Virtual Wine Tasting for a Cause

Bending Branch Winery is teaming up with Love Not Lost for an October 14th virtual fundraising event. Love Not Lost is on a mission to revolutionize the way we heal in grief. They do this through their photography program, community support program, and corporate care program.

Their photography program was inspired by Founder and Executive Director Ashley Jones’s personal experience. Ashley’s daughter Skylar faced a terminal illness and died at 21 months of age. The photographs that Ashley has from two professional sessions with her daughter continue to offer tangible comfort. Ashley has donated photography sessions for people facing terminal diagnoses since her experience. She says, “Not only do I hope to pay it forward, but I hope to change the way we look at grief and suffering so that we can love people better and bring healing through loss.”

CLICK HERE to read about Ashley’s story in greater detail. Photo of Skylar by Tessa Marie Photography for The Jones Family.

Ashley was introduced to Bending Branch Winery when she met Bending Branch’s General Manager, Jennifer McInnis Fadel. Jennifer was touched by Ashley and Love Not Lost because of her own grief journey, and she also knew there would be synergy between Love Not Lost and Bending Branch.

Bending Branch Winery Co-owners and Founders Dr. Robert W. and Brenda Young face their own grief from the loss of a child. Their son Phillip died in a car accident at the age of 18. It’s not something that they talk about often, but they continually do good deeds in their son’s memory through a trust in his honor.

Ashley and the Young Family share a connection to Atlanta. Love Not Lost is based in Atlanta, and Dr. Bob spent 16 years in Atlanta managing Meridian Medical Group practice. Also, along with a few other physicians in the United States, he developed a new specialty in inpatient medicine called Hospitalist at Eagle Hospital Physicians.

Like many nonprofit organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ability to fundraise, so virtually bringing together two inspiring business founders – Dr. Bob of Bending Branch and Ashley of Love Not Lost – seemed like a winning combination to impact good.

Participants of the virtual tasting will be guided through tasting three Bending Branch wines while hearing engaging conversations and stories. Participants will also receive a charcuterie package.

CLICK HERE For more information and to purchase the package. Please place your order by September 22.

I’m very moved by the Love Not Lost mission and look forward to October 14.

We grieve deeply because we love deeply, and that love is never lost. – Ashley Jones, Love Not Lost Founder

Bending Branch Estate Vineyard Update

We wanted to share a quick update on the Crimson Cabernet vines planted on the Estate near our Wine Club Lounge. After careful research to find a variety best suited for our site, we selected Crimson Cabernet – a genetic cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Norton – because of its resistance to disease and cold hardiness. The vines proved themselves by thriving after February's Snowpocalypse!

The 2021 vintage marks the vines’ third year in the ground. A vineyard becomes established and produces its first crop after being planted for three growing seasons or its “third leaf.” The grapes recently went through veraison, which means the berries have turned from green to a deep purple color. It is also around the time of veraison that we have to put up bird netting to protect the fruit. And as always, the Bending Branch chickens have been doing their job helping us with pest management.

Typically, when a grape goes through veraison it is about 6 weeks away from ripeness and ready for harvest. While the vines are healthy and beautiful, there are only a small amount of grapes this year from our 1-acre vineyard.

If you are visiting the Wine Club Lounge, make sure to take a walk through the vineyard to visit the vines. We would also like to thank the members who adopted a vine or an entire row of vines. You can see the names of our row-adopters on name plates at the end of each row. Next year, we look forward to inviting vine adopters to participate in harvesting the Crimson Cabernet to make our first wine from these vines.

Images by Dayna DeHoyos/Stella Haus Films

 

Celebrate Tannat Rosé with an optional summer wine club release and free gift!

June is all about celebrating Rosé with National Rosé Day on June 12th and then International Rosé Day on June 25th. You can drink pink this summer with an optional 6-bottle club release of three different Tannat Rosé wines from Bending Branch Winery and Ursa Vineyards. A $142 retail value – plus $15 summer shipping.

Log in to your wine club account by July 3rd to opt in, and you will receive a pair of Rosé All Day ventilated wine toppers – perfect for enjoying wine outdoors this summer!

Members who opt in will also receive two tickets to attend our Tannat Rosé Club Release Party on Saturday, July 17th.

Enjoy two bottles each of these three unique Tannat Rosé wines.

Bending Branch Winery 2020 Tannat Frizzante Rosé, Texas Hill Country

This sparkling Texas Tannat is fruity, fanciful and fun with notes of strawberry, peach and watermelon. Chill well, pop the top, and enjoy the bubbles!

Bending Branch Winery 2020 Tannat Rosé, Tallent Vineyards

A pastel coral hue with fruity aromas, the 2020 Tannat Rosé delivers refreshing lemon-lime flavors with a delicate raspberry kick in this Texas Hill Country wine.

Ursa Vineyards 2019 Tannat Rosé, Silvaspoons Vineyards

Delicate orange peel and rose petal on the nose, followed by apricot and dry minerality reminiscent of Provence in this wine sourced from Silvaspoons Vineyards in the Alta Mesa AVA.

Protect your wine while sipping outdoors!

 

Stock up for summer with optional add-ons to your Rosé release.

Ursa Summer Whites (4 bottles): 2 Chardonnay, 2 Viognier

Bending Branch Summer Reds (3 bottles): Mourvédre, Petite Sirah, Texas Tannat

Ursa Summer Reds (4 bottles): Barbera, Major Red, Mencía, Zinfandel

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Opt in by July 3rd to receive this club release.

Please verify your shipping or pickup preference. Here’s how:

Log In to your wine club account HERE.

1. Click on Club List
2. Click Edit Club
3. Select the number of Rosé packages you would like
4. Scroll down to verify your shipping or tasting room pickup preference (Bending Branch Winery, Ursa at Branch on High, or Pearl Farmers Market on Saturday, July 24th)
5. Verify all info and click Submit

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IMPORTANT DATES:

July 3 Opt in to receive optional release
July 6 Credit cards will be processed
July 10 Pickup begins at Bending Branch or Ursa at Branch on High
July 13 Releases will ship from our fulfillment center
July 17 Tannat Rosé Club Release Party 1-4 p.m.

Questions?

Contact us at club@bendingbranchwinery.com or call the tasting room at 830-995-2948.

Thank you for being a member!

Bending Branch Wine Retreat at Camp Lucy

We are excited to partner with Camp Lucy to offer our first-ever Wine Retreat at their beautiful property in on Thursday, June 24th. Join the Bending Branch team for a private wine reception, dinner in the vineyard, and an overnight stay.

Nestled on an idyllic ranch in Dripping Springs, Camp Lucy has become the ultimate Hill Country getaway with luxury accommodations, world-class services, and gorgeous venues only minutes from Austin.

Camp Lucy is also home to a vineyard. We are proud to work with owners Kim and Whit Hanks, and the exceptional Camp Lucy team, to produce a single-variety Malbec and a three-variety red wine blend. Camp Lucy’s commitment to excellence mirrors the Bending Branch philosophy, generating an impressive synergy.

Join the Bending Branch team for a private reception, dinner in the vineyard, and an overnight stay on June 24th. Come experience the sophisticated style and warm hospitality Camp Lucy has to offer.

The $155 per-person ticket includes:

• 5 p.m. Private wine and bites reception at Ian's Chapel Pavilion
• 7:30 p.m. Dinner experience in the Camp Lucy Vineyard
• Group code for a discounted rate of $199 +tax for your overnight stay on June 24th.*

*The cost of the guest room is not included with this ticket. You will book your room through Camp Lucy online with group code 16357 or call 512-894-4400 to make your reservation. A limited number of luxury suites and cottages are also available at a higher rate.

Each attendee needs their own ticket for the retreat. Ticket sales have ended.

Service Updates

We are happy to report that the Bending Branch team is almost 100% vaccinated. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the safety of our customers and staff has been our top priority. It is important that all guests read and understand the following measures we are taking to offer the safest experience possible. We will continue to be open seven days a week and offer call-ahead curbside service.

COVID-19 Guest Advisory

The following applies to all visits:

• All service is outdoors.
• Reservations are recommended, but not required.
• Masks are not required of guests. Our team will be masked.
• Groups no larger than eight.
• Health screenings for our team.

Sanitation protocols: In addition to cleaning all surfaces between groups, we’ve implemented the use of UVC and ozone equipment to neutralize viruses and bacteria in restrooms and tasting rooms.

Children: Children are welcome at the Estate Tasting Room, and they count toward your group size. The Wine Club Lounge is 21+ ONLY.

Pets: Well-behaved pets on a leash with up-to-date vaccinations are welcome at the Estate Tasting Room. Pets are NOT currently allowed at the Wine Club Lounge. See our full pet policy here. (link to Visit Estate page)

Inclement weather policy: If you have a reservation, Bending Branch may be forced to cancel it due to inclement weather. We will reschedule your appointment or refund any fees paid.

Liability release: Guests acknowledge the risk of exposure to COVID-19 inherent in patronizing any hospitality venue, and release Bending Branch Winery from all liability.

If you’ve had contact over the past 14 days with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, please postpone your visit at least 14 days from the time of contact.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is right around the corner!

Treat the special lady in your life to a wine package from Bending Branch Winery or Ursa Vineyards.

 

Bending Branch Package

Mom will love this 3-bottle package of essential spring wines. She can enjoy a bit of brut for brunch, a glass of pink bubbles in the afternoon, and some refreshing new Mourvèdre with dinner.

Bending Branch Brut

2020 Tannat Frizzante Rosé

2018 Mourvèdre, Desert Willow Vineyards

$88 ― Bending Branch Club discounts apply. PURCHASE PACKAGE

Available at Bending Branch Winery and Ursa at Branch on High, or take advantage of $10 promotional shipping to 30+ states.

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Ursa Vineyards Package

Mom will be thrilled with this 4-bottle collection that showcases Ursa's broad range and classic style:

2019 Chardonnay, Wilson Vineyard

2019 Tannat Rosé, Silvaspoons Vineyards

2015 Barbera, Lone Meadow Vineyard

2018 Grenache, Sierra Foothills

$102 ― Ursa Gold Rush Club discounts apply. PURCHASE PACKAGE

Available at Ursa at Branch on High, or take advantage of $10 promotional shipping to 30+ states.

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Celebration of Texas Wine & Cheese Event

5 p.m. Friday, May 14th at the Wine Club Lounge

Treat Mom to a special LIVE tasting that pairs wines from the four wineries of Texas Fine Wine with four Texas cheeses selected by Antonelli's Cheese.

Wines from Bending Branch Winery, Duchman Family Winery, Pedernales Cellars and Spicewood Vineyards will be paired with cheeses from Pure Luck Farm & Dairy, River Whey Creamery, Eagle Mountain Farmhouse and Veldhuizen Cheese Shop.

The event will be held outdoors and physically distanced at the Wine Club Lounge. Each guest will receive a souvenir wine glass, an individual box with the four cheeses, meat, fruit and crackers from Antonelli's Cheese, and a 2-ounce pour of each featured wine.

$40 per person via Eventbrite. Seating is limited. PURCHASE TICKETS

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Merch for Mom

  

Perfect for warmer weather, gift Mom with an insulated stainless steel Swig wine tumbler or water bottle. We also have coffee cups, journals, cooler bags, T-shirts and more. Available at the Bending Branch tasting room.

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Bring Mom out for a tasting

Enjoy a self-guided, outdoor tasting of four wines. Souvenir wine glass included with paid tasting. Open for tastings seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. Click HERE to make a reservation on Tock.

New release alert: 2018 Estate Tannat

It's here! The first release of Estate Tannat from Lost Pirogue Vineyard has arrived. Owners Bruce and Jana Colgate impeccably farm a 3-acre vineyard in Center Point that includes an acre dedicated to Tannat. The other two varieties planted, Picpoul Blanc and Souzão, have already seen their first wine releases with Bending Branch.

Tannat is Bending Branch Winery's signature red grape variety, and we've been highly anticipating the release of this special estate wine that was crafted from Lost Pirogue Vineyard's hand-harvested grapes.

The 2018 Estate Tannat is an elegant expression of skillful grape growing and artful winemaking. With notes of smoky dark berries, cinnamon, and clove, this wine will pair beautifully with your favorite cut of steak.

Also available starting today is the new release 2020 Estate Picpoul Blanc, the third vintage of elegant Picpoul Blanc from Lost Pirogue. The 2020 Estate Picpoul was fermented and aged in barrel, broadening the palate and adding complexity. Floral aromas mingle with pear, grapefruit, and creamy apricot in this spring sipper.

If dining with friends, either of these wines are sure to spark conversations about excellent Texas wine. Cheers to you, and bravo to the Colgates and the Bending Branch winemaking team!

  

Beautiful Tannat clusters from Lost Pirogue Vineyard

WINNER! 2021 YourSA Readers’ Choice Awards

We are #1! We’re incredibly honored to be voted Best Winery again in the San Antonio Express-News YourSA Readers' Choice Awards.

Bending Branch Winery has been voted Best Winery by San Antonio Express-News readers for six years in a row: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021. (There was no competition in 2020.)

We want to thank our club members and loyal customers for making this possible. Your support is valuable to our success now more than ever.

Read: The best wineries just a drive from San Antonio

#YourSA21 #SanAntonio #SupportLocal #OpenLocalWine

2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

We are absolutely THRILLED to announce our results from the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition that took place in early March. There were over forty-eight judges, representing various North American wine regions, evaluating nearly 5,700 wines from over 1,000 wineries. The awards that Bending Branch Winery and Ursa Vineyards received are an amazing recognition of the hard work of our incredible winemaking teams and wonderful growers.

• DOUBLE GOLD 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Newsom Vineyards
• DOUBLE GOLD 2017 Tempranillo, Newsom Vineyards
• GOLD 2017 Tannat, Newsom Vineyards
• GOLD 2017 Petite Sirah, Newsom Vineyards
• GOLD 2018 Texas Tannat
• GOLD 2017 Old Vine Petite Sirah, Shell Creek Vineyards
• GOLD 2016 Charbono, Zentner Vineyard
• SILVER 2017 Malbec, Newsom Vineyards
• SILVER 2017 Tannat CM, Tallent Vineyards
• SILVER 2019 Estate Picpoul Blanc, Lost Pirogue Vineyard

Pictured: Greg Stokes, Deborah Elissagaray, Dr. Bob Young, Brenda Young, Alison Young

Two great wineries. One amazing team.

Our California brand, Ursa Vineyards, also had impressive results. Nestled in the pastoral foothills of Placerville, California, Ursa was founded in 2001 by husband-and-wife winemaking team, Greg Stokes and Deborah Elissagaray. A mutual interest in Tannat is what brought together Ursa and Bending Branch Winery, when Dr. Bob Young hired Greg as a consultant in 2007. Their professional relationship flourished, and when Bending Branch was founded in 2009, its first wines were made by Bob and Greg at Ursa. The Young family purchased Ursa in 2014, making Greg and Deborah a permanent part of the team. Ursa wines are featured at our tasting room in downtown Comfort, Ursa at Branch on High.

• DOUBLE GOLD 2017 Merlot, Sierra Foothills
• DOUBLE GOLD 2017 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills
• GOLD 2019 Tannat Rosé, Silvaspoons Vineyard
• SILVER 2016 Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills
• SILVER 2018 Mencía, Silvaspoons Vineyard*
• SILVER 2017 Syrah-Sirah, Sierra Foothills*
• SILVER 2017 Tannat, Ferrel Ranch*

* Not yet released.

Virtual Happy Hour

Join the Bending Branch and Ursa teams for a special Drinking Double Gold happy hour on Zoom this Friday, March 19th. Winemaker Greg Stokes will join us to talk about all of these stellar wines. Find the event details and Zoom link on our event page.

1840 Blending Experience Winner Announcement

Join the Bending Branch team on Facebook Live as we announce the winners of the 1840 Blending Experience! Grab your favorite bottle of Bending Branch and join us at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 6th.

There are a total of 51 entries that will go through a first round of judging over two days the first week of March.
Owner Dr. Bob Young and General Manager Jennifer McInnis will evaluate the top 8 blends live and announce the winners.

Winning teams will be treated to a special wine dinner at Bending Branch Winery on Saturday, May 22nd, catered by our friends at The Bread Box.

Was your blend the winner? We can’t wait to find out!

Follow the event on Facebook.