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? Be Part of an Unforgettable Night of Healing Food! Join us on September 11 at Pharm Table from 6-8 pm. 
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.

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

 

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!