One of the best parts of being a wine nerd is exploring wine regions. New wineries, new wines and talking to people in the industry. One topic, wherever I land, centers around local wine. Some purists want to taste only locally grown wines from the region they’re visiting. Others want to explore as many wines, styles, varietals and expressions as possible. Then there are the party animals who just want to drink!
So, my friends, which is the best option? Candidly, I think it’s up to you to decide. But first, let me share my recent experience with you. This can be your baseline for what I’m talking about for you to better understand the options. Location: Fredericksburg, TX. Heart of the Texas Hill Country wine region. Home to amazing wineries and world class wine makers.
What specifically is local wine?
First stop, Signor Vinyards. 200 gorgeous acres along the Pedernales River right in the heart of wine country. With lush gardens manicured to perfection, multiple outdoor patio spaces for enjoyment and a tasting room in the former residence, legacy exudes throughout. With exception of the state-of-the-art wine making facility nearing completion. Its thoughtful design harkens to the past. Inspiration is drawn from wooden barns found on farm and ranch land all over Texas.
Locally grown is simply geography of origin
Formal opening of Signor Vineyards was in 2018 with an Oregon heavy lineup. Oregon is where Eric remains GM and winemaker at the family winery, Weisinger Family Winery. Today, the mix is more 70% Texas wine / 30% Oregon wine being poured in the tasting room, but the mix still exists. The new wine making facility will allow Signor to continue trending toward a more Texan mix. This is where the juxtaposition begins. A Texas winery featuring Oregon wines. Purists may raise their arms in rebellion! Me? The opportunity for wine lovers to explore great wines from varietals ideally suited for Texas or Oregon in one location is a wine nerd’s educational playground!
I’m lucky enough to be hosted by the Signor dream trifecta – Eric (winemaker), Jeff Shatto (project manager) and Landon Miller (production manager). My tour starts off with a walkthrough of the new winemaking facility. Best yet, a few tastes of wine still in the pre-bottling stage. It is readily apparent passion for creating beautiful expressions true to the varietal reigns king. There is no “us” against “them” competition between Texas wine and Oregon wine. The lineup of wines at Signor does not seem bound by territory. Instead, it is bound by the mirrored reflection of beauty found in every corner of the property. Vineyards are still young, but thriving. The tasting room is like a welcoming retreat. The gardens take the heat out of the Texas sun. And the wine expresses it’s origin beautifully, regardless of which State.
The experience you seek, frame your expectations
Bottom line, regardless of where the grapes grew, they’re locally grown and the wines locally made. My personal experience allowed me to explore how Signor is taking the best of Texas winemaking and melding it with the experience Eric brings from decades of Oregon winemaking. I’m quite certain when the new winemaking facility opens, Signor Vineyards will take the current experience to a whole new level of greatness. And I hope there will still be a few Oregon varietals rounding out the tasting options!
Signor is not the only winery blending wines from multiple locations into their portfolio. I geek out over terroir influences, climate differentials, winemaking impacts and all of the things creating thousands of different wines to explore. I’m the kid in a candy store! Thank you Eric, Jeff and Landon for your hospitality and a fantastic lineup of gorgeous wines!
Cheers!🍷
