Dr. Bob Young Honored with the Gilstrap Innovator Award

On Wednesday of last week, Dr. Bob Young was honored with the Gilstrap Innovator Award from the Texas Hill Country Wineries Association.

Named in honor of Gary Gilstrap, who along with his wife Kathy, were the driving force behind the inception of THCW.  The Gilstrap Innovator Award is presented to an individual nominated from the Texas wine industry who has made an impact and a long-lasting change to the industry.  The nominee should be an industry member whose commitment and passion has led to a positive effect on the industry through their leadership and professionalism.

I had the honor of presenting the award, and below is the introduction that I gave when presenting.

Dr. Bob Young is the owner and executive winemaker at Bending Branch Winery. After a distinguished career in medicine and public health, he turned his attention to winemaking and founded Bending Branch in 2009. From day one, he brought his pioneering spirit to Texas wine.

Dr. Bob has pioneered multiple grape varieties in this state like Tannat, Picpoul Blanc, Petit Manseng, Souzão, and Charbono. He's applied scientifically-driven approaches to enhance polyphenol extraction through processes like cryo-maceration and flash détente, … along with other experiments  that we can't quite talk about just yet. 

And he has been taking Texas terroir to new heights by aging wines and bourbons with Texas White Oak, which is something that has gained national attention and interest.

It's very normal for Dr. Bob to bring charts and graphs to wine tastings, dinners, and meetings because it's part of his DNA as an educator to share the science behind the innovation. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear about oligomeric proanthocyanidins, grape cell wall vacuoles, and 5-Methyl-Furfurals while enjoying their main course?

Kidding aside, innovation requires investment—of time, of resources, and of courage. Not every experiment succeeds, and that takes resilience.

What makes Dr. Bob's work even more powerful is his spirit of collaboration, whether with Texas A&M, Standard Cooperage, or countless others.

But his impact extends far beyond grape varieties, extraction expertise, and Texas White Oak. He has been a mentor to many, both formally and informally, and continues to inspire. I cannot tell you how many times someone in this industry has come up to him and said, “You're the reason I got into Texas wine.”

Dr. Bob is a restless innovator who constantly drives to do more, to improve more, to push boundaries further. And yet, amidst all that relentless pursuit of excellence, he remains extremely devoted to his family and to the community.

Simply put, beyond all the science and the accolades, Dr. Bob is just a really good person. He is the kind of person who makes this industry better just by being in it.

So please join me in congratulating Dr. Bob Young as the recipient of this year's Gilstrap Innovator Award.

In Dr. Bob’s acceptance remarks, he applauded the innovation happening by the entire industry. 

Congratulations to Dr. Bob on well-deserved recognition.

Dr. Bob accepts the award from January Wiese, Executive Director of Texas Hill Country Wineries.
Photo Credit: Bill Peary

 

Texas White Oak Wines Earn Top Awards

Bending Branch Winery is proud to share that our Texas White Oak–aged wines have recently received an impressive lineup of awards and high scores from some of the most respected wine competitions and publications in the country.

As the first winery to use Texas White Oak as part of our wine aging program, these wines represent years of research, experimentation, and commitment to expressing true Texas terroir through innovation and sustainability.

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Award Highlights

2020 Petit Verdot Reserve, Narra Vineyards, Texas High Plains

• Platinum/97 Points/Class Champion/Texas Class Champion – 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
• Double Gold/Best of Show Texas Red – 2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
• Double Gold/Reserve Class Champion/Texas Class Champion – 2026 Houston Rodeo Uncorked!
• Gold – 2025 San Francisco Chronicle
• 98 Points – 2025 Beverage Dynamics Magazine
• 93 Points – 2025 James Suckling: So silky, but without sacrificing the medium-grained, impressively elegant and lengthy structure. Ripe, toasty black cherries, bruised blueberries and boysenberries extend through the amaretto-tinged finish, with fenugreek, sweet tobacco and anise. Drink or hold.

2020 Tannat Reserve, Tallent Vineyards, Texas Hill Country

• Gold/Reserve Class Champion/Reserve Texas Class Champion – 2026 Houston Rodeo Uncorked!
• Gold/Top of Class – 2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
• 98 Points – 2025 Beverage Dynamics Magazine
• 94 Points – 2025 James Suckling: A deep, dark nose weaves together cafe mocha, chocolate torte and Amarena cherries before a broad, grippy and long palate that gushes with blackberry liqueur, plum compote and licorice. A dusting of cinnamon and toasted coconut lingers with balance and power. Drink or hold.

2021 Texas Cowboy Cuvée Reserve, Newsom Vineyards, Texas High Plains

• Platinum/97 Points/Class Champion/Texas Class Champion – 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
• Double Gold – 2025 San Francisco Chronicle
• 96 Points – 2025 Beverage Dynamics Magazine
• 90 Points – 2025 James Suckling: Sappy, with sweet fruit on the nose and palate, this shows mixed-berry cobbler, plum compote, chocolate ganache, brown-sugar caramel, almond liqueur and coconut. An embracing, structured and generous blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petite sirah and malbec. Drink or hold. 

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About the Texas White Oak Program

The program began with years of research and experimentation, using sustainably harvested white oak from East Texas that was seasoned, toasted at varying levels, and introduced into select wines through oak chains in neutral barrels.

The goal of the project is to elevate Texas terroir’s expression in Texas wine and to explore how Texas White Oak influences structure, aroma, and flavor compared to traditional French and American oak, while maintaining a more sustainable approach to aging. The result is a lineup of wines that highlight both innovation and a distinct sense of Texas.

Shop Texas White Oak wines HERE.

 

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Announces 2025 Champion Wines

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is proud to present the Champion Wines from 
the 2025-2026 International Wine Competition, held September 29-30, 2025. This year’s winners were 
selected from a robust field of 921 wines, judged by a distinguished panel of 60 experts and nine judges 
returning to select the champion wines. Over 314 wineries from 13 countries, including 243 wines from 
39 Texas wineries submitted entries. 

Many of the Champion Wines will be available in H-E-B stores during February 2026 or can be ordered 
online at heb.com. 

Top 15 Champion Wines: 
• Grand Champion – 2022 Ride & Ridden California Cabernet Sauvignon 
• Reserve Champion – NV Champagne Lanson Le Black Label Brut 
• Top All-Around Winery – Rombauer Vineyards 
• Best of Herd Texas Winery – Bending Branch Winery 
• Best of Show Red – 2022 Opaque Darkness, Paso Robles 
• Best of Show White – 2023 Rombauer Chardonnay, Carneros 
• Best of Show Rosé – 2025 Oyster Bay Marlborough Rosé 
• Best of Show International – 2022 Bodegas Emilio Moro Malleolus, Ribera del Duero DO 
• Best of Show Texas Red – 2020 Bending Branch Winery Reserve Petit Verdot, Texas High  
Plains, Narra Vineyards 
• Best of Show Texas White – 2023 Becker Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Texas  
• Best of Show Texas Rosé – 2024 Michael Ros Winery Sangiovese Rosé, Michael Ros Vineyards 
• Best of Show Sparkling – NV Maison Albert Bichot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Réserve 
• Best of Show Sweet – NV Messina Hof Winery Beau, Tribute Series 
• Best of Show Value – 2022 Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell, Jumilla DO 
• Best of Show Featured Country (Italy) –2019 Pasqua 'Famiglia Pasqua' Amarone della  
Valpolicella DOCG 

The full list of award winners (including Double Gold and Top of Class) will be released no later than 
October 14, and can be found by clicking here.

Join us to celebrate these exceptional wines at the Champion Wine Auction & Dinner on Wednesday, 
January 7, 2026, at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium. The evening will feature a grand tasting, silent and 
live auctions, and the chance to mingle with winemakers and enthusiasts. Visit 
www.sarodeo.com/wine for tickets and details. 

About the Competition and Its Impact 
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition began in 2010 and has grown into 
one of the premier wine competitions in the country, attracting entries from renowned wineries around 
the globe. Proceeds from the Champion Wine Auction & Dinner directly support the San Antonio Stock 
Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund, helping fund the education of Texas youth. Since its inception, the 
Rodeo has committed more than $287 million to education through scholarships, grants, endowments, 
and other programs. Proceeds from the Wine Events benefit the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 
Scholarship Fund with a portion for the advancement of viticulture.
 

SA Rodeo Contact: Jennifer Wilson 210-982-5391 

Food, Wine, and Purpose

In a world where dining experiences often prioritize indulgence over nourishment, three extraordinary organizations have come together to redefine what it means to eat well. ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, Bending Branch Winery, and Pharm Table are joining forces for an unprecedented evening that proves wellness cuisine can be delicious.

The multi-course menu is meticulously designed to harness the healing power of nature's most potent anti-inflammatory ingredients, transforming them into culinary art that nourishes both body and soul.

The Inspiration Behind the Menu: A Decade of Discovery

The scientific foundation of this menu makes it special. Chef Elizabeth Johnson has been following the groundbreaking research of Dr. Michael Wargovich for over a decade, drawn to his pioneering work linking chronic inflammation in the body to cancer development. In fact, Dr. Wargovich's research became an inspiration for Pharm Table itself—a restaurant born from the revolutionary idea that food can be our most powerful medicine.

Dr. Wargovich's studies have illuminated how specific compounds in everyday foods can interrupt inflammatory pathways, offering our bodies natural protection against disease. The menu isn't just inspired by his work—it's a living testament to it, with each course carefully crafted to showcase ingredients that Dr. Wargovich's research has identified as potent allies in the fight against inflammation.

Picture this: you're seated at Pharm Table, where culinary visionary Chef Elizabeth Johnson has crafted anti-inflammatory cuisine that will enhance your knowledge of healthy eating. All the while, Chef Elizabeth Johnson, Dr. Michael Wargovich, and Dr. Bob Young are offering insights that transform you from a potentially passive consumer into an active participant in your own wellness journey.

Healing Flavors: Course by Course

Welcome wine: 2023 Estate Picpoul Blanc, Camledge Vineyard, Texas Hill Country

Ginger Meal Starter

The evening begins with a Ginger Meal Starter. It sets the tone for the entire experience. Ginger, one of nature's most studied anti-inflammatory compounds, contains powerful gingerols that research has shown can significantly reduce inflammatory markers.

First Course: Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio with Black Garlic and Rosemary Oil
Paired with 2024 Branch Tannat Frizzante Rosé, Texas Hill Country

The Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio elevates raw fish to new heights, enhanced by the mysterious umami depth of black garlic and the aromatic essence of rosemary oil. Omega-3 fatty acids from the tuna work synergistically with the concentrated antioxidants in aged black garlic, while rosemary contributes rosmarinic acid—a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. The playful bubbles and vibrant strawberry and watermelon notes of the 2024 Branch Tannat Frizzante Rosé, Texas Hill Country, complement these bold flavors, creating a celebratory pairing.

Third Course: Compressed Watermelon Salad with Basil and Ginger
Paired with 2024 Petit Manseng, Friesen Vineyard

As the evening unfolds, the Compressed Watermelon Salad delights with its refreshing combination of basil and ginger. Watermelon's natural lycopene content has significant anti-inflammatory properties, and it becomes concentrated through compression, while fresh basil adds eugenol, another inflammation-fighting compound. The exotic 2024 Petit Manseng, Friesen Vineyards, Texas High Plains, bridges the gap between the fruit's sweetness and the herbs' complexity.

Fourth Course: Your Choice of Entrée
Paired with 2020 Tannat Reserve, Tallent Vineyards

For the main event, guests choose their own adventure, each option a masterclass in Dr. Wargovich's anti-inflammatory principles:

The Pure Pastures Moroccan Lamb Skewer showcases turmeric and saffron, which are two spices whose curcumin and crocin compounds are noted for their ability to modulate inflammatory pathways. The premium grassfed lamb provides conjugated linoleic acid, another inflammation-fighting compound.

Alternatively, the show-stopping Rosemary-Ginger Black Garlic Cowboy Cauliflower Steak demonstrates how plant-based cuisine can deliciously deliver therapeutic benefit. Cauliflower, enhanced by rosemary's antioxidants and ginger's gingerols, create a synergistic effect that is suggested to impact inflammatory markers.

Both selections pair with the boldly structured 2020 Tannat Reserve. This wine was one of the first ever to be aged with Texas White Oak. Its tannins and the dark fruit complexity complement the robust flavors of the main course.

Fifth Course: Acai Blueberry Cheesecake
Paired with 2020 Tannat Port, Newsom Vineyards

Acai Blueberry Cheesecake is the featured dessert. Acai and blueberries represent some of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values in nature, packed with anthocyanins that are powerful inflammation fighters. The luxurious 2020 Tannat Port-style wine, with its deep color concentrated fruit and sweetness, is a harmonious pairing with the cheesecake.

Purpose with Every Bite

Every ticket sold, every glass raised, every moment of joy contributes to ThriveWell Cancer Foundation's mission to support cancer patients in San Antonio and beyond. This is dining with purpose, where pleasure and philanthropy unite in service of healing.

Understand not just what you're eating, but why it matters. Learning how black garlic develops its complex flavor profile while concentrating its antioxidants. Discovering why turmeric and black pepper work synergistically to maximize anti-inflammatory benefits. Exploring how sustainable winemaking practices create not just better wines, but better outcomes.

Your Invitation 

When passion meets purpose, when science meets artistry, and when three visionary organizations unite, the result isn't just a meal—it's a movement. And you're invited to be part of it.

In nature, the purple pigment is caused by the presence of anthocyanins. Purple will be highlighted in the menu, and you’re invited to use purple to accent your attire, too.

Natural red, blue, and purple colors are used by plants for propagation and defense against insect attack, as well as protecting the plant against damage from too much ultraviolet light.

In us, anthocyanins provide a boost to continued good health: they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming purple fruits and vegetables may protect against chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders.

Ready to THRIVE? Join us on November 19 at Bending Branch Winery for ThriveWell Dinner Series Vol. II: A Mediterranean Rainbow of Flavors. 
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

2025 Harvest Report

The quality of fruit we are getting from the Texas Hill Country is above average this year. The Tannat from our estate Camledge Vineyard looks outstanding. We also received some beautiful Malbec from Ranch Rose Vineyard outside of Comfort. We anticipate receiving Tannat, Petite Sirah, and Charbono from Tallent Vineyards over the next few weeks.

From the Texas High Plains, we recently received certified organic Cabernet Sauvignon from Y Knot Vineyards that will make a lively sparkling rosé. The clusters were clean and beautiful. We look forward to receiving more fruit from Y Knot Vineyards for red wines. We look forward to more certified organic fruit from Desert Willow Vineyards, too.

We’re anticipating high-quality harvests from Newsom Vineyards, Friesen Vineyards, and others. Some of the ripening has stalled out with recent rains in the High Plains, but we don’t mind the lull in fruit arrivals as there are plenty of wines in progress with fermentations and wines ready to press out and barrel down.

Taking Texas terroir to the next level with Texas white oak-aged wines

PRESS RELEASE

COMFORT, Texas – Building on its foundation of innovation, Bending Branch Winery announces the upcoming release of three new wines aged with Texas white oak. The first winery to ever use Texas white oak as part of its wine aging program, Bending Branch selected this new oak profile to add another layer of Texas terroir to its wines.

“We are committed to making not only the best Texas wines but also to put our own stamp on Texas terroir, innovation and sustainability,” said Dr. Bob Young, Bending Branch Winery co-owner and executive winemaker. “The Texas white oak offers distinct flavor characteristics of spice, caramel and vanilla while also providing a more sustainable approach to oak aging.”

The first wines aged with Texas white oak include:

2021 Texas Cowboy Cuvée Reserve, Newsom Vineyards, Texas High Plains
(a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Malbec)

• Double Gold – 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2020 Tannat Reserve, Tallent Vineyards, Texas Hill Country

• Silver – 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2020 Petit Verdot Reserve, Narra Vineyards, Texas High Plains

• Gold – 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

“We have been working on this project for the past six years to secure the best Texas white oak available and to experiment with different toast levels and aging protocols with a handful of different wines,” Young added. “We will continue to age various wines in Texas white oak and compare it to American, French, Hungarian and other oak barrels to create wines with unique and distinctly Texas flavor profiles.”

The winery worked with an East Texas sawmill to harvest white oak from an East Texas forest and cut it into boards that were seasoned at the sawmill and Bending Branch over two years. Prior to coopering barrels and as a first step, the winery elected to produce Texas oak chains as a sustainable method to age Texas wine. The chains were toasted to different levels by an expert cooperage partner and placed in various neutral oak barrels filled with Texas wines of different varieties based on the results of bench trials.  

Bending Branch Winery, recently named a 2024 Hot Brand by WineBusiness Monthly, is known for its innovation, experimentation and sustainability. It is the only winery with a flash détente machine and it also uses cryo-maceration, both of which extract more polyphenols that are responsible for flavor compounds, tannins and color in wine. Both techniques are highly instrumental in a hot climate like Texas to help deliver phenolic maturity.

Dr. Bob relies on his medical background and UC Davis training to apply modern winemaking techniques to carry out research and experiments to ever improve the quality of Texas wines in the face of increasingly challenging climatic growing conditions.

Bending Branch Winery will release its first three wines aged with Texas white oak at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th at the Tale of Texas Oak Tasting event at Bending Branch Winery. Additional wines and also bourbons aged in Texas white oak are in progress. In 2023, Bending Branch launched two bourbon brands, Bending Branch 1840 and ChickenDuck.

A Bordeaux Wine Cruise: Reflections on an Unforgettable Journey

Stepping off the AmaDolce in Bordeaux marked the end of an extraordinary travel experience—a seamless blend of exquisite wines, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful connections.

Our journey began with a warm welcome aboard in Bordeaux, where guests settled into their elegant accommodations before setting sail for Libourne. The first full day featured a wine presentation by Winemakers Greg Stokes and Deborah Elissagaray, who introduced us to four regional wines while cruising through picturesque waterways.

The charming village of Saint Emilion beckoned that afternoon, with guests choosing their own adventures—some savoring wine tastings or indulging in local macarons, while the more adventurous travelers explored the medieval UNESCO World Heritage site by bicycle.

Saturday morning offered a tapestry of experiences: countryside hikes punctuated by wine tastings, immersive visits to vibrant French markets, and an exclusive Fronsac wine experience. Later, as we sailed toward Blaye, passengers were treated to a curated presentation of wines from Ursa Vineyards and Bending Branch Winery. The evening crescendoed with a specially paired dinner featuring Ursa Vineyards selections, followed by a classical performance by "La Douce France Strings."

Sunday unfolded with explorations of the impressive Blaye Citadel, with options for hiking or cycling through the countryside. Our vessel then glided to Bourg, where we celebrated the region's winemaking heritage amid historic surroundings.

 

The journey continued through the majestic Gironde estuary to Fort Medoc, where guests could choose between Grand Cru Classés wine tastings with vineyard tours, explorations of the celebrated Margaux vineyards, or an excursion to the coastal charm of Soulac-sur-Mer.

In Cadillac, Tuesday delivered the opportunity to taste beautiful golden wines from Sauternes, the opportunity to visit magnificent castles, and scenic cycling routes before returning to Bordeaux for a gourmet dinner paired with Bending Branch wines.

Our final full day in Bordeaux offered walking or cycling tours, market tastings of local specialties, the contemporary wonder of Cité du Vin, and the mesmerizing art installations at Bassins de Lumières.

Throughout the voyage, guests embraced their own paces—some immersing themselves in every possible experience, others discovering the simple pleasure of JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out). Daily fitness opportunities, engaging French cultural sessions, world-class wines, artisanal coffees, and gastronomic delights created a perfect backdrop for our journey.

What resonated most deeply for me was the unhurried quality time shared with wine club members, friends, and colleagues. The educational experiences were exceptional, and showcasing Bending Branch and Ursa wines along France's storied rivers—the Gironde, Dordogne, and Garonne—was truly remarkable.

This extraordinary adventure would not have been possible without Dr. Bob and Alison Young, travel experts Joe and Melissa Saltamachio, our dedicated hosting teams from Bending Branch Winery and Ursa Vineyards, Cruise Manager Camille, and the impeccable AmaDolce crew.

It's the extraordinary experiences that etch themselves into memory, and this journey was nothing short of unforgettable.

For those inspired to join future wine-themed adventures with Bending Branch:

April 2026: Luxury Uruguayan Tannat Immersion—an intimate, meticulously crafted land package showcasing Uruguay's finest Tannat experiences, with Tannat House of Texas Owner and Executive Winemaker Dr. Bob Young.

April 2027: Enticing Douro Celebration of Wine Cruise—another exceptional AmaWaterways experience that is filling quickly.

Santé!

 

New Tasting Room in the Works

In 2019, the Branch on High tasting room in downtown Comfort made a shift to focus on the Ursa Vineyards brand. Over the last six years, the Ursa club has seen consistent growth to the point that it has outgrown the Branch on High tasting space. 

At the same time, Bending Branch has had the same indoor tasting room space since its opening in 2010, and while there has been plenty of outdoor areas to enjoy, indoor space has been a challenge.

To address the needs of all our brands – Bending Branch Winery, Ursa Vineyards, Bending Branch 1840, and ChickenDuck – we are excited to announce that an existing structure on the property, where the original 1840 log cabin is located, is being renovated to a tasting room space. Effective June 2, the current Ursa at Branch on High Tasting Room and Estate Wine Club Lounge will close.

The space under renovation has a dedicated Wine Club Lounge for both Bending Branch and Ursa members, a library wine tasting room, multiple tasting and bar spaces with both table and lounge seating, and beautiful outdoor tasting areas.

With the new 5,000+ square foot space, we look forward to elevating the entire guest experience. We can’t wait to share incredible Texas wines, California wines, and bourbons all in a comfortable and spacious setting. This will be a uniquely Bending Branch experience, something you cannot get anywhere else.

This transformation will make Comfort, Texas even more of a destination for wine and bourbon enthusiasts. Bending Branch has always been a major supporter of the community, and this new tasting room will further our investment in strengthening our quality of experiences for the community, our wine club members, and our many dedicated customers.

We anticipate that the new tasting room space will open this summer. In the meantime, the Estate Tasting Room will maintain its regular hours of noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

Branch on High and the Estate Wine Club Lounge will maintain regular hours through June 1, to allow time for appropriate preparations of our new space.

We are delighted to share the new tasting room hours, effective once open:
12-8 p.m. Thursdays
12-7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
12-6 p.m. Sundays-Mondays

Be on the lookout for more announcements, event invitations, and details as we get closer to opening! 

 

Supporting the Inaugural Sabor y Tú Farm-to-Chef Dinner

Yesterday evening, I had the honor of being one of the Bending Branch representatives at the inaugural Sabor y Tú: A Farm-to-Chef Dinner benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank. Our winery was proud to sponsor this extraordinary event that perfectly aligned with our values of sustainability and community support.

A Natural Partnership
When Philanthropy Manager Nikki Whitehead and Director of Food Sustainability Mitch Hagney reached out to us about this event, their passion for the Food Bank's mission was immediately compelling. Their inspiring descriptions of the wide-ranging and impactful Food Bank initiatives made it easy to want to get involved and advocate for the organization’s purpose.

Local Wines Supporting Local Food
Guests were welcomed with a Fig Old Fashioned cocktail featuring our ChickenDuck Wheated Bourbon, a bourbon that is sustainably crafted and 100% Texas-aged. The thoughtfully selected wine pairings complemented each course, highlighting both the chef's creations and our locally-grown Texas wines.

• Picpoul Blanc and Tannat, hand-harvested from Lost Pirogue/Camledge Vineyard located approximately 60 miles from the San Antonio Food Bank, creating a genuine local connection from vine to table
• Tannat Rosé featuring grapes harvested at Tallent Vineyards in Mason County, showcasing another distinctive and local vineyard
• All wines were produced at our Bending Branch Winery facility in Comfort, Texas

Leadership Support
Our team was well-represented, with President and Master Blender Alison Young—the driving force behind the Bending Branch sustainability initiatives—in attendance. CEO and Executive Winemaker Dr. Bob Young spoke about our support for the Food Bank's mission and guided guests through the wine pairings for each course.

            

Culinary Excellence
The five-course dinner was masterfully prepared by renowned chefs Steve McHugh (James Beard nominee, Cured) and Elizabeth Johnson (UNESCO City of Gastronomy Chef Ambassador, PharmTable). Each dish featured ingredients from the Food Bank's urban farm, locally sourced venison, and grass-fed beef—perfectly paired with our wines.

Impact That Matters
The San Antonio Food Bank’s service area spans 29 counties, including Kerr, Kendall, and Mason counties – counties where Bending Branch has tasting rooms and where the wines from the featured local vineyards are located. Proceeds from the dinner directly support the Food Bank's sustainability and agriculture initiatives. The vital connection between sustainable agriculture and food security resonates deeply with Bending Branch.

Looking Forward
The success of this inaugural dinner has already sparked conversations about future collaborations. We invite those who couldn't attend to visit our tasting room in Comfort to experience our commitment to Texas wines and sustainable practices firsthand.

For information about upcoming San Antonio Food Bank events, please visit their website.

 

Breaking Boundaries: Bending Branch Winery Named a 2024 Hot Brand by WineBusiness Monthly

Sometimes, true innovation comes from those willing to challenge the status quo. Bending Branch Winery has proven that passion, determination, and a little scientific curiosity can transform an entire approach to winemaking.

Selected as one of just ten wineries nationwide for WineBusiness Monthly's 2024 Hot Brands, Bending Branch was featured in the February edition of WineBusiness Monthly and participated in the Bottle Bash in Sacramento at the end of January.

At the heart of this achievement is Dr. Robert W. Young, M.D., MPH, or “Dr. Bob” as we all know him. He is a winemaker who refuses to accept limitations. Like a true pioneer, he believes in innovating and taking risks. Sometimes the ideas seem crazy, but there is always a scientific background and vision guiding his approaches.

In an industry full of challenges right now, Bending Branch stood out to the WineBusiness Monthly editorial team, who sought out wineries that embody resilience - brands led by innovators who are "stubborn enough to not let the bad news get to them."

When asked about what this acknowledgment means to him, Dr. Bob said, “Being recognized as a Top 10 Hot Brand out of thousands of wineries in the country is a once in a career tribute for Bending Branch Winery and validates our unique innovative winemaking processes. This has only been possible because of all the years of dedication by our team that has carried out numerous wine research trials to ever improve the quality of Texas wines in the face of increasingly challenging climatic growing conditions.”

It’s true - the skilled winemakers, lab technicians, and entire team have contributed to Bending Branch’s overall success. Constant experimentation and a drive for quality is part of the culture.

Where others see obstacles, Dr. Bob sees opportunities for discovery. This isn't just about making great wine. It's about proving that with creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence, you can impact an entire industry.

Taste the Innovation
Want to experience the wine that caught WineBusiness Monthly's attention? This month's wine club allocation features our 2020 Tempranillo from Newsom Vineyards - a true expression of Texas terroir that was amplified with innovative winemaking. Grown by Neal and Janice Newsom in the Texas High Plains, this wine embodies the same spirit of innovation that earned us our Hot Brands recognition.

Join the Bending Branch Wine Club Today!
Be part of our journey. Receive this award-winning Tempranillo and explore the quality that is the throughline of Bending Branch. Join Now