There is a hidden wine route in West Texas, mostly unknown to the rest of the state… until now that is.
Most people probably think of Fredericksburg and the Hill County, or something along the Highway 290 wine trail of Texas when anyone talks about wine in this state. I was one of them myself.
But now — after almost five years as a Texas resident — I’ve learned there is a spectacular wine route every Texas wine lover needs to make, and it’s right in our backyard.
Starting and ending in downtown San Angelo, this route takes 2.5 hours to complete, nonstop, and covers 143 miles one-way.
It is possible to complete this trip in a full day, if you left early on a Saturday, but why rush such a fun trip?
Consider making it an overnighter, so you can savor the stops, the people, and the wine — and bypass any nasty hangovers as well.
We’ll begin with the nearest and newest stop right in town at English Newsom Cellars(ENC).
Just opened last month as the first true wine-tasting room in downtown, they’re crushing more than grapes by winning over fans of their wine as well.
Started in Lubbock in 2018, ENC is a 100-percent Texas grown, and estate-produced, wine brand.
This is their fourth location in Texas, and you need to go see what they are all about.
The Sagrantino, Montepulciano, and Italian Red Blend are my suggestions.
Want something really rare in Texas? Try the 2022 Picardan white wine.
Head South on US Highway 277
Now, just 25- minutes south of town, head to Christoval Vineyards.
Say hello to Bart and Wendi Neff, if you see them, as they are the co-owners of this spot and they are truly great people.
They are both ASU graduates; Bart is a Ph.D. chemist, and Wendi is a marketing expert. They acquired Christoval Vineyards, Winery, and Chapel Events Center in April 2019.
They have a beautiful landscape outside with grapevines and an outdoor stone patio, pizza oven, and cornhole sets.
The indoor tasting room is spacious and cozy as well, and offers a menu of small-plate appetizers to go with your wine picks. They open at 11:30 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, so plan accordingly.
Christoval Vineyard’s Angelo Red, Angelo White, and Rambunctious Red are always solid choices here.
From there, you are off to Mason Texas, a 90-minute drive from Christoval for a magnificent 4-in-1 winery stop.
My wife and I have come to love and look forward to trying these makers’ wines at any events they show up at around West Texas.
Robert Clay Vineyards, Parr Vineyards, and Fly Gap Winery, are all here within walking distance of one another.
Do note that Robert Clay has recently shifted their model to private tastings by appointment only. A recent surge in demand and their amazing but limited supply of well-aged red wines (it takes significant time to barrel age and store the wine after all) so that they no longer do walk-in tastings as they previously did. After your private tasting, you can join their wine allocation group to have set number of bottles sent to you during the year. Appointments can be made on their website.
A Word of Caution
Do pace yourself here folks; three wineries in one day, even when doing only a tasting at each, it adds up.
Ideally, plan a whole day just for these four spots in Mason.
I would suggest this as your best spot to spend the night as well.
Try the 2018 Moursag from Fly Gap Winery, and the 2019 Wild Child five-grape-blend from Parr Vineyards.
Ten short miles up the road, on US Highway 87, is Peters Prairie Vineyard tasting room.
Co-owners Kim and Curt Henderson run the show here, and been producing some terrific Texas wines since early 2019.
Katie and Lex Flemming are actually the two staff managers my wife and I keep crossing paths with at wine events we attend around West Texas. We are always sure to stop at their table or booth to sample what they put out, because it should never be missed!
I would strongly suggest the 2018 Tempranillo or the 2020 Syrah Rose’ from Peters Prairie.
Day Two
The next day, now getting near the end, drive 23-miles northeast to The Wines of Dotson Cervantez in Voca.
Owners Martha and Alphonse are truly amazing people with a story that will blow you away when you hear it.
How did a former NFL defensive tackle for the Raiders get into grape growing and winemaking? They tell it best so go hear it from them.
Try their dessert wines for sure. You deserve a sweet ending after this wine route excursion so treat yourself to either the Angelina’s Smile, or the 2018 El Sol Dorado.
Bonus…
From now through Aug. 31, readers can mention The Concho Observer and/or The Concho Valley Wine Route at any of the below locations to get 15-percent off wine by the glass, a tasting, or wine by the bottle.
- English Newsom
- Christoval Vineyards
- Peters Prairie
- Fly Gap
- Parr Vineyards
Now go forth and see all the great Texas wines we have right here!
