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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!
Apr 22, 2025 at 10:45 AM
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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!
Mar 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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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.
Feb 26, 2025 at 8:52 AM
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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
Comments (1)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
Sep 26, 2024 at 12:58 PM
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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.
Sep 5, 2024 at 1:50 PM
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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.”
Aug 29, 2024 at 2:19 PM
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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!
Jul 12, 2024 at 2:38 PM
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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 <--
May 24, 2024 at 6:47 AM
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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.
Apr 25, 2024 at 1:25 PM
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