Bending Branch builds on Kentucky heritage, launches bourbon brands

COMFORT, TX (Feb. 24) – Out of their mutual shared interest in quality bourbon, Bending Branch Winery CEO Dr. Bob Young and President Alison Young brought some of their Kentucky Bourbon Country heritage to Comfort. Today, Bending Branch announces the launch of two new bourbon brands, Bending Branch 1840 and ChickenDuck.

“After successfully growing the Bending Branch reputation for quality, exceptional wines and experiences, we are excited to expand the Young family of beverage brands with the launch of outstanding bourbons from Kentucky,” said Alison Young, president and Master Blender of Bending Branch.

The Bending Branch 1840 brand features premium Kentucky straight bourbon and high rye bourbon whiskeys, aged for a minimum of four years in new American charred oak barrels, that Alison and Dr. Bob have sourced over the last two years for additional aging and bottling in Texas. 1840 pays homage to the year the Bending Branch Winery property was settled and to the original log cabin home on the property.

The first two 1840 Bourbons offered from Bending Branch are a premium high rye bourbon and a signature four-grain mash bill bourbon. The high rye bourbon offers aromas of vanilla, orangesicle and crème brûlée and opens to caramel and orange cordial on the palate. At 108 proof, this bourbon is exceptionally smooth. It retails for $75 and is available at Bending Branch and will soon be in Texas retail stores. The four-grain bourbon features a unique mash bill created by Dr. Bob. It is a small batch blend of three barrels, bottled at barrel strength of 109 proof. Only available at Bending Branch, this bourbon tastes of decadent vanilla buttercream. At $95, the less than 600 bottles that are available for sale have already begun to fly from the shelves.

ChickenDuck is serious bourbon that is purposefully crafted differently. It is named after two of the original chickens and ducks that  roamed the vineyard managing pests and entertaining guests. Continuing Bending Branch Winery’s expertise in innovative techniques, the ChickenDuck bourbons use an advanced extraction technology that give them the qualities of bourbons that are aged for multiple years. 100% of the aging of these bourbons takes place on the property in Comfort.

The environmental impact of ChickenDuck is less than traditional bourbon whiskeys because of the extraction technology, reduction in barrel storage time and associated costs, and its almost complete reduction in evaporation loss (“Angel’s Share”) compared to bourbons aged a minimum of four years.

The first ChickenDuck bourbon releases are a high rye bourbon and a wheated bourbon. The high rye has aromas of brown sugar, baking spices and molasses and opens to sassafras and cracked pepper on the finish. The wheated bourbon entices with cedar chest and vanilla on the nose, and it follows through with caramelized sugar and buttery toffee notes. Both ChickenDuck bourbons retail for $42 and are available at Bending Branch. They will be offered in Texas retail stores soon.

Flights of four tastings are available daily at the Bending Branch tasting room. On April 1, Bending Branch is featuring a Bourbon and Bites Sensory Experience. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/bourbonbites.

As part of the expansion into bourbon, the company is now referred to as Bending Branch, with its four brands: Bending Branch Winery, Ursa Vineyards, Bending Branch 1840 and ChickenDuck.

www.BendingBranch.com

www.BendingBranch1840.com

www.ChickenDuck.com

2023 YourSA Readers’ Choice Awards

Bending Branch Winery has been nominated again for Best Winery in the 2023 YourSA San Antonio Express-News Readers’ Choice Awards. We are honored to have been voted Best Winery in this competition for the last 7 years.

We can’t do this without YOU!
Please take a moment to vote for Bending Branch.

--> VOTE HERE <--

You may vote once per day through February 15th.

Thanks to our members and loyal fans, Bending Branch has been voted Best Winery for the last seven competitions: 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015. (There was no competition in 2020.)

Let's rock the vote and make it eight years in a row!

#YourSA23 #SupportLocal #SanAntonio #OpenLocalWine

Staff picks and pairings for the holidays

What are the Bending Branch staff drinking for the holidays?

We’ve tasted them all. Here are our top picks!

 

Stephen Mergele, Ursa at Branch High Tasting Room Manager

Can’t go wrong with the Ursa Vineyards 2018 Zinfandel. Smooth and flavorful and great compliment to any holiday meal.  Rated excellent by Wine Enthusiast.

Tom Kartrude, Tasting Room Associate

Like holiday shopping, we’ll probably wait until the last minute to finalize holiday meals, but this season the Blanc de Blanc American will surely be a starter and the 2021 Petit Manseng will be a finisher. Having these two new exceptional wines available this year may lead us to untried menu options and new holiday traditions. Just in case a standing rib roast makes it back on the menu, a 2019 Tallent Tannat will be handy.

Greg Stokes, Winemaker

We will be pairing the Ursa Vineyards barrel fermented Chardonnay and Ursa Vineyards Mencía with grilled prawns, crusty sourdough bread, and a Caesar salad on Christmas Day. For dessert, we will enjoy a cheese plate paired with Ursa Petite Sirah.

Erin Shields, Events Coordinator

My pick is 2017 Newsom Tannat Port Brownies. Use a box brownie mix (I recommend a dark chocolate) and add 1/4-1/2 cup of port to the batter. Enjoy some port alongside these delicious brownies! Happy Holidays!

Jennifer Cernosek, General Manager

I'm planning to open the 2019 Estate Tannat, Lost Pirogue Vineyard. We submitted this wine to just one contest, the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and it was awarded Double Gold/Best Other Red Varietal. This wine is so good because of its spectacular fruit that was hand-harvested from one acre, 11 miles away from the winery. It is our second release of Tannat from Lost Pirogue Vineyard. Because it is such a standout wine, it deserves a spot at holiday gatherings, and I’m looking forward to sharing it.

Stephanie Franklin, Corporate Sales Specialist

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays! I usually start the morning with last minute gift wrapping. Never fails! Christmas meals are a mix of Cajun and traditional for us. We will have a seafood gumbo (blue crab, andouille and Cajun sausage, chicken and shrimp). We also will have traditional Christmas food such as ham, cornbread dressing, mustard greens and potato salad because my dad doesn't eat gumbo. WHO DOESN’T EAT GUMBO?! I'll also make icebox lemon pies and pecan pies. Because we have so many different types of food, I'll open the 2019 Tallent Tannat, 2019 Souzão, and of course Bending Branch Brut!

Kelsey Morrison, Wine Club Assistant

My absolute and all-time fave for the holidays is always the Tannat, Tallent Vineyards. The bold blackberry and hints of tobacco pair really well with smoky, spiced meats and cheeses which is perfect around this time of year!!

Deborah Elissagaray, Ursa Winemaker

The Ursa Tannat Rosé is always a good "pregame" wine for the elves busy in the kitchen!

Terri Reusch, Tasting Room Associate

I am definitely going to enjoy the sparkling Blanc de Blancs on Christmas morning with a breakfast/brunch casserole! Then I plan to pair my favorite 2019 Mourvèdre (Desert Willow Vineyards) with a spiral-cut ham and lots of yummy side dishes!! Cheers!

Kim McCallum, Tasting Room Associate

My personal favorite red wine is our Mourvèdre! It’s such an easy drinking, versatile wine that pairs well with almost anything. I especially love it paired with a braised, slow cooked pot roast and roasted potatoes. Perfect for the fall and winter! It’s also a great sit back and relax wine, which we all need this time of year. Cheers and happy holidays!

Sara Potter, Executive Marketing Coordinator

It is always hard to pick a favorite wine when you work at Bending Branch. I am really loving the 2019 Mourvèdre and 2019 Texas Cabernet Sauvignon as of late. We will definitely ring in the new year with some bubbles, either Bending Branch Brut or Blanc de Blancs.

Judy Sullivan, Bending Branch Tasting Room Manager

I will be drinking Blanc de Blancs and pairing it with creamy smooth cheesecake. Not just for dessert, but for anytime day or night!

Jackie Swan, Tasting Room Associate

We will have a delayed Christmas celebration while some family members are traveling. I plan on a bottle of Tempranillo paired with some tamales at least one evening and break out the new Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Wine for everyone to try.

Amy Wagner, Cellar Technician

I always look forward to having a glass of Angelica with my pumpkin chocolate cheesecake on Christmas Eve. And of course, this year I will be drinking 2019 Tallent Tannat alongside my smoked brisket. Lastly, I can not bring in the new year without Blanc de Blancs!

Karen Cook, Tasting Room Associate

2019 Mourvedre, Desert Willow: Cuban sandwich (slow roasted citrus marinated pork butt, smoked ham, swiss cheese, mustard, dill pickle pressed in a panini or George Foreman grill til crisp) with black beans with olive oil

2017 Tannat Port-style, Newsom Vineyards: Almond biscotti with River Whey's "Whey Bleu" blue cheese

Colleen Mergele, Tasting Room Associate

We will enjoy Texas Tempranillo with grilled chicken breast, bordeaux cherry compote, and farmhouse sourdough!

Clarke Evans, Distribution Wine Sales

HOLIDAY FAMILY DRAMA PAIN KILLER RECIPE

• 1 Bottle Texas Tannat
• 1 Bottle Texas Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1 Bucket Popcorn
• Remove All Filters

-Consume both bottles in their entirety.
-Reduce all filters until nonexistent.
-Tell family members how you really feel.
-When confronted, always remember to quote the phrase: “In vino veritas”
-Eat popcorn and enjoy the show.

Dr. Bob Young launched into space

Bending Branch wines are out of this world! A photo of Dr. Bob Young, holding bottles of Picpoul Blanc and Tannat, was launched into space last week. As part of a Tesla referral program, Tesla launched a mosaic composed of pictures of select customers on SpaceX’s lunar orbiter mission with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute of South Korea. The mosaic of Tesla owners was laser etched on glass and will permanently reside in space.

The Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral on the evening of August 4, 2022. The Tannat House of Texas is reaching astronomical new heights! These are truly Next World Wines.

Click HERE to see the photo in the mosaic. 

Photo credit: Dayna DeHoyos

#nextworldwines #tannathouseoftexas

Ursa Tannat earns 99 points at the 2022 California Commercial Wine Competition

The California State Fair has announced the winners of the 2022 California Commercial Wine Competition. The highly anticipated event was held June 1-3 at Cal Expo in Sacramento.

This year, a panel of 44 official judges tasted and evaluated 1,953 California wines from 443 California wineries. The competition, which had been on a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, celebrates the wine growing and wine producing industry in California. It is open only to wines made with fruit grown and produced in the eleven growing regions across the State of California. Wines are evaluated by class, varietal, style, and region based upon the source of the grapes. Total medals awarded were 99 Double Gold, 257 Gold, 878 Silver, and 583 Bronze.

Eleven Ursa Vineyards wines were entered in the competition, three of which earned Best of Class Appellation awards. The star of the show was the 2018 Tannat, Ferrel Ranch, which earned a Double Gold medal, Best of Class Appellation, and a whopping 99 points. 

“We’re thrilled with the results from the California State Fair. I love that all our wines placed, but especially our flagship Tannat with Double Gold, 99 points, AND Best of Appellation El Dorado. It’s an honor to have done so well and in such good company,” said Deborah Elissagaray.

Congratulations to Ursa Winemakers Deborah Elissagaray and Greg Stokes!

Ursa’s results:

2018 Tannat, Ferrel Ranch, El Dorado *

• Best of Class of Appellation, Double Gold/99 points

2020 Viognier, Hidden Mesa Vineyard, Sierra Foothills *

• Best of Class of Appellation, Silver/91 points

Major Red, Sierra Foothills *

• Best of Class of Appellation, Silver/88 points

2018 Mencía, Silvaspoons Vineyards, Alta Mesa

• Silver/91 points

2018 Souzão, Sierra Foothills

• Silver/91 points

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ferrel Ranch, El Dorado

• Silver/88 points

2018 Syrah-Sirah, Sierra Foothills

• Silver/88 points

2018 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills

• Silver/88 points

2020 Chardonnay, Wilson Vineyard, Clarksburg *

• Bronze/87 points

2018 Barbera, Lone Meadow Vineyard, Sierra Foothills

• Bronze/86 points

2018 Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills *

• Bronze/84 points

Dating back to 1854, the California State Fair Wine Competition is America’s oldest and most prestigious wine event. For more than 160 years, the California State Fair has showcased the Best of the Golden State. Visit the Cal Expo website for a full list of winners: FULL LIST

* Available now at Ursa at Branch on High

Bending Branch Winery goes to Texas A&M University

On May 11, 2022, we had the privilege of spending the evening at Texas A&M University. Hosted by the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Bending Branch Winery was featured during Spirited Learning — a new, collaborative, and interactive experience created to bring awareness to wonderful Texas wines.

Bending Branch Founder and Co-Owner Dr. Bob Young spoke about our winemaking processes, and General Manager Jennifer McInnis Fadel led a wine tasting for the 250 attendees. Bending Branch Enologist and Texas A&M alumna Allison Thomason also attended and assisted with the event. Allison graduated with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management in 2017 and then stayed and received her Master of Science degree in 2018.

The evening began with a very special award presented by Dr. Amit Dhingra, Department of Horticultural Sciences Professor and Department Head. Dr. Bob and Brenda Young were acknowledged for the creation of the Phillip Young Foundation Excellence Award, an endowment in honor of their son Phillip that will provide annual scholarships to underprivileged and minority students interested in working in the Texas wine industry and pursuing degrees in viticulture or enology. The Young family is passionate about this cause and excited to make this investment in the future of Texas wine.

Photos and video by Dayna DeHoyos/Stella Haus Films

 

Outstanding Local Business Award

Dr. Bob and Brenda Young and Bending Branch Winery received an award for Outstanding Business at the 2022 Comfort Chamber of Commerce banquet held on March 31st at Riven Rock Ranch. Dr. Bob did not know that he was receiving this honor, but his team knew in advance. He thought he was attending the banquet with his daughter, Allison, and General Manager Jennifer McInnis Fadel, but several other staff members just happened to show up. It was a complete surprise to him.

 

This award was given in recognition of countless contributions and support for the local community. Dr. Bob served, including as Chair, for several years on the Comfort Area Foundation to help improve the lives of Comfort residents. Dr. Bob and Brenda give back via events and wines that have a charitable component. Examples include the annual Derby Extravaganza that benefits a local charity (the 2022 recipient will be the Boys & Girls Club of Comfort), and Brenda’s Cuvée wine that raises awareness and funds for Team Fox. The wine has helped raise more than $30,000 for Parkinson’s Research.

Dr. Bob’s unique résumé in medicine, public health, and winemaking positions him and Bending Branch as industry examples in the battle to control COVID-19. His leadership and expertise in public health helped navigate the Bending Branch team of 30+ employees, as well as the Comfort community, during the pandemic. He is proud that the Bending Branch team remained intact during unpredictable times, and it continues to grow.

-->SEE THE VIDEO<--

The Derby Extravaganza is back!

After a 2-year hiatus, we are thrilled to celebrate our 10th Anniversary Derby Extravaganza. Join us as we celebrate Dr. Bob and Brenda Young’s Kentucky roots with a fun-filled afternoon at the beautiful Bending Branch Estate with live music, food, wine, hats, horses, and mint juleps.

~In partnership with Frost Bank. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Comfort.~

--> PURCHASE TICKETS <--

Ticket includes:

• Live music from Big Cedar Fever
• Catered meal from The Bread Box
• Bourbon balls made locally by Sweet Comfort

Hat parade competition in three categories: Wine Theme, Derby Theme, and Most Fanciful

Best tent competition: Compete for best outfield tent set up and decorations

 

Ticket prices:

$60 General Admission

$50 for Bending Branch wine club members (Limit 2 club tickets per membership. Check your email for promo code.)

Includes a meal, a drink ticket, and a bourbon ball.

 

All-inclusive VIP Package (limited):

$1,000 table for 8 — includes admission for 8 people, buffet meal, snacks for the table, 4 drink tickets per person (redeemable for 4 glasses or 1 bottle), special VIP bar, and early entry to the venue at 1:30 p.m. VIP attendees will also receive 20% off additional wine purchases at the event.

 

Add-Ons:

Reserved seating options (seating only/admission sold separately)

$160 Table for 8  |  $120 Table for 6  |  $80 Table for 4

You will select a table when you arrive. Reserving a table DOES NOT guarantee shade, as the sun moves throughout the day.

 

A limited number of tables will be available in the outfield area, first come, first serve. If you do not reserve a table, please bring chairs. (See FAQs below.)

 

Note: The estate tasting room and Wine Club Lounge will be closed for this special ticketed Derby event. Ursa at Branch on High tasting room will be open noon to 8 p.m. at 704 High Street in downtown Comfort.

________________________________________

FAQs

What can I bring into the event?

Sunscreen, chairs, tables, pop-up tents, umbrellas, food, water. Tent legs must be staked or weighted down.

 

What is not allowed at the event?

ABSOLUTELY NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL. Coolers will be checked by security upon entry.

NO PETS at this event, please.

Bending Branch Winery is a non-smoking, non-vaping property.

 

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Call the estate tasting room at 830-995-2948 or email info@bendingbranchwinery.com.

 

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. Check in will be electronic.

 

How do I purchase wine club tickets?

The code was sent to members via email on March 23rd. If you are a wine club member and did NOT receive the email, please contact info@bendingbranchwinery.com.

1840 Blending Experience 2022 Winner Announcement

One of the perks of 1840 Club membership is the opportunity to compete in the 1840 Blending Experience. During January of 2022, 44 teams became the winemaker for a day and participated in the competition. Participants were provided with barrel samples of four wines and the necessary measuring tools to master the perfect blend. This year’s blending wines were:

• 2019 Charbono, Sierra Foothills
• 2019 Malbec, Texas High Plains
• 2019 Sagrantino, Texas High Plains
• 2019 Tannat, Newsom Vineyards

  

Co-owner & Winemaker Dr. Bob Young and General Manager Jennifer McInnis Fadel evaluated all of the blends over a two-day period and narrowed down the finalists. On March 5th, they tasted through the final blends live at the Wine Club Lounge and announced the winners. Watch on Facebook Live

The top three winning teams will be receiving an invitation to a very special dinner at the winery.

Congratulations to:

1st place: Wine-Ocologists

2nd place: Saints of the Grape

3rd place: Bender Blenders

 

An honorable mention goes out to the 4th place team: Coassolo Torinese

Blend breakdowns:

Wine-Ocologists 90% Charbono – 10% Sagrantino

Saints of the Grape 64% Tannat – 36% Charbono

Bender Blenders 60% Tannat – 40% Malbec

We’d like to thank all of the 1840 Club members that came out to participate in this fierce competition, and cheers to the winners!

Texas Tannat Represents at the Wine Museum of Paris

A Bending Branch Tannat recently made its debut at the Wine Museum of Paris. Located near the Eiffel Tower, the Musée du Vin Paris was born thanks to the will of the members of the Council of The Échansons de France, an association whose goal is the defense and promotion of French wine in the world. The museum’s permanent collection, rich in more than 2,200 objects and property of the Council of The Échansons de France since 1984, pays tribute to all those who have worked to produce world-famous wines. Trades and traditions are evoked, illustrating several thousand years of know-how and the richness of French winemaking heritage.

So, how did a Texas Tannat make it all the way to the Wine Museum of Paris? Bending Branch Co-Owner and Winemaker Dr. Bob Young was inducted into the Renaud Society in 2009. The Renaud Society is a group of medical professionals with an interest in better health and a passion for wine. The Society honors the legacy of Professor Serge Renaud, father of the French Paradox, and supports wine and health research and education, and promotes the sharing of wine and health interests among medical colleagues worldwide. In May of 2019, Dr. Bob attended the International Wine & Health Summit held at UC Davis, where he met Dr. Tedd Goldfinger, Arizona cardiologist and Grand Maître of the Renaud Society. Dr. Bob left some Bending Branch wines with Dr. Goldfinger after the summit, including a 2014 Tannat.

  

On January 29, 2022, Dr. Goldfinger poured Bending Branch’s 2014 Tannat CM, Newsom Vineyards, at a Fédération Internationale des Confréries Bachiques (International Federation of Wine Brotherhoods) meeting held at the Wine Museum of Paris where it was met with rave reviews. In 2018, this wine earned a score of 90 points in the James Suckling American Wine Revolution and was also awarded a gold medal at the Lone Star International Wine Competition.

We are honored that our wine was represented in Paris and was met with such enthusiasm. We would like to thank Dr. Goldfinger for sharing the great photos and video from this tasting. We would also like to thank Marie Bourdillas from Vignobles Bourdillas for translating the video. Cheers to Texas Tannat on the world stage! Brought to you by the Tannat House of Texas.

Pictured bottom left: Dr. Tedd Goldfinger