William Chris Vineyards

Founded in 2008 by William "Bill" Blackmon and Chris Brundrett, William Chris Vineyards is built on the belief that great wines are grown, not made. Utilizing Old-World winemaking techniques, the winery creates genuine expressions of Texas's distinctive grape-growing regions. Named the first and only Texas winery on the World's 50 Best Vineyards list at No. 31, the vineyard offers tastings, chef's table wine pairings, release parties, and a Hill Country Wine Academy. Their "grown, not made" philosophy and warm hospitality have earned them recognition from VinePair, Austin Chronicle, and wine lovers worldwide.

Visiting William Chris Vineyards felt like experiencing the heart of Texas wine in its most honest form. From the moment you arrive, there’s this blend of rustic charm and quiet confidence—the kind of place that doesn’t need to impress you loudly because the quality speaks for itself. The setting in the Hill Country is beautiful but not overdone, and everything about the experience feels grounded in a real respect for the land and the people behind it.

What stayed with me most is their philosophy that great wine is “grown, not made.” You can actually taste that mindset in every pour—there’s a sense of place, season, and care that makes each wine feel like a snapshot of that particular vintage. William Chris Vineyards has built something that goes beyond just a tasting room; it feels like a community built around Texas-grown fruit, shared tables, and meaningful moments. Knowing they’ve even earned recognition as one of the world’s top vineyard destinations just reinforces what you already feel while you’re there—it’s special, but in a way that still feels completely approachable