Come Over October - Wine & Pizza Pairing in Comfort

Come Over October is a national initiative to promote family and friends coming together during the month of October to share wine and friendship.

How better to bring family and friends together than over pizza and wine? We reached out to our neighbors, La Calabria Pizzeria, to feature their wood-fired pizza and salad with Bending Branch wines.

At 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26, bring a friend or loved one to the Bending Branch Winery barrel room to enjoy a paired wine and pizza lunch at a communal table. Four Texas wines will be featured. Hear from Executive Winemaker Dr. Bob Young about the wine pairings and enjoy camaraderie with old friends and new ones.

→Click here for menu and tickets←

“We all know that good company, good conversation, laughter and conviviality contribute to an enhanced lifestyle,” says Karen MacNeil, wine authority, author of The Wine Bible and Come Over October organizer.

We look forward to celebrating these things – good company, good conversation, laughter, and conviviality – over the joys of perfectly paired pizza and wine, and all during Texas Wine Month.

As the Texas Department of Agriculture would say … Go Texan! Let’s drink and eat locally together this October 26th. READ THE PRESS RELEASE #ComeOnOverYall

 

 

September Club Release - Sneak Peek Part 2

In addition to the new wine releases featuring Camp Lucy Vineyard, there are several other exciting wines included in the September club releases.

In the 1840 Red Club and 1840 Custom Case Club, you will find Bending Branch’s first release of Alicante Bouschet. This is a 2020 vintage from Newsom Vineyards, and it is very small production with only 91 cases bottled. This wine fits right in with Bending Branch’s bold style. Alicante Bouschet is a teinturier grape variety, meaning both its skin and flesh are red. Many grape varieties with dark skins accumulate anthocyanin pigments in the skin and not the flesh, but the teinturier grape varieties develop the pigments in both. You won’t want to miss this rich, luscious wine. A very limited quantity will also be available at the Paella Picnic.

Another grape with red skin and red flesh is Souzão. This grape variety originated in Portugal, and Dr. Bob Young pioneered the grape variety in Texas. The first planting was at the Bending Branch Estate Vineyard. The 2020 Estate Souzão from Lost Pirogue Vineyard in Center Point, Texas, is newly released to every club member in the September packages.

From the same vineyard, which under new ownership is now named Camledge Vineyard, comes the 2023 Estate Picpoul Blanc. In French, Picpoul literally translates to “lip stinger.” Picpoul Blanc’s high acidity makes a very crisp, food-friendly wine. This elegant Hill Country Picpoul Blanc is polished and balanced with a clean, layered finish. Floral aromas mingle with flavors of pear, Granny Smith apple, lemon zest, pineapple, and green melon. It is included in the Branch Mixed, 1840 Mixed, and 1840 Custom Case Clubs.

And finally, a wine club member favorite is Charbono from the Sierra Foothills of California. When Bending Branch first started and access to Texas grapes was limited, Dr. Bob would travel to California to make wine with Greg Stokes at Ursa Vineyards. The wine was made in California and then transported to Texas in barrels for final aging and bottling. Winemaker Greg Stokes continues the tradition with a few fan favorite wines, including Charbono. The 2020 vintage continues its legacy of quality and boasts rich black cherry with a hint of thyme. The 2020 Charbono is included in the 1840 Club packages. Charbono is another grape variety that Dr. Bob has pioneered in Texas, and Bending Branch’s first productive harvest came from Tallent Vineyards in Mason County last year.

Not only are new releases in the clubs, but there are great selections like 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Petite Sirah from Newsom Vineyards that are included. You can see the full club list HERE.

Members will be able to taste many of these wines at the upcoming Paella Picnic. For details about the event, please check your emails. If you are not a member and want to join, we welcome you to do so online or by talking to a Bending Branch team member at the tasting room.

September Club Release - Sneak Peek

It’s almost club release time! The Bending Branch team has been looking forward to the September club release for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons being that there are some great new wine releases in the packages.

I want to share information about three of the new wines since there is also a great opportunity in a couple of weeks to learn about the vineyard where the grapes were grown.

We’re excited to share that each club package will contain a bottle of 2020 Lucy’s Reserve red wine blend from Camp Lucy Vineyard. Bright and fruit-forward, the 2020 Lucy’s Reserve is a blend of Mourvèdre, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Notes of blackberry, rich raspberry, toasted pecan, and cranberry accent this wine’s lingering finish. It is very food friendly and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes, including spaghetti with meatballs, smoked pork loin, eggplant parmigiana, meat lovers’ pizza, chicken nachos, and more.

The 1840 Mixed Club also includes the 2020 Petit Verdot from Camp Lucy Vineyard. Petit Verdot has been shining in Texas, and this Hill Country Petit Verdot is no exception. The 2020 vintage is the first single-variety release of Petit Verdot from Camp Lucy, and the wine has great scents of rhubarb, violet, vanilla, and dried lavender. On the palate, you will find sage, blackberry, and marionberry jam. It’s an ideal pairing with coffee-crusted braised lamb or skirt steak grilled flatbread.

The 2020 Malbec from Camp Lucy Vineyard can be found in the 1840 Red package and it is also a selection for the 1840 Case Club package. Since 2018, Bending Branch has produced single-variety Malbec from Camp Lucy. Aromas of plum and tobacco open up to dark cherry, dried strawberry, sour cherry, watermelon, raspberry and cocoa on the palate. This wine will be a delightful complement to braised duck breast in a creamy mushroom sauce.

Since 2017, Bending Branch has worked with Camp Lucy to make wines from their extraordinary vineyard. The label design showcases an artist’s rendition of Ian’s Chapel at Camp Lucy. Ian’s Chapel is where many celebrations take place, and it is just one of the remarkable facilities at the beautiful Hill Country resort. 

Camp Lucy Vineyard Manager Robin Reeves expertly maintains five acres of vineyard planted with four grape varieties. You can learn more about the Camp Lucy Vineyard from Robin at a unique wine experience at Camp Lucy on September 12. Robin will lead an on-site vineyard tour where he will share insights about grape growing and working with Malbec, Mourvèdre, Montepulciano, and Petit Verdot. The evening will include a wine tasting and dinner amidst the vines. I’m looking forward to attending this event and sharing information with guests about how the wines were made and more. It will be a special evening to enjoy wine in the vineyard where the wine’s grapes were grown as part of an exceptional dinner. TICKETS

If you want to enhance your time in Dripping Springs, you can further immerse yourself in the Camp Lucy experience by staying the night at the beautiful Camp Lucy resort. Guests of the dinner may enjoy exclusive lodging rates by using the discount code “FLASH.”

 

Harvest is here!

Bending Branch’s first grapes of the 2024 season were hand-harvested on July 12. Malbec from Cherokee Rose Vineyard was harvested with a destiny of becoming sparkling rosé. This will be Bending Branch’s first sparkling rosé of Malbec, and it will be sparkled in the traditional method.

Farmed by the Durden family, Cherokee Rose Vineyard is a single-variety vineyard located in Comfort, Texas, just nine miles away from Bending Branch Winery. Since 2017, Bending Branch has made Malbec from Cherokee Rose’s 4.2-acre vineyard. The red wine has been a club member favorite, especially when it has been bottled under the reserve label.

   

When the Malbec ripens further, the rest of the vineyard’s grapes will be harvested for red wine. If you’re interested in joining for harvest activities this year, be on the lookout for emails from Bending Branch. There will be a few opportunities at vineyards local to the winery.

 

Thank you to the Bending Branch pickers!

 

Want to taste Double Platinum?

Just announced! The Bending Branch 1840 Culinaria Private Barrel Bourbon Blend was awarded Double Platinum at the 2024 ASCOT Awards.

Bending Branch 1840 partnered with Culinaria in San Antonio to create this unique blend of straight bourbons. Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination. In addition to promoting the food and beverage scene, funds raised through Culinaria go to culinary programs and education in the local community. $10 of each bottle of the Culinaria Private Barrel Bourbon Blend that is sold goes directly to supporting Culinaria’s mission.

To create the blend, Bending Branch 1840 Master Blender Alison Young selected six barrels of bourbon with the same mash bill – 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. Three of the barrels that she selected contained bourbon distilled from a sweet mash, and three of the barrels had bourbon distilled from a sour mash. All of the bourbon was distilled within about a week of each other, and the bourbon was five years and 10 months aged.

The Culinaria leadership team thieved bourbon from the barrels and experimented with various blends until they came up with the final blend, which used two of the sour mash bourbon barrels and one of the sweet mash bourbon barrels. After tasting the bourbon blend at various proofs, the team decided cask strength was its best expression.

The tasting notes from the American Spirits Council of Tasters say, “A gorgeous sweet baked blackberry aroma turns to a toasted chestnut and floral palate with a proper pop of alcohol that does not overpower the complexity. Nicely done.”

In addition, our ChickenDuck Eclipse Edition Four Grain Bourbon was awarded Gold in the same competition. The Tasters summed it up nicely, "Butterscotch heaven. Sweet and delicious."

Both bourbons are available to taste and purchase at the Bending Branch Estate tasting room. We can also ship bourbon to 38 states and Washington D.C. --> SHOP HERE <--

In Memory of Ruth Young

On the morning of April 23, Bending Branch staff and volunteers planted a new block of Camminare Noir vines at the Bending Branch Estate Vineyard. Dr. Bob made remarks about the vineyard and the symbolism of new life right after the vineyard was planted. Unknown to Dr. Bob, his mother passed around the time of those remarks. In her honor, the new block of Camminare Noir will be dedicated to Mrs. Ruth Young.

Obituary:

Ruth V. Young, age 97, of Danville, KY, widow of Fletcher Fleming Young, died Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Danville, KY. Ruth was born July 6, 1926 in Eudora, AR, daughter of the late Thomas Ebenezer Vining and the late Maude Edmonson Vining. She was a member and former secretary for the United Presbyterian Church, Harrodsburg, KY.

Survivors include: three sons, Thomas (Teresa) Young of Lexington, KY, Robert (Brenda) Young of Comfort, TX, and Ronald (Lynn) Young of Lexington, SC; two brothers, Bill and Don Vining of Little Rock, AR; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by a son, Dale Young, and by a grandchild.

Funeral services will be 11:30 AM, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the United Presbyterian Church, 326 Main St., Harrodsburg, KY 40330, by Rev. John White. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery, Harrodsburg.

Memorials are suggested to the United Presbyterian Church, 326 Main St., Harrodsburg, KY 40330. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family on Mrs. Young’s Tribute Wall at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com.

12th Annual Derby Extravaganza tickets are on sale now!

Something special happens at Bending Branch Winery the first Saturday of every May. Join us as we celebrate the Young Family’s Kentucky roots at the 12th Annual Derby Extravaganza on Saturday, May 4. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the beautiful Bending Branch Estate with live music by Shane Stumpf, a barbecue meal from Rudy’s, wine, hats, horses, and bourbon mint juleps. This event is in partnership with our friends at Frost Bank.

Bending Branch Winery’s Derby Extravaganza has grown in size and scale over the years. What began in 2011 with a few guests sipping Picpoul Blanc mint juleps on the patio of the tasting room has evolved into a premium celebration hosted on the winery’s crush pad. It now includes a VIP package, reserved tables, and an outfield in which guests can bring their own pop-up tents and chairs. The hat parade competition gets better every year, and this year we have added a competition for Best Dressed Couple. And with the addition of bourbon to the Bending Branch portfolio in 2023, we also feature pours and cocktails made with ChickenDuck or premium Bending Branch 1840 Kentucky straight bourbon.

Bending Branch Winery believes in giving back to the local community, and the Derby Extravaganza has a charitable component. A portion of ticket sales and all silent auction proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Comfort, an organization whose mission is to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as responsible, caring, productive citizens. In 2023, we were able to raise $9,000 for our local Boys & Girls Club from the Derby Extravaganza event.

Don’t miss out on this fun and exciting Hill Country event! Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite.
TICKETS & DETAILS

Dr. Bob Young presents a check to the Boys & Girls Club of Comfort from 2023 Derby Extravaganza proceeds.

Wine is an agricultural product. Drink local.

Two weeks ago, I moderated a panel during Culinaria’s Third Coast Cocktail Summit. Panelists were Jennifer Beckmann of Re:Rooted 210 Urban Winery, Jennifer Syma of Becker Vineyards, James Smith of Château Wright, and Anisa Elizondo with the Texas Department of Agriculture. The discussions centered around Texas wines on Texas restaurant lists. Each panelist brought expertise to the discussion, and I was blown away by non-industry audience feedback after the session regarding how interesting and eye-opening the topics were. Topics included the benefits of having Texas wines on Texas restaurant lists, ways to increase interest from sommeliers and wine buyers, the challenges and opportunities for distributors and wineries, preparedness for a potential increase in demand, and more.

Ultimately, if you want to eat local and support local, drinking local is a big component. Texas wine is an agricultural product.

There is a lot of work to do to get more Texas wines on Texas restaurant lists across the state. For consumers, if there is a restaurant you frequent, take a look at the wine list. How many Texas wines are on the list? Consider asking for more Texas wines. But if you ask, be ready to purchase if and when the wine makes it to the menu. And keep in mind that different Texas wineries are at different stages with distribution.

To all the Texas wine fans – thank you for supporting local. Let’s spread the word. #AskforTexasWines

P.S. Follow the AskForTexasWines Instagram page!

 

Bending Branch staff picks for the holidays

What are the Bending Branch staff drinking for the holidays?
We’ve tasted them all. Here are our top picks!

 

Dr. Bob Young, Bending Branch CEO & Executive Winemaker

I plan to enjoy the Traveler Bourbon as an aperitif before Christmas dinner and also to toast the New Year. And Double Barrel Tannat will be a great pairing with our Kentucky country ham.

Tom Kartrude, Tasting Room Associate

For Christmas Eve this year we may work on a duck cassoulet paired with the 2019 Estate Tannat, Lost Pirogue Vineyard. While we’re digging into the wine closet, we’ll probably pull a bottle of the 2020 Ice Wine to share with Santa. Steak Diane is on the Christmas Day menu, paired with my wife’s favorite: D’Elissagaray Basque Blend.

Susie Boswell, Wine Club Manager

The chef will need help in the kitchen and that starts with Blanc de Blancs. The 2019 Double Barrel Cabernet will be finding its way to the table this year. I’ll be sure to hold a bottle (or 2) back at room temperature for after dinner. Letting this wine warm slightly completely changes it. D’Elissagaray Basque Blend is our must-have EVERY holiday! You just can’t go wrong. Anyone need a nightcap and a spot by the fire? Pour that 1840 High Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon over a clear ice ball and put your feet up.

Alison Young, Bending Branch President & Master Blender

I will be enjoying my new favorite 2019 Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon during the holidays!

Judy Sullivan, Hospitality Manager

For me, the Sparkling Picpoul Blanc is a favorite for everyday and special occasions. I love it with desserts like cheesecake and baklava, but I can drink it any time of any day!

Tammy Thrun, Tasting Room Associate

My 2 picks:
1. Double Barrel Tannat - With its bold flavors and slightly creamy finish, pairs well with a ribeye steak with blue cheese topping.

2. “The Traveler” Bourbon - With just placing the Bourbon to the lips, a party is ignited!!! Flavors just bursting … tobacco, hints of cherry, with a hint of sweetness.

Greg Stokes & Deborah Elissagaray, Ursa Winemakers

We've really been enjoying the Ursa Mencía as one would a Beaujolais Nouveau with our holiday regulars (turkey, ham) and of course the D'Elissagaray Basque Blend with our traditional lamb.

Kim McCallum, Tasting Room Associate

This year my favorite wine is the 2017 Reserve Charbono. With notes of blueberry, tart cherry and a hint of spice, it’s elegant, silky smooth, and absolutely delicious! We paired it with our family Christmas dinner of beef tenderloin with béarnaise sauce, pan fried potatoes and roasted broccoli. A definite repeat! Cheers and Merry Christmas!

Charles Myers, Executive Bourbon Steward & Special Projects Director

The winter holidays are a time for celebrating and visiting with friends and loved ones. I can think of NO better way to celebrate the holidays than with a nice warm hard apple cider (several recipes online) using our ChickenDuck Wheated Bourbon! It warms the body and soul and makes for great times among friends and family. Pair that with caramel covered popcorn, for your get together, and good times will be had by all! P.S. The colder weather brings sore throats, but ChickenDuck makes an excellent hot toddy as well.

Jennifer Cernosek, General Manager

The Bending Branch 1840 Culinaria Blend is my go-to bourbon for the holidays. Aside from the Traveler, this is my favorite Bending Branch bourbon right now. This 3-barrel blend selected by the Culinaria team is a unique combination of sweet and sour mash from the classic BR21 mash bill. While I like it best as a neat pour, this bourbon shines as the main component in a Manhattan. My recipe calls for 1.5 ounces Bending Branch 1840 Culinaria Blend, .5 ounce Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1 Woodford Reserve cherry. Shake vigorously with ice before pouring. It’s best enjoyed in a thin-rimmed martini glass.

And as a bonus, $10 of each bottle sold goes to Culinaria, so you can sip while supporting a great organization. Culinaria is an internationally recognized non-profit with a focus on connecting people through food and beverage culture as an innovative approach to building community.

For wine, the 2020 Petit Verdot, Newsom Vineyards is a winner for the holidays (and all year). It is bold and has great texture. Every time I have a glass of this Petit Verdot, I’m appreciative of Neal and Janice Newsom for the great farming they do, and for granting us access to more of this fantastic fruit.

Jim Mitchell, Tasting Room Associate

For that special occasion - paired with a nice dinner - I really like the Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon … it’s a wonderful collaboration of a California Cabernet Sauvignon that made its way to Texas, where it was aged in Bending Branch 1840 4-Grain Bourbon barrels.

Lauren Elizondo, Marketing Assistant

I have so many favorite wines, but recently I've really been loving our Ursa 2021 Tannat Rosé. I plan on enjoying it with a cranberry cheese log and charcuterie while my family and I prep for Christmas dinner. Happy Holidays!

Carla Carter, Tasting Room Associate

My favorite variety is Petite Sirah. I love the Shell Creek Old Vine Petite Sirah, the bold plum/berry notes and smooth finish pairs well with a great pork roast, yams, and dirty rice.

Amy Wagner, Lab Technician

I will be having the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Ursa with my turkey dinner on Christmas Day. I am a fan of Tannat as well. The 2019 Tallent Tannat will also be open. That pairs well with anything from a pork roast to a holiday movie on the couch!

Jackie Swan, Tasting Room Associate

This holiday season we will enjoy glasses of Picpoul Blanc with our roasted turkey and cornbread dressing on Christmas Day. For dessert, bring out the Double Barrel Tannat with pieces of dark chocolate candy truffles and/or peanut brittle.

Chad Kurtz, Bending Branch Winery Assistant Winemaker

We will be drinking Sparkling Picpoul Blanc for any excuse we can come up with.

Will Thomas, Tasting Room Associate

We will be enjoying the 2019 Lucy's Reserve, Camp Lucy Vineyard. It is a lovely blend of Mourvèdre and Petit Verdot that will go well with the smoked Cornish hens on the menu for Christmas Day.

Sara Potter, Executive Marketing Coordinator

During the holidays, I will pull out some bottles that I’ve been holding on to for a while. We usually have a small gathering of wine-loving friends, and this year we may do a vertical tasting of Tempranillo or Petite Sirah from Newsom Vineyards. For additional Christmas cheer, I will also be making some High Rye ‘Ritas from ChickenDuck High Rye!

Terri Reusch, Tasting Room Associate

My favorite 2022 Sparkling Picpoul Blanc will be served on Christmas morning with our favorite brunch casseroles and fruit medley! As a new member of the Ursa Gold Rush Club - I will serve the Basque Blend with Christmas dinner, which will be prime rib this year with some caramelized roasted sweet potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts. Cheers and Happy Holidays!

Stephen Mergele, Ursa at Branch on High Tasting Room Manager

I’m going with 2020 Pinot Noir, full flavored but light on the palate.

Kyle Stokes, Ursa Assistant Winemaker

This holiday season I will be enjoying the new Ursa soon-to-be-released Alicante Bouschet. It is a savory wine with notes of cedar, spice, herbes de Provence and packed with boysenberry. Pair it with anything grilled or smoked, or with just a second glass of itself.

Tiffany Simmons, Senior Executive Assistant

I will definitely be enjoying some Sparkling Picpoul Blanc while preparing Christmas brunch. The 2019 Lost Pirogue Tannat has a special place in my heart! It will go great with our beef tenderloin for dinner. And there is nothing more perfect than a High Rye Bourbon old fashioned for a night cap!
 

Thanksgiving message from Dr. Bob Young

Holiday greetings from Bending Branch! We have so much to be thankful for. It has been a busy summer and fall, and we're anticipating the delights that the holiday season brings. I would like to share with you some recent Bending Branch activities.

Harvest

Bending Branch's first fruit was harvested on July 10, and its last grapes for the season arrived on October 17, making the 2023 vintage our largest harvest to date. More than 570 tons of grapes were processed by our top-notch team.

Sponsored events in San Antonio

Bending Branch was the official wine sponsor of the San Antonio International Team Tennis Competition held at the Freeman Coliseum November 10-12. These championships benefit children from Compton to Kyiv and throughout the State of Texas through the Bush ACE Outreach Program, SA Sports I-Play and the charitable work of the participating athletes including the Bryan Brothers Foundation and the John Isner Foundation. We enjoyed watching Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Kim Cljisters, Gael Monfils, JJ Wolf, and Bob & Mike Bryan, to name a few. Bending Branch wines were featured at concession stands and at the Bending Branch Baseline VIP Lounge.

The Bush ACE Outreach Program sponsored tennis rackets for Boys and Girls Club of Comfort students participating in a week-long tennis clinic held at the Bending Branch tennis court this summer.

We were also pleased to sponsor Culinaria's Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival event held October 27-29. Bending Branch showcased wines and bourbons, including the 3-barrel bourbon blend selected by the Culinaria team. Additionally, as part of the Grand Tasting event, I held a seminar called, "Pushing, Pioneering, Taking Chances." The beneficiary of the festival proceeds is the James Beard Foundation with $250,000 committed to support culinary students in Texas. 

Bending Branch was able to host a limited number of club members at the San Antonio International Team Tennis Competition events and at Culinaria's Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival. Thanks to the members who joined us.

14-Year-Old Bourbon Release

On October 27th, we released the highly-anticipated Bending Branch 1840 14-year-old Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey at at an exclusive event held at our home. Our daughter, Master Blender Alison Young, and I selected a barrel that she named “The Traveler” because of its unique history. It was distilled and aged 7 years in Indiana, and then aged 7 more years in Napa Valley. It further aged several months in Kentucky and landed in Texas for its final aging and bottling.

Chosen for its depth of character, this bourbon has been referred to as a unicorn in the world of whiskey by one of Kentucky bourbon’s most expert figures. The beautiful packaging includes a leather label crafted in Argentina. There are less than 100 bottles of this rare High Rye bourbon. It is only available for purchase at the Bending Branch Estate tasting room. The Traveler is barrel strength at 143 proof and retails for $525 per bottle.

Holiday wishes

My wife Brenda and I, along with the entire Bending Branch Team, are grateful for the support and friendship of club members. We are thankful for all of you. May you enjoy a holiday season filled with good friends, dear family, and incredible wines and bourbons.

–Bob Young, M.D., MPH
CEO and Executive Winemaker