A Labor of Love and Texas Terroir

At Sandy Road Vineyards, we believe that the best fertilizer is a farmer’s shadow. Our commitment to quality starts with our constant presence in the vineyard, tending to each vine with care and striving to create the perfect balance for our wines. Every step is done by hand—from planting to pruning to harvesting. This hands-on approach ensures that every grape meets our high standards and captures the unique character of our land.

Our vineyard is a true family project, built on hard work and dedication. Reagan, Kristina, Bryan, and Adrienne personally prepared the land, digging each hole, planting each vine, and harvesting every cluster of grapes. This vineyard wasn’t just established with capital—it was created with sweat, determination, and a deep love for Texas winemaking. Together, we transformed our family’s 100-acre farm into Sandy Road Vineyards, now home to 16 acres of meticulously planted grapevines.

 

Embracing Mediterranean Varieties for Texas Wine

When choosing what to plant, we looked to regions that share Texas’s hot, sunny climate. The Southern Rhône, Spain, and parts of Italy all serve as inspiration, with grapes that naturally thrive under similar conditions. Rather than focusing on varieties associated with California, we chose grapes that love their place—grapes that thrive in the Mediterranean climate of the Texas Hill Country. These sun-loving varieties soak up the warmth, producing wines that are full of depth, flavor, and a true reflection of their terroir.

 

By focusing on varieties that flourish in this climate, we can craft wines that are authentic to Texas, wines that transform the sun and soil into something special in every glass. 

The Grape Varieties of Sandy Road Vineyards

Our vineyard is divided into eight distinct blocks, each showcasing grape varieties that we believe are perfectly suited for Texas’s climate and soil. These include:

• Tempranillo: Known as the “noble grape” of Spain, Tempranillo thrives in warm, dry climates, making it an excellent match for the Texas Hill Country. Its bold structure and deep fruit flavors reflect the warmth of Texas, producing wines with character and depth.
  
  
• Sangiovese: Celebrated as Italy’s signature grape and the heart of renowned Tuscan wines, Sangiovese flourishes under the sunny skies and limestone-rich soils of the Texas Hill Country. Bright acidity and juicy red fruit flavors of cherry that blend elegantly with subtle hints of herbs and spice, creating lively, balanced wines with unmistakable charm.
  
  
• Grenache: This Southern Rhône grape loves the sun and heat, which makes it a natural fit for Texas. Our Grenache yields wines with juicy red fruit flavors and a soft, approachable texture that are perfect for easy sipping.
  
  
• Syrah: Originating in the Rhône Valley, Syrah is a grape that truly shines in warmer regions. Our Texas-grown Syrah captures rich, dark fruit flavors with hints of spice, creating a wine that’s both powerful and smooth.
  
  
• Mourvèdre: Known for its earthy, robust qualities, Mourvèdre brings structure and a touch of wildness to our wines. This variety thrives in Texas and lends complexity to our blends.
  
  
• Marselan: A cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, Marselan combines the best of both worlds—Cabernet’s structure and Grenache’s fruit-forward charm. This grape has shown great promise in our vineyard, producing balanced wines that are both bold and approachable.
  
  
• Mencia: A lesser-known but remarkable grape from northwest Spain, Mencia is gaining attention for its aromatic profile and balanced acidity. Its ability to withstand Texas’s intense heat allows it to develop vibrant flavors and elegant structure.
  
  
• Prieto Picudo: Another Spanish varietal, Prieto Picudo is celebrated for its bold, spicy notes and ability to adapt to hot climates. This grape adds complexity and uniqueness to our vineyard, offering something distinctive in every glass.

A Vineyard Rooted in Limestone, Clay, and Sand

Our vineyard sits on a gently sloping, eastward-facing hillside, an ideal setup for drainage and soil diversity. At the top of the hill, the shallow, rocky limestone soil provides a foundation for complex, mineral-driven wines. Moving down the slope, the soil transitions into layers of clay and sand, adding richness and structure to the vines.

 

Some of the world’s most renowned Grand Cru vineyards in France are planted on chalky, white limestone. With our own similar limestone-rich soil, we believe that Texas has the potential to produce world-class wines that stand alongside the greats. This blend of limestone, clay, and sand imparts a unique complexity to our wines, enhancing the character of each grape variety and allowing it to shine.

 

From Ground to Glass

Our vineyard is more than just rows of grapevines—it’s a living, breathing testament to our commitment to Texas winemaking. Every grape that goes into our bottles carries with it the story of our family’s hard work, our dedication to sustainable practices, and our respect for the land. At Sandy Road Vineyards, we’re not just growing grapes; we’re creating a legacy of fine Texas wine that reflects the unique terroir of our home.

 

We invite you to explore our wines and experience a taste of the Texas Hill Country through the varieties we’ve chosen and the care we put into each bottle. These wines are more than a product—they are a reflection of our journey, our land, and our vision for Texas wine.