2017 Estate Souzão, Lost Pirogue Vineyard

Bending Branch pioneered Souzão in Texas by planting the first acre of this grape variety at Bending Branch Estate Vineyards in Comfort. The 2014 vintage of Estate Souzão had an impressive review by Elin McCoy of Bloomberg when she rated it one of the best wines she tasted in 2017, and called it her “most surprising wine of the year.” Read the full story here.

Fast forward to our exciting new release of the 2017 vintage, exclusively for Bending Branch wine club members. The 2017 Estate Souzão from Lost Pirogue Vineyard reflects both an exceptional vintage in Texas, and the passionate care of growers Bruce and Jana Colgate. Vineyard designated wines, especially from an estate vineyard like Lost Pirogue, are singled out for label recognition because they are notably different from other wines.

Lost Pirogue Vineyard in Center Point is about 8 miles from Bending Branch Winery. Bending Branch has a long-term estate vineyard agreement with Lost Pirogue, and we maintain managerial control by providing the services of Westover Consulting. Bending Branch and Lost Pirogue Vineyard collaborate to execute the vineyard plan and strategies outlined by the vineyard consultant. Both the winery and the vineyard are located in the Texas Hill Country AVA, and Bending Branch performs all aspects of the wine’s production on its premises.

Bruce and Jana Colgate are not only grape growers and owners of Lost Pirogue Vineyard; they are great friends of Bending Branch owners Dr. Bob and Brenda Young, and longtime members of the 1840 Founders Club. They also volunteer at various Bending Branch events, and they hosted an event at their home in 2019 when we released the 2018 Picpoul Blanc harvested from Lost Pirogue.

At Lost Pirogue Vineyard, the combination of soils, weather, and terrain, the appropriateness of the grape variety for the particular site, and the dedication of skilled growers come together to produce fruit of great character. The results merit the vineyard name on the label.

We are delighted with this exceptional new release. Only 48 cases of 2017 Estate Souzão were produced, so get yours before it is gone! All Bending Branch wine club members may add one bottle to their February 2021 club release, if desired. 1840 Case Club members may add up to 6 bottles.

Price is $85 per bottle. Club members can call the tasting room at 830-995-2948 to purchase. Cheers!

Souzão on the vine on harvest day - August 9, 2017

Thank you

2020 was a year like no other. It was complicated and demanding, and it forced us to be innovative throughout the year – sometimes from one hour to the next. It was exhausting and rewarding all at once, and we are stronger because of it.

We could not have done it without you. The support from our wine club members and extended Bending Branch family and fans sustained us through the last year. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

Thank you for stocking up on Bending Branch and Ursa wines. Thank you for sending wine to your friends and families. Thank you for referring friends. Thank you for hosting corporate team-building virtual tastings. Thank you for attending our Friday happy hours on Zoom. Thank you for picking up curbside or at Pearl Farmers Market. Thank you for participating in drive-thru pickup parties. Thank you for visiting and supporting our new reservation experiences. Thank you for supporting local businesses. Thank you for making this journey with us.

It is a new year, and we are most proud that we survived the challenges of last year with our team intact. And what an amazing team we have.

We are optimistic, excited even, about 2021. There is light at the end of the tunnel as vaccines begin to roll out. We are eager to introduce new vintages and new wines, like our 2018 Estate Souzão, and we are hopeful to see many of you in person as the year progresses.

We look forward to raising a glass with you soon. Stay safe and healthy!

Jennifer McInnis Fadel, General Manager

Bob, Brenda, and Alison Young

And the entire team at Bending Branch Winery

 

Reserve now! 1840 Blending Experience

One of the year’s most highly anticipated weekends is now a whole month long!

The 1840 Club Blending Party is now the Blending Experience, and it’s available to all 1840 and 1840 Custom Case Club members by reservation from January 2 through January 31, 2021.  It’s easy and fun.

• Assemble a team of 2 to 8 1840 club members. 
• Choose your preferred date. Reservations are for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Email club@bendingbranchwinery.com or call the estate tasting room at 830-995-2948 to confirm availability and reserve your table (or 2 tables if your team is larger than 6 people, per Governor Abbott’s Executive Order).
• When you arrive at Bending Branch for your reservation, you’ll be provided with samples from the barrel of four wines, and the necessary measuring tools. When you’ve mastered the perfect blend, submit your official entry form to the manager on duty.  (You will not submit a sample of the wine.)

Don’t wait until the end of the month - reservations are limited! And remember, COVID-19 mitigation measures are in effect, so all seating is outdoors, by reservation only. Read our Service Advisory.  

The Bending Branch winemaking team will recreate all submissions in February, when owner and winemaker Dr. Bob Young, and General Manager Jennifer McInnis will judge the entries. Winners will be announced at a virtual live celebration on Zoom at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 6. Winning teams will enjoy a creative Winner Dinner experience, to be determined at a later date depending on pandemic protocols.

Blending Experience FAQs

May I enter the competition by myself, or must I have a team?

A team must be from 2 to 8 members.

May I have more than 8 people on my team?

Eight is the maximum team size.

Can a team include non-member guests?

All Blending Experience participants must be 1840 Club or 1840 Custom Case Club members. No exceptions. A non-member can join the club today for a minimum of one year membership and participate.

May I be a member of more than one team?

Each club member may only participate once, on a single team.

May we have the Blending Experience at the members lounge?

Yes, the Blending Experience is available by reservation at both the estate tasting room and the members lounge.

What if there are no reservations available when I can attend?

Plan ahead! Reservations are limited and end on January 31, 2021.

What if I cannot come to the winery during the month of January? Can you ship the wines to me?

All blending entries must be done in person, by reservation, at Bending Branch Winery. No exceptions. 

Is there a charge for the Blending Experience?

The Blending Experience is complimentary for 1840 Club members and 1840 Custom Case Club members. The Blending Experience is the member’s complimentary tasting/glass for this visit.

Do I have to be present at the virtual live celebration to win?

Entries will be judged in a blind tasting, and winners need not be present to win. But you won’t want to miss the celebration 4 P.M., Saturday, March 6, 2021, on Zoom.

Holiday Gift Guide

Place your orders by:

December 15th for orders outside of Texas

December 20th for shipping within Texas

 

$10 promotional shipping on holiday packages.

Complimentary shipping on orders totaling 12 bottles or more.

Some items only available at the tasting room.

shop the gift guide here.

---

 

Best of Herd Top Picks 4-Pack

A great gift A great gift for the Texas wine lover. These are the Top Picks that earned us Best of Herd at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo wine competition.

Includes 2 bottles each of:

• Top of Class/Gold 2017 Tempranillo, Newsom Vineyards
• Double Gold 2017 Petite Sirah, Newsom Vineyards

$130. Wine club discounts apply. PURCHASE HERE

Available curbside or take advantage of $10 promotional shipping to 30+ states.

---

The Holiday Five

Deal extended! Cover all your bases with the Holiday Five mixed bundle:

• 2018 Vermentino, Carneros
• 2019 Branch Texas Frizzante Rosé
• 2019 Tannat Rosé, Tallent Vineyards
• 2016 Malbec, Newsom Vineyards
• 2018 Texas Tannat

$100 special. No additional discounts. PURCHASE HERE

Available curbside or take advantage of $10 promotional shipping to 30+ states.

---

Premium Reds Gift Set

Enjoy two premium bottles of red wine packaged in a wooden Bending Branch gift box.

• 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Newsom Vineyards
• Chloe Cuvée

Our world-class Cab was awarded Gold/Best in Class Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2020 Lone Star International Wine Competition.

A Bending Branch favorite, this secret family blend is named after Owner and Winemaker Dr. Bob Young’s granddaughter. Its cork is a unique glass stopper.

$125. Wine club discounts apply. PURCHASE HERE

*ONLY AVAILABLE FOR CURBSIDE PICK-UP AT BENDING BRANCH WINERY.*

---

Bending Branch Brut

Stock up on bubbles for the holidays!

Bending Branch Brut is good for every occasion. Dry with brilliant acidity and creamy mousse, our Méthode Champenoise Brut offers flavors of crisp Golden Delicious apple, Meyer lemon zest, and toasted brioche.

$36 PURCHASE HERE

---

Virtual gift idea!

Experience a guided wine tasting with one of our wine educators. Our virtual tasting package includes two bottles of each featured wine:

• Estate Picpoul Blanc, Lost Pirogue VIneyard
• Petite Sirah, Newsom Vineyards
• Texas Tannat

The tasting is conducted on Zoom with one of our wine educators and lasts approximately one hour. Click here for details and dates.

---

Gift cards

Not sure what to get the wine lover in your life? Gift cards always fit.

$25 - $50 - $75 - $100 PURCHASE HERE

At checkout, please specify in your order notes if you prefer a physical or digital gift card.

---

 

  

  

Merch!

A variety of merchandise is available at the tasting room including coffee mugs, Swig tumblers and water bottles, journals, T-shirts, baseball shirts, hoodies, and plush blankets.

Call 830-995-2948 to place a curbside order, or stop by the tasting room. We're open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m.

---

 

Want to come out for a tasting during the holidays?

Enjoy a self-guided, outdoor tasting of four wines. Souvenir wine glass included with paid tasting. Open for tastings seven days a week. Click here to make a reservation.

---

Bending Branch Winery will be CLOSED:

December 16th
December 25th
January 1st

Happy Holidays from Bending Branch Winery!

Introducing our first Magnum

~Exclusively for 1840 Custom Case Club Members~

For the first time, Bending Branch bottled large formats of one of its premium wines, 2017 Petite Sirah, Newsom Vineyards. When tasting wines from the barrel in 2019, it was clear that this wine was special. Plans were made to bottle it in magnums, and we packaged enough to offer each 1840 Custom Case Club member the opportunity to add one magnum bottle to their December club release. We were thrilled, and not surprised, when this wine was awarded Double Gold at the 2021 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition.

The shape and color of a wine bottle are often associated with a specific region or wine style such as Burgundy or Bordeaux. There are antique styles, traditional styles, and flashy shapes driven by modern wine marketing. The weight of wine bottles also varies broadly from simple glass to high-tech, ultraviolet resistant glass with a deep punt and thickness that results in heft intended to imply prestige.

In addition to the standard 750 milliliter wine bottle, there are a couple dozen recognized bottle sizes, though few of them are in common usage. Small sizes such as the “split” and the half-bottle are useful in the consumer market. The magnum, equal to two standard bottles, is the most popular large-format bottle, making an impressive presentation. Larger, ceremonial-size bottles, often named for Biblical kings and historical figures, include a range that tops out with the colossal 30-liter Melchizedek.

Aside from the fun of having a Texas-size bottle on the dinner table, there are a couple of important things to know about a magnum. The air trapped between the cork and the wine, and the slight evaporation of wine through the cork, cause the gradual oxidation that helps a wine mature over time. A magnum contains twice the volume of wine, so the effect of air on the wine is reduced by half, slowing the aging process, and potentially revealing subtle nuances that may develop in the wine over longer aging. If you have the patience, aging a magnum can be rewarding, but you’ll find the Bending Branch Winery 2017 Petite Sirah, Newsom Vineyards, is delicious in any size.

1840 Case Club Members:

Quantities are extremely limited. Contact the tasting room at 830-995-2948 to purchase yours today.

Retail $95 / 1840 Case Club pricing $76

Attention Wine Club Members: Make your reservation now for the December Drive-Thru Release Party.

~Exclusively for Bending Branch Wine Club Members~

All wine club members are invited to attend the December drive-thru pick-up party on Saturday, December 5th or Sunday, December 6th. We are excited to partner with The Bread Box Bakery & Café, San Antonio for this event. In addition to picking up your December release, members will receive a grab-and-go picnic kit for two. The kit includes crusty baguette for two stuffed with serrano ham and Irish butter; cheeses, fruit selection and fresh Bread Box crisps; roasted potato salad with skinny green beans, crunchy kale and mustard vinaigrette; and an intense Valrhona chocolate fudge brownie.

--> MAKE YOUR TOCK RESERVATION NOW <--

If you haven't done so already, create a Tock account using the primary email address associated with your club membership to access the party reservations.

What you need to know for the party:

• For this event, you will enter the property through our truck entrance instead of the main entrance. There will be staff to guide you.
• Reservation time slots are for 1.5 hours. You may show up at any time during your reserved time slot.
• This is a drive-thru party. Please stay in your car. Everything is to-go only. No onsite consumption.
• There will be an opportunity to purchase specials, barrels, and merchandise along the party route. Please plan to charge your account or use a credit card for additional purchases.
• You will be able to pick up any past releases at the party. You may also place an additional wine order in advance by calling the tasting room at 830-995-2948. We will have it packed and ready for you.
• Members with reservations will receive a picnic kit for two prepared by The Bread Box. Limit one kit per club membership.
• Our staff will be masked and following all safety precautions, and we require that you wear a mask when interacting with Bending Branch staff.
• Due to the nature of this event, it is for MEMBERS ONLY.

Please contact the tasting room at 830-995-2948 for any questions or assistance making reservations. Open noon to 6 p.m. daily.

Follow the event on Facebook.

Black Friday Deals On Sale Now!

Get your holiday shopping started with incredible deals you will want to savor and share this season!

$10 promotional shipping on all holiday packages.

Complimentary shipping on case specials and orders totaling 12 bottles or more.

--> Click here to shop all holiday specials. <--

---

$100 Holiday Specials

Tannat Rosé Holiday 6-Pack $100

Six bottles. One great price.

Our 2019 Tannat Rosé harvested from Tallent Vineyards is a great addition to your holiday table. Aromas of dried rose petal and wet slate announce a mouthful of strawberry lemonade, green peach, and juicy gooseberry in this Texas Hill Country Rosé.

Retail $144.

---

Decadent the Halls 3-Pack $100

Do you love rich and luscious wines?
Then Decadent the Halls with this mixed bundle!

2019 Single Barrel Picpoul Blanc – We age our Picpoul for a short time in Kentucky’s finest bourbon barrels to create a unique flavor profile for our signature white wine.

2017 Old Vine Petite Sirah – A Bending Branch fan favorite. This wine is like drinking velvet.

2016 Tannat RF|EM – A portion of this wine went through regular fermentation (RF) and was pressed when dry. The remainder of the wine underwent extended maceration (EM) for another month. Counterintuitively, the result is smoother texture and slightly lighter color, as the tannin molecules bond into silky chains and pigment drops out.

Retail $140.

---

Holiday Five $100

Feeling festive? It's five o'clock somewhere.

Cover all your bases with the Holiday Five mixed bundle:

2018 Vermentino, Carneros

2019 Branch Texas Frizzante Rosé

2019 Tannat Rosé, Tallent Vineyards

2016 Malbec, Newsom Vineyards

2018 Texas Tannat

Retail $142.

---

Ursa Vineyards Case Specials

 

Case special - 2019 Chardonnay, Wilson Vineyard

$200 + free shipping

It's time to stock up on your holiday white wine.

Ursa's 2019 Chardonnay has a lovely balance of acidity and fruit. Bright green apple, pineapple, and honeysuckle lends the palate a refreshing crispness and firm acidity. Savor and share this delicious Chardonnay – or keep it all for yourself!

Retail $288.

---

 

Case special - 2014 Tannat, Lone Meadow Vineyard

$275 + free shipping

Don't miss out on this great deal!

Ursa's rich 2014 Tannat from the Sierra Foothills has notes of cherries with a dusting of cocoa powder, boysenberry, and baking spices. Quantity is limited.

Silver medal winner – 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition

Retail $408.

 

Ursa Vineyards Releasing Angelica Wine Soon

Ursa Vineyards is set to release Angelica wine with the November 2020 Gold Rush Club release.

Angelica is a fortified dessert wine made from the Mission grape. The Mission grape was introduced to California in 1778 and was the primary wine grape for nearly a century. Angelica was originally made by Franciscan missionaries, and it was also a regular beverage of the gold miners during the Gold Rush.
 
Today, Angelica is known as one of California’s most historic wines. It is extremely rare with a very limited number of vintners producing it. The process of making the wine includes partially fermenting the grape juice before fortifying it with brandy. Angelica typically ages for at least five years in barrel before it is bottled. The long aging process is one of the keys to its rich taste.
 
The grapes from Ursa’s Angelica come from Rinaldi Vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, and one of the few vineyards still growing Mission grapes. Original plantings in the vineyard date back to 1865. After crushing the grapes, the fermentation was barely started and then it was fortified with brandy. After aging in barrel for seven years, the 2013 Ursa Angelica was bottled.
 
With a taste as rich as its history, the 2013 Ursa Angelica is one to savor and share, especially during the holiday season. It can be enjoyed for up to a month after opening, if stored properly in the refrigerator. Ideal food pairings include toasted pecans or Italian cream cake. For a simple dessert, try drizzling Angelica on top of vanilla ice cream.

Purchase Angelica

We are now open for outdoor tastings by appointment!

The Bending Branch team is excited to welcome wine lovers back for tastings by appointment seven days a week on our shaded deck and patio starting this Saturday, October 24th. We will offer a self-guided tasting of four wines for $20. Paid tastings include a souvenir wine glass. 

All tasting experiences are seated and self-guided.
This casual, self-guided tasting is designed to minimize contact and encourage tasting wines at your own pace. You will pick up your wine tasting set from the tasting room, and take it back to the table you selected upon your arrival.
 
The four wines will be served in individual carafes for self-service with a single-use menu that will guide you through the wines. Guests are welcome to purchase additional glasses or bottles after their tasting. Maximum group size is six including children.

We are currently accepting reservations through Tock.
Reservations are for 1 hour and 15 minutes. We're implementing hard-stops between reservations to conduct sanitation protocols.

Safety is our top priority.
We are taking extraordinary precautions to sanitize and maintain physical distance. We have adapted our experience to exceed CDC guidelines.

It is very important to read the Bending Branch Winery COVID-19 Guest Advisory before your visit.

---

--> CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION THOUGH TOCK. <--

---

Attention Wine Club Members:

If you want to enjoy your complimentary tasting or glass at the estate tasting room, you still need to make a reservation for a tasting. Upon arrival, you can choose the tasting flight or opt for a complimentary glass of wine.

If you haven't done so already, create a Tock account using the primary email address associated with your club membership. You must be logged in to Tock when making reservations in order to receive your complimentary benefits and access to experiences at the Wine Club Lounge.

Just a reminder that Wine Club Lounge experiences are only available on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can now enjoy a tasting there as well. Member(s) receive complimentary tastings or glasses of wine and complimentary tastings for up to two guests.

---

If you have questions or need help making a reservation, please contact the tasting room at 830-995-2948. We can't wait to see you!

BEST OF HERD TEXAS WINERY

Bending Branch Winery was awarded BEST OF HERD TEXAS WINERY at the 12th Annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition held on October 5-7, 2020. The competition featured over 1,000 wines from across the United States and around the world. 

• Best of Herd Texas Winery  Bending Branch Winery
• Double Gold  2017 Petite Sirah, Newsom Vineyards
• Top of Class / Gold  2017 Tempranillo, Newsom Vineyards
• Gold  2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Newsom Vineyards
• Gold  2017 Malbec, Newsom Vineyards
• Gold  2017 Tannat CM, Tallent Vineyards

Best of Herd is awarded to the Texas winery which has the greatest percentage of wines receiving the highest number of awards within their total number of entries.

Wineries selected as Top 14 Champion Wines including Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Best of Herd, Top All Around Winery, Best of Show, Top of Class and Double Gold will be featured during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Virtual Super Auction scheduled for November 9-15, 2020. The auction funds support the Show’s goals of benefiting the youth of Texas. To date, over $223 million has been committed to educate the youth of Texas. This year, more than 21,275 Texas students have been educationally impacted. Proceeds from the Wine Events benefit the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund with a portion for the advancement of viticulture.

The Champion winning wines will also be showcased in the Wine Cellar, sponsored by H-E-B, on the rodeo grounds during the 72nd Annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo to be held February 11-28, 2021. The H-E-B Wine Department is committed to supporting the competition and will feature the Champion wines in their San Antonio stores throughout the month of February 2021. Champion wines will also be recognized in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo local media publications and website.

Want to purchase the Double Gold 2017 Petite Sirah before it's released? The Best of Herd Top Picks 4-pack includes two bottles each of 2017 Petite Sirah and 2017 Tempranillo. Cheers!

See a full list of winners here.