because grape punching actually helps separate the solid grape matter (like the skins and pulp of the grapes) from the liquid that ultimately becomes wine.
However, at Grape Punch Day, organizers say, guests will use their arms and hands instead of their feet. In addition to learning grape punching, guests will earn themselves a glass of wine and a Grape Punch T-shirt. The sessions will be led by the expert winemakers of William Chris Vineyards, who will be on hand all day to answer questions and offer guidance for every grape puncher.
The Grape Punch will take place on one day only this year, but guests have three separate times to choose from: 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. This gives Central Texans a little more flexibility in driving out to the small town near Fredericksburg.
If wine punchers are hungry after trying a glass of wine or two, there's a grab-and-go food shop onsite called W.C. Provisions. For something more formal, guests may want to book a Vineyard Table Experience ($75) to extend the the day even more; get one last punch in, if you will. (It's highly recommended to book the experience in advance to ensure your spot.) This extra experience offers tastings of four carefully curated wines paired with heavy hors d'oeuvres.
For people who prefer a larger meal over appetizers, William Chris Vineyards also offers picnic lunches ($20) that include a gourmet sandwich, seasonal salad, fresh fruit, a Rambler sparkling water, and a dessert.
Every experience and tasting at William Chris Vineyards requires a reservation in advance. For more info about each experience, visit williamchriswines.com.
