Solar eclipse viewing events in Texas

William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Texas is hosting an eclipse viewing event on April 8, 2024. Photo: William Chris Vineyards, used with permission.

Central Texas is in the prime location for watching the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th. This total solar eclipse will be the last one to go over the United States for two decades, making it a must-see event. There will be several events in San Antonio and the surrounding area for people who want to take in this celestial event. Here are a couple of them.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection is excited to announce its Solar Eclipse viewing event open to the public and hotel guests on Monday, April 8. The hotel will host FREE yoga on the lawn, a tea ceremony, astrology speaker, and Anaqua Party. Guests must RSVP through Eventbrite link HERE and show confirmation upon arrival. Limited spots are available and can only be reserved in groups of no more than two. Parking is not included, but valet is open to anyone for $15 for 3 hours. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2024)

The eclipse schedule for the day is included below:

8a.m. – Yoga/Meditation on the Lawn – Zen out and relax on Plaza San Antonio’s lawn for a restorative yoga session. Guests who attend Yoga and RSVP through the Eventbrite link will receive a Pool Day Pass.
9a.m. – Tea Ceremony under Anaqua Tree – Relish in the eclipse with some tranquil tea under the property’s 50+ year old Anaqua tree. Standing 42 feet tall and recognized as a champion in the American Forestry Association’s National Register of Big Trees, the Anaqua tree symbolizes the property’s past and future.
11a.m. – Astrology Speaker – Take this opportunity to join the conversation and learn about the astrological phenomenon that occurred and what it could mean.
11:30a.m. – 1:30p.m. – Anaqua Party – End the global phenomenon with live music in Anaqua Garden Bar and a specialty menu available for purchase, including unique eclipse themed cocktails and passed apps (this is in addition to the regular menu).

Monday, April 8, 2024 8a.m. – 1:30p.m.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
555 S Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

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What better place to view the eclipse than from the wide open skies of the Texas Hill Country? William Chris Wine Company has two vineyards, William Chris Vineyards and Uplift Vineyard, that will be hosting over-the-top events for those looking for a place to enjoy the eclipse on Monday April 8, 2024. (William Chris Wine Company, 2024)

William Chris Vineyards

Known as one of the World’s Best Vineyard’s, William Chris Vineyards, located in Hye, Texas, will host an unforgettable celestial celebration in honor of the eclipse. Bringing together Texas wine and Texas skies, the vineyard will have the ultimate viewing party complete with astronomer-led lessons, wine barrel tastings, a country music concert with KJ97 and iHeart Radio and more. Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased online for $400. In addition to the above, the ticket price includes a welcome glass of wine, parking on site, William Chris Vineyards picnic blanket, solar eclipse glasses, event poster, swag bag with two bottles of the exclusive eclipse wine and breakfast and lunch by esteemed Austin Chef Michael Fojatasek of Olamaie.

10352 U.S. Highway 290
Hye, Texas 78635

Uplift Vineyard

Uplift Vineyard will celebrate the occasion with an intimate all-day event featuring some of the greatest talents in the world of food and wine. The vineyard is perfectly situated along the path of totality and will experience nearly 4 and a half minutes of total eclipse. The exclusive event will feature brunch and dinner cooked live fire throughout the day by James Beard Award Winner, Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due, a master blending session with Multi-100-point Winemaker, Jean Hoefliger and Uplift Winemaker, Claire Richardson, two bottles of Uplift Eclipse Red Wine (a limited production bottle made special for the occasion), an astronomer on site for eclipse talks and commentary throughout event, special surprises and gifts from Uplift and of course wine. Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased online for $925.

1411 Co Rd 119
Burnet, TX 78611

Grape Punch at William Chris Vineyards

The yearly Grape Punch is taking place this August 26, 2023. Photo: William Chris Vineyards, used with permission.

If you have ever wanted to learn about the wine making business and personally crush some grapes, your wait is over. Here is an exciting event coming up at William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Tx.

Summertime is coming to a close and at William Chris Vineyards, they are ending the summer with a punch, Grape Punch that is. William Chris Vineyards is excited to share that their annual Grape Punch event will take place on Saturday, August 26, starting at 3p.m. (William Chris Vineyards, 2023)

For a $25 ticket, guests can immerse themselves in the world of winemaking, learn how to pick the finest grapes, how to crush them with care, and how the grapes become the best Texas wines. Every ticket includes a glass of wine and a Grape Punch t-shirt.

The event is held yearly at William Chris Vineyards, recently voted the number 60 vineyard in the world by World’s Best Vineyards and is open to all wine lovers, no experience necessary. For additional information or to purchase tickets please visit them online.

Hye, Tx

William Chris Vineyards’ upcoming events

Events include story time with Mrs. Claus and annual NYE Black Eyed Pea Cook Off. Photo: William Chris Vineyards, used with permission.

William Chris Vineyards is a winery in Hye, Texas that features a visitors center, contemporary tasting rooms, and a patio café. The winery frequently hosts events and with the holiday season in full bloom, these are some of the events scheduled. (William Chris Vineyards, 2022)

FREE EVENT: Story Time with Mrs. Claus | December 18 at 4:30p.m.

The event will feature letters to Santa Claus, Cookie Decorating Station, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Christmas Carols, and a Christmas tree for pictures. Guests can sip on Grinch Punch, hot chocolate or indulge in their chocolate fountain, plus much more. Wine and bottle service will be available throughout the event as well. Reservation is requested and can be made online.

Annual New Year’s Day Black Eyed Pea Cook Off | January 1, 2023 at 1p.m. – 4p.m.

The annual Black-Eyed Pea Cook-Off is a New Year’s tradition that draws WCV fans. Join us for a Southern-style celebration and help us crown our 2022 champion on Saturday, January 1st, 2023 at 1p.m. All tickets include; A New Year’s toast with our winemaking team, barrel tastings, a meal by the WCV in-house culinary team, wine tasting tickets, an exclusive WCV Black-Eyed Pea t-shirt, a sampling of all black-eyed pea dishes, one vote to cast for your favorite dish, and live music throughout the event.

Tickets can be purchased here for $50 (kid tickets: 21 and under for $12) If interested in entering your black eyed pea dish, contestant entry costs $75 and will include a greeter wine, plate of food & T-shirt. Contestants will be expected to arrive at 10a.m. to start cooking. There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ordered plus cash/wine prizes including:

1st – $500, Case of Wine
2nd – $250, 6 Bottles
3rd – 4 bottles of wine

Additionally, William Chris Vineyards began their new dinner experience, Supper Club, taking place weekly at the Hye Tasting Room

Join WCV in-house culinary team weekly for an expertly crafted dinner experience paired with Texas wine. Chef Daniel Todd is preparing a new menu each Wednesday and is inviting you to this Hye dining experience. Dinner includes glasses of William Chris wine that are hand selected to pair with the courses served. All wines featured will be available for purchase at the dinner.

REASONS TO LOVE THIS EXPERIENCE: The moment you pull off Highway 290 onto the William Chris grounds, you cannot help but be in awe of the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. From the simple charm of our original farmhouse to the modern tasting room surrounded by an active vineyard – all elements of our property are beautifully suited to their terroir and expressive of our reverence for the past and vision for the future.

It began in the Hill Country as a collaboration between William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett; one that is based on a shared winemaking philosophy and a vision of the Texas wine industry’s capabilities. Bill and Chris agree that excellent wines are not made, but grown in the vineyard. They also believe that wine should be inspired by the pleasure that is shared with an extended community of friends and family over a bottle. Today, William Chris Vineyards continues to reach for a level of quality that represents the very best of Texas in each new vintage. It is with confidence in our process and pride in our team, community, and the special place we call home, that we inscribe each bottle of William Chris Vineyards wine with this greeting: We are pleased to share a piece of our world.

William Chris Vineyards

William Chris Vineyards introduces unique Vine to Bottle Tour & Tasting

Discover more about Texas’ famous Hill Country wine with a unique Vine to Bottle Tour & Tasting from William Chris Vineyards. Photo: William Chris Vineyards, used with permission.

William Chris Vineyards was founded in the Texas Hill Country in 2008 by Chris Brundrett and Bill Blackmon. Deciding on a pioneer farm settlement in the historic town of Hye, Texas, they began the project to restore the 1905 Deike farmhouse, which became the original William Chris Tasting Room. Over the last decade, William Chris has expanded their estate vineyards and partnered with family-owned farms across the state to source only the highest quality fruit in Texas. William Chris Vineyards is now offering a unique Vine to Bottle Tour & Tasting at their vineyard located in Hye, Texas. (William Chris Vineyards, 2022)

William Chris Vineyards Vine to Bottle: Tour & Tasting

Ever wanted to experience a truly unique wine tour? Knowledgeable tasting room ambassadors from William Chris Vineyards are excited to offer a special opportunity to experience a grape’s journey from vine to wine to bottle in an exclusive tour of William Chris Vineyards.

This behind-the-scenes look at William Chris Vineyards includes a tour of the vineyard and the active production area, with a final stop to taste wine directly from the barrel. During your experience, you will have the opportunity to taste five Texas wines, and depending on the season, you will encounter unique stages in the wine life cycle, from welcoming fruit to fermentation to bottling, which guarantees no two tours are exactly alike.

William Chris Vineyards prides itself on offering a truly specialized experience for wine lovers in the Texas Hill Country. It is with confidence in their process and pride in their team and community that they open their doors to share a piece of their world with us. Join them to understand what makes them feel so passionate.

Lost Draw Cellars – Food Offerings

Lost Draw Cellars offers a full food menu, all made to order at the Lost Draw Tasting Room that can be enjoyed on property, or prepared for take-out. Items include some of the classic wine-tasting appetizers such as Charcuterie and Mediterranean Boards. Lost Draw also offers delicious gourmet sandwiches and wine pairing recommendations, including The Grown Up Grilled Cheese- a gooey, three cheese sandwich paired with sparkling wine and The Cluckin’ Gringo, a chicken, bacon and cheddar cheese sandwich with dried tomato aioli, best paired with a Rose. Wineries with a full menu can sometimes be hard to find in Fredericksburg, but guests can expect a full meal at Lost Draw Cellars.

Founded in 2012 by Andrew Sides, Troy Ottmers and Andy Timmons, Lost Draw Cellars is a family-owned business with deep Texas roots. As a proud producer of 100 percent Texas-grown wine, Lost Draw manages their estate vineyard in the Texas High Plains, with a tasting room right in the heart of Fredericksburg, Texas. The Lost Draw team is committed to producing quality wines that highlight the unique terroir of Texas, planting grapes that thrive in the semi-arid climate of the region and working to continuously improve the growing process in a sustainable way. In addition to their estate vineyards, the team partners with some of the best vineyards in the state as a way of supporting Texas farmers.

William Chris Vineyards

William Chris Wine Company to host virtual wine tasting and cooking demonstration

William Chris Wine Company’s virtual wine and cooking event will take place on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Photo: William Chris Wine Company, used with permission.

Are you looking for new ways to expand your love of cooking and explore the world of wine-pairing? William Chris Wine Company (WCWC) is having a virtual wine tasting with WCWC owner Chris Brundrett and his wife Katharine taking place Thursday, July 28th at 7pm CT via Facebook and YouTube Live. (William Chris Wine Company (WCWC), 2022)

Get the full wine tasting experience (without the Texas heat) in the comfort of your own home. The tasting will invite viewers to cook an original recipe (sent via email once package is purchased) by WCWC’s Culinary Director Chef Skip, alongside Chris and Katharine Brundrett. In addition, viewers will also explore a variety of wines to pair one perfectly with the gourmet dish they have created. Sip, listen, and enjoy as they give an update on the current harvest, brag about their garden, and answer your questions about anything and everything Texas wine related. This virtual wine tasting is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about wine pairings with food — and maybe pick up some fun cooking tips along the way.

Guests can now purchase the curated Sip with Skip pack on their website to participate in the virtual wine tasting including the following:

2021 Blanc du Bois – Austin County
2021 Rosato – Grower Project
2019 Grenache – Friesen Vineyard
2017 Merlot – Robert Clay Vineyards

BONUS ALERT: The first 100 packs sold will receive a complimentary bottle of 1836 Texas Olive Oil. Tickets are available at the link provided here for $145. Add one bottle of wine and receive free shipping courtesy of WCWC.

William Chris Wine Company was founded in October 2020 by William Chris Vineyards’ Chris Brundrett and Lost Draw Cellars’ Andrew Sides. Built from a shared vision and set of core values, WCWC is the parent company of the William Chris Vineyards (est. 2008), Lost Draw Cellars (est. 2012), Skeleton Key (est. 2015), and Grower Project (est. 2015) brands, and is the leading producer of 100 percent Texas-grown wines in the Lone Star State.

2021 Rosato – Grower Project. Photo: William Chris Wine Company, used with permission.

First impression: Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard

Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard in Los Fresnos. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Having spent the last few years in the big city, I had become accustomed to visiting wineries to enjoy a wine tasting or two. Since we relocated to the area, those visits have become rare since wineries and vineyards are not too common here in the Rio Grande Valley, especially in the small town of Los Fresnos. When I heard about Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard, I jumped at the chance to check it out for myself and the weekend is the perfect time so I headed out there on Saturday.

Finding the place is not that hard if you are familiar with the area. It is located northeast of Los Fresnos, a mile 1/2 north of Highway 100 on FM 3069. Take Highway 100 going towards Port Isabel, turn left on Bobz World, and about a mile or less, Bonita Flats is on the right hand. Given the harsh hot South Texas summer weather, they are open in the later afternoon and evening, starting at 3p.m. Me and three other wine afficionados were excited to finally get a chance to try this place out and managed to get there at the perfect time right before sunset.

The outside sitting areas have plenty of shade and we managed to get a table for four. Melissa Delgado, one of the owners, promptly came over and introduced herself, told us all about the place and the type of wines they have, and got us started with a bottle of Chenin Blanc. We ordered the Charcuterie platter and a Margherita pizza for everyone. Within minutes we got the Charcuterie platter but had to wait a little longer for the pizza but once it was ready, it was easy to see why it took so long: it is made fresh with their own herbs and tomatoes. Definitely worth the wait. To wrap up the evening, we ordered a bottle of Dolcetto Rosé.

Live music for the night was courtesy of Cactus Willie who performed with his acoustic guitar. His voice is similar to Willie Nelson and even though he performs Willie Nelson songs, he also sings a variety of songs, from John Denver to the Beatles. He also performs at Pirates Landing at South Padre Island.

According to Art Delgado, future plans for Bonita Flats include a café to serve breakfast and brunch and bringing back the ‘vegetables by the bag’ in the fall season.

Overall, the combination of an evening outdoor setting, wine tasting, and tasty bites accompanied by live music made for a pleasant experience. The food was excellent and so was the wine. They have only been opened for three months and have so many plans for the place and by the looks of it, they are headed in the right direction. I cannot wait to see how they grow and will definitely return. I recommend Bonita Flats to anyone looking for a quiet place to unwind with friends and family and of course, a glass of wine and a slice of pizza. Next time you need to relax after a long week, head on over, maybe we will run into each other. Thank you to owners Art and Melissa Delgado for answering all our questions.

Current menu:
Wine menu: Whites: Trebbiano, Chenin Blanc ($8 glass, $25 bottle), Rosé: Dolcetto Rosé, Immaculate Rosé, and Reds: Anglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon ($10 glass, $32 bottle)
Pizza made with farm fresh herbs and tomatoes ($12) pepperoni, Margherita
Charcuterie ($15) includes Manchego, aged Cheddar, and Gouda cheeses, fresh fruit (grapes and watermelon slices), crackers, salami, and green olives.

Art and Melissa Delgado established Bonita Flats Farm and Vineyard in 2016. They have dedicated 4 greenhouses and 1 acre of row crops to growing a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. All produce is grown using organic practices, without any harmful pesticides. They also use all organic and non-GMO seeds for planting. (Bonita Flats Farm and Vineyard, 2022)

Business hours:
Friday 3p.m. to 11p.m.
Saturday 3p.m. to 11p.m.
Sunday 3p.m. to 8p.m.

Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard

William Chris Vineyards announces Fall Pairing Guide

William Chris Vineyards. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

William Chris Vineyards introduces the Fall Pairing Guide 2020 written by Kelsey Kramer CMS level II, WSET II and a Certified Texas Wine professional. (William Chris Vineyards, 2020)

2019 La Pradera Roussanne, Texas High Plains – This first wine has been glistening next to our Chef, Josh Tye’s, original food pairings– 2019 Roussanne from La Pradera Vineyard. Not only does the rich golden hue of this Roussanne set the stage for any dinner table, it is also suggestive of the wine’s aromas and flavors. Is that honey notes that I am detecting, or hazelnuts and golden hay? Pair with roasted vegetables and anything savory that you would top with crushed toasted nuts.

2018 La Pradera Cinsault and 2018 Hunter – We wait all year long to pull out the recipes for this season. Making it through all of them may sound like a challenge, but our 2018 La Pradera Cinsault has the unique ability to zap a palate back into action even after helping number three. Flavors of the pure red forest berries will uplift dishes like roasted loin of pork, green beans almondine and goat cheese salads. This wine will pair to the notorious challenge at the Thanksgiving table- cranberries. While this delicate and juicy Cinsault will act like a cherry glaze to pork, we have a complement to bolder delicacies like charred beef tips and Prime Rib au jus. Our newest release, 2018 Hunter, brings velvety fig and plum to a decadent table. Pair 2018 La Pradera Cinsault with your favorite fall-time table runner and a couple bottles of 2018 Hunter with dim lighting and a Spicewood fire.

2018 Texas High Plains Mourvedre – Sometimes the season brings so much food to the table that you just cannot pick what to pair to. Maybe your gatherings are potluck style and wine-pairing is a mystery. Select 2018 Texas High Plains Mourvedre as a universal wine for your table of veggies, potatoes, beef, and even soy-based Asian cuisine if that is your style. This wine blends Mourvedre grapes from several vineyards so that where one set of vineyard conditions might promote spice and depth another might promote fruit and brighter tones, leaving you with a little bit of everything that tastes like Texas in a single glass.

Wine lovers can also look forward to enjoying the 2019 Pétillant Naturel this holiday season. Pétillant Naturel translates to “naturally sparkling” and uses one of the oldest known methods for making wine called Mèthode Ancestrale. Whether enjoyed at Christmas or New Year’s Eve, It is the perfect wine to add a little sparkle to the end of the year.

William Chris Vineyards releases Texas Red Blend to benefit Southern Smoke Foundation

Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett, co-owners of William Chris Vineyards, recently announced the launch of the Wanderer Series Relief Project, featuring a new wine benefitting the Texas hospitality industry created in collaboration with Master Sommelier Craig Collins. The red blend features 95% Cinsault and 5% Mourvedre from the Texas High Plains and is now available online, as well as from the following retailers in select locations: H-E-B, Kroger, Twin Liquors, Whole Foods Market and several independent bottle shops throughout Texas. This wine, priced at $20, was created with a mission of supporting the incredible group of chefs, servers, sommeliers and bartenders that make up the Texas restaurant community, which has been critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All profits from the sales of this wine will go to the Southern Smoke Foundation with the goal of helping this group get back to doing what they love. (William Chris Vineyards, 2020)

Another remarkable aspect of the project is the abundance of generosity put forward by the industry partners involved. This project would not be possible without the support of Victory Wine Group, who is handling distribution of the wine; design shop Canales & Co. out of Austin, who created the label design; and Fortis Solutions Group, Berlin Glass, Lafitte Cork & Capsule, G3 and Oeneo-DIAM, who all generously donated the respective bottling materials for this project.

In addition to the release of the Wanderer Series Relief Project, WCV is finding every opportunity to keep their staff of 64 busy while the tasting room is closed. This has resulted in several new ways for fans to stay engaged with the William Chris experience and team; from weekly virtual tastings and daily online happy hours on Facebook, to curbside pick-up on site at the winery. By supporting WCV during this time, fans can help ensure that the company will be stable and ready for the brighter days ahead. #WCVSTRONG.

“Our industry, our country, and our world is hurting right now, emotionally, physically, and financially. As a company, we’re fighting to stay afloat, and our brothers and sisters in the restaurant space have been some of the hardest hit…. Buying a bottle of this wine for yourself and maybe a couple more for friends and family is a great way to give back to folks who desperately need our help, while enjoying some delicious 100% Texas-grown wine.” – Chris Brundrett

Annual New Year’s Day black-eyed pea cook-off at William Chris Vineyards

wcvblackeyedpea — William Chris Vineyards will be hosting their annual New Year’s Day Party that will feature a black-eyed pea cook-off. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

William Chris Vineyards will be hosting their Annual New Year’s Day Party featuring a distinctly southern family-friendly Black Eyed Pea Cook-Off at the vineyard in Hye, Texas on Wednesday, January 1 from 1p.m. to 4p.m. The ticket price for general admission is $25 and will include a New Year’s toast for adults, plenty of black eyed peas, one vote to cast for your favorite dish and live music provided by Trace of Gold. (William Chris Vineyards, 2019)

Think you have what it takes to compete for the title of William Chris’ Black Eyed Pea Champion? The cook-off is $40 per entry for a team of two – entrants must prepare a dish at home using Black Eyed Peas with enough to provide 300 samples to attendees; the dish must be ready by set-up time at 12p.m. on January 1. Prizes for the top three teams include: 1st place will receive $500 + case of WCV wine; 2nd place will receive $200 + 6 bottles of WCV; and 3rd place will receive $50 + 2 bottles of WCV wine.

William Chris Vineyards
10352 U.S. Highway 290
Hye, TX 78635

William Chris Vineyards announces grand opening of new tasting room

williamchrisgrapes — William Chris Vineyards’ new welcome center and wine club members’ tasting room will open on Saturday August 10. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Beloved family-owned winegrowing company based in Hye, Texas, William Chris Vineyards is pleased to announce the grand opening of their new welcome center and wine club members’ tasting room on Saturday, August 10. The tasting room will feature enhanced wine experiences that will be available for all guests to experience by reservation only Monday through Wednesday from 10a.m. to 5p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 6p.m. and Sunday 11a.m. to 5p.m. (William Chris Vineyards, 2019)

William Chris Vineyards will offer visitors enhanced experiences that will rotate regularly with a focus on wine education, food and wine pairings, and unique wine tasting formats not yet explored in Texas wine country. These new experiences led to the addition of key personnel, including a resident sommelier, D Thompson, who recently obtained a level III certification in wine from Wine and Spirits Education Trust; new tasting room manager Luke Hricik, formerly of Duckhorn Vineyards; and Executive Chef Josh Tye, formerly of Rose Hill Manor, Uchiko, and Hudson’s on the Bend.

As visitation to the vineyard has grown steadily over the years, the team at William Chris Vineyards designed their new tasting room to accommodate their loyal club members who have been an integral part of the growth of the business from a small, boutique winery to one of the state’s leading producers of 100% Texas-grown wine. Architect Marley Porter of Living Architecture designed the 5,500-square-foot tasting room, offices, and new welcome center that provides visitors to the estate with a stunning view of the rolling hills beyond — a breathtaking backdrop for the flourishing vineyards.

“Expanding our team to focus more on community and education is the right thing to do. When you come and enjoy our wine you are investing in more than just a bottle, you are investing in a world-class wine industry that is driving the agriculture, tourism, and wine business into new, uncharted territory. We are pleased to share a piece of our world.” – Chris Brundrett, co-owner and winegrower at WCV.