Westcave Cellars Winery & Brewery | Texas Hill Country Wineries | Wine Folly
Westcave Cellars Winery & Brewery
A brief history
The Westcave Cellars story is the great love story of Texas Hill Country Wineries. It is the embodiment of the love of two people who share an appreciation of hard work and the enjoyment of fine wine. It is also a space to share with the community the love of viticulture.
Westcave Cellars Winery and Brewery is an invitation to share in the experience and the love of wine, one taste at a time.
From the very beginning of our marriage, we took pleasure in tending our garden together and sharing the fruits of their labor with each other, as well as with their friends and family. Over time, this hobby paved the way to embracing our true calling- growing and tending our own vineyard.
Once we felt confident in our growing methods, and our ability to optimize the potential of the land, we began searching the winding roads of the Texas Hill Country for the perfect site to grow our vines. In 1997, we found the ideal location to realize our dream, just a stone’s throw from Westcave Preserve and Hamilton Pool Preserve. In 1999 we planted our first 3 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
After supplying local winemakers with grapes for a few years, we began crafting our own unique wine, made in the old-world style and strongly influenced by the French traditions. The vineyard has expanded to 9 acres of matured vines, lovingly tended to by hand. These 8,000 vines include 9 different varieties of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Tannat, Malbec, Vermentino, and Viognier.
The Westcave Cellars Winery opened its doors in 2011, creating a community space to soothe the soul and engage the senses.
The first Westcave Cellars tasting room opened Mother’s Day weekend 2011. It boasted a quaint tasting room, a wine shop, and a stunning outdoor space that overlooked the manicured vineyards. Guests experienced 100% Texas wines with a French influence. Musicians often performed on Sunday to the enjoyment of visitors.
In the fall of 2019, Westcave Cellars Winery expanded to brewing 100% Texas beer with the help of brewmeister Patrick Vanderwilt. Vanderwilt grew hops at his Sisterdale, Texas, ranch. Many other ingredients, including spring water, yeast, and pecans, were also harvested from his Hill Country property.
The Fettys sold the Hamilton Pool Road location and moved Westcave Cellars Winery & Brewery to Johnson City, near Hye, Texas, in January 2020.
The new location boasts a modern tasting room, brewery, and a state-of-the-art winery. For the first time ever, all equipment, wine, and case goods are together on one site. One thing has not changed, though—guests still enjoy analyzing the rich aromas and delicious flavor profiles of 100% Texas wine and beer through the tastings led by our knowledgeable and hospitable staff.
We welcome you to come share the love – the love of the natural beauty of Central Texas, the love of community, and the love of wine. For Hill Country Wine Tours and tasting opportunities, the Westcave Cellars Winery and Brewery family looks forward to your visit.
