Embracing community to take local wine to new heights.
By Stacey Ingram Kaleh
From making wines of the highest quality in Texas’ climate extremes to growing grapes sustainably to championing visions as big and bold as our state, women are propelling the Texas wine industry. And, many of these women in wine can be found right here in the Hill Country.
It’s not uncommon for people in the wine profession to vividly recall what first sparked their passion for the art and science of wine. Often, they remember the people that the drink has brought together through their initial tastings and those who come in and out of their community in wine.
Vintners & Visionaries
Claire Richardson, Winemaker at Uplift Vineyard in Burnet, Texas
Forging her own career path in wine, Uplift Vineyard’s Claire Richardson nurtured a love for wine at family gatherings and celebrations. Eventually, she paired her love for wine with science; which led to her degree in Food Science.
“As a college student I made two promises to myself. One, to choose a career that would allow me the opportunity to always learn something new. Two, to choose a career that I could really fall in love with. Wine offers me both of those things and so much more,” shares Richardson.
Richardson specializes in Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec and Italian varieties such as Montepulciano and Sangiovese, which can be found at Uplift. In her winemaking approach, she finds a balance between creativity and analysis to help each variety she works with shine on its own or as part of a blend.
“I believe that a successful winemaker is sharp in both of those areas and is discerning enough to know when to pull the creative levers and when to push the analytical buttons,” Richardson says.
Julie Kuhlken, Owner & CEO of Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall, Texas
Following her parents footsteps into the world of wine, Pedernales Cellars’ Dr. Julie Kuhlken has been serving Hill Country wines for nearly two decades. Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken were pioneers of Texas wine, planting Kuhlken Vineyards near Fredericksburg in 1995. Julie and her brother David built on the vineyard’s success by opening a boutique winery focused on hand-crafted, small-lot wines and varieties that thrive in the area. “I really have to blame my parents,” she says.
Kuhlken shares that she and her brother grew up helping out with the vineyard.
“Over the years, watching the vines grow and doing harvests made me fall in love with the vines’ yearly cycle.”
Kuhlken loves the journey from grape to glass, as well as the chance to enjoy the final product.
“I have loved wine since my twenties,” Kuhlken shares. “My parents drank it on the weekends, and I remember the first time I could recognize a wine from just a sip.”
Nikhila Narra Davis, Winemaker, Viticulturalist & Owner of Narra Vineyards in Brownfield, Texas and Kalasi Cellars in Fredericksburg, Texas
Wine is also a family affair for Narra Vineyards and Kalasi Cellars’ Nikhila Narra Davis.
“My family has a rich farming heritage that Kalasi Cellars spans over five generations in India, and I was fortunate to be immersed in that culture from an early age,” Narra Davis shares. “The dedication of farmers and their essential contribution to the world has always inspired me. In 2013 I planted a vineyard, Narra Vineyards, and shortly after began working in Napa Valley; which sparked my interest in winemaking.”
In 2020, Narra Davis and her partner Greg Davis opened Kalasi Cellars’ tasting room in the Hill Country where people can try a variety of red, white and rose wines made with 100 percent estate-grown grapes from Narra Vineyards.
Rae Wilson, Founder & Winemaker of Wine for the People in Fredericksburg, Texas
While working in fine dining restaurants and being associated with food writers and sommeliers, Wine for the People’s Rae Wilson became interested in wine. She’s inspired by the deep-rooted history of wine, going back thousands of years and the opportunity to help people learn about the winemaking process. Wilson says there’s an entry point for everyone.
“From the ground under our feet, to the hands that farm it, the hands in the cellar that make it, and ultimately connecting with others while enjoying it,” Wilson says.
Wilson keeps her focus on the foundation of the industry, which she describes as farming and agriculture, and steers customers away from notions that wine is about social status. Through Wine for the People, Wilson seeks to manifest a spirit of connection and sense of belonging.
Behind the Texas Pour
Each of these women in wine have been committed to making some of the highest quality wines you can find in and outside of Texas. They are also committed to fostering connection among industry professionals and their customers.
“The culture of the Texas wine community is one of camaraderie. We are all in this together,” says Richardson.
Narra Davis also describes the Texas community of growers, winemakers and wine professionals as a supportive group.
“Having spent over a decade here, I’ve witnessed the industry’s growth and the emergence of passionate young entrepreneurs exploring various avenues in vineyards and wineries,” Narra Davis shares. “Starting a business can be challenging, especially when you’re young and not a billionaire, but in Texas there’s a wonderful community of dedicated individuals pursuing their dreams.”
The support-one-another philosophy these women prioritize enables a culture of innovation, creativity and experimentation. It also fuels an authentic emphasis on hospitality that benefits both customers and wine professionals.
“Texans are a laid-back bunch, and so the Texas wine community reflects that,” says Kuhlken. “Texans are also very friendly, and that is reflected in the atmosphere of tasting rooms and events. It is not a ‘be seen’ kind of vibe; it is about truly connecting with other people.”
Photo courtesy of Dave Capote
Trailblazing Texas’ Terroir
Over the past decade, Kuhlken, Narra Davis, Richardson and Wilson, have seen the Texas wine industry grow and change; each ac actively contributing to its emerging reputation as an internationally-respected wine region. These women in wine are rising to meet the occasion, as they’re steering the future of the industry toward greater sustainability, better access and more wine made in Texas from Texas grapes.
“The Texas wine industry has substantially matured in the last decade,” says Kuhlken. “A decade ago we were just getting to a place where we were growing the right varieties for the growing conditions and soils. Getting that right was essential. Now we have lots of wineries that are bringing in healthy fruit and can hone in on the winemaking techniques that let them express themselves beautifully.”
If you’re in search of great wine, scenic views and immersive vineyard tasting experiences, there’s much to explore just a few miles outside of Austin – from Driftwood and Dripping Springs to Burnet, Hye, Johnson City and Fredericksburg. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing region in the U.S., employing more than 141,000 Texans. Statistics from the nonprofit consortium Texas Hill Country Wineries show that the Texas Hill Country is the third-largest American Viticultural Area. It is home to over 120 wineries, more than 1200 vineyard acres and welcomes more than one million visitors each year. The Hill Country accounts for about half of the wine tourism in our state and a very strong portion of the $20 Billion-plus economic impact the Texas wine industry garners.
“The consistent improvements in quality on the growing side and the wines themselves in the past few years is remarkable,” says Wilson. “The impact is that people are sitting up and paying attention to what’s happening here.”
Wilson believes the strong support from customers paired with the wine community’s willingness to experiment and learn has contributed to this rapid advancement in quality, size and reputation.
“The significant progress we’ve made, especially in the last 10 years, can be strongly attributed to the supportive community on all sides that continues to work together to build a world class wine region,” Wilson says. “Growth is never without its challenges, but the openness to learning puts us in a great position to evolve much faster that an annual harvest would allow. And none of this progress would be possible without the amazing consumers and wine professionals that have supported us along the way.”
Narra Davis sees “massive potential” for the Texas wine industry to continue growing. She’s looking forward to what she describes as “greater understanding of what it means for a Texas wine to be truly authentic – 100 percent grapes grown in Texas, produced in Texas and bottled in Texas.”
Narra Davis shares that as the industry grows, so do innovative and sustainable practices that enhance the overall wine experience in Texas.
“People should care because supporting the Texas wine industry contributes to the local economy, creates jobs and fosters community,” Narra Davis says. “Additionally, Texas wines are becoming recognized for their quality and character, providing consumers with more options and encouraging exploration of regional flavors.”
Photo Courtesy of Dave Capote
Breaking Down Barrels
The incredible continued growth of the region and industry also make the Texas Hill Country an appealing place to build a career. “Working in the Texas Hill Country as a young winemaker allows me to be a part of the growth and development of a young wine region,” says Richardson. “It is incredibly exciting for me to think about the fact that I get to grow up with the Texas wine industry and evolve in my career as it develops into a globally recognized wine region.”
As the industry establishes its identity and builds upon a sturdy foundation, some women leaders see progress being made in what has traditionally been perceived as a male-dominated and family-legacy field.
“At this point, most of the wine industry around the world reflects a small amount of the population, gender and otherwise,” remarks Wilson. “I do find it hopeful to see movement in a positive direction with individuals and groups focused on building pathways for a more diverse future. Women, specifically, are breaking through those barriers and we’re seeing great progress in a more visible representation every day.”
Narra Davis has observed greater diversity in the industry.
“Over the last few years we’ve seen a large influx of female winemakers and winery owners coming into the Texas Hill Country region,” says Narra Davis. “So if there are any barriers that still exist, I am optimistic they will be quickly broken down.”
The Reserve League
When asked what advice she would give to women looking to join the Texas wine community, Wilson replied: “Find a mentor.” Several others echoed her sentiments.
One avenue for women in wine to find mentors and supportive colleagues is through Grafted, a nonprofit that is on a mission to empower, educate and provide engaging and equitable spaces for women in wine to thrive.
“We aim to sustain women to confidently own their positions as leaders, students and advocates of Texas wine,” says Elkins.
Elkins found her way to the wine industry after spending considerable time in corporate America. A champion for Texas wine, Elkins serves as Executive Director of Texas Wine Growers, a consortium advocating for policies and legislation that support sustainability, transparency in labeling and 100-percent Texas wines. She also co-founded Texas Wine Auction to raise funds for enhancing health and mental health in the Texas Hill Country and to advance research focused on innovation and sustainability in Texas wine.
“Grafted started as a smaller initiative within the William Chris Wine Company,” says Elkins. “I found there were many younger ladies in the organization who were trying to find their place in our company and our industry.”
Driven by her desire to support and uplift women, Elkins created an informal group called “Ladies in Leadership,” that eventually grew into something more thanks to a shared goal to serve others.
Photo courtesy of Caroline Bradley, Scenarios Media.
Elkins says, “We are all driven by a common passion for helping others and this group of women are so creative, interesting and fun to work with.”
Richardson takes pride in her leadership role at Grafted, compelled to contribute to the industry not only as a winemaker but as an educator and connector.
“On a deeper level, I see my specialty as cultivating connection, growth and empowerment among women in the wine industry,” Richardson shares. “Through community events, wine education and developmental programming, we’re sustaining a space for women to tap into their full potential, build confidence and thrive at home and at work.”
“I am a big fan of women sharing information with women,” Elkins explains the impetus for Grafted’s programs. “Women are incredibly capable of supporting and lifting other women up… Groups like Grafted are trying to create those pathways and give women those voices.”
From the diverse landscape of Texas terroir embodied in the incredible taste and variety of Texas wines, to the highly-skilled people in wine, to the culture of collaboration and mentorship, the Texas wine community is one to be celebrated. And what better way to do that than with a glass of delicious local wine?
“Napa is a wonderfully recognized wine region as are some of the other notable wine regions in the U.S. But what Texas is doing is innovative and unique,” says Elkins. “It is forging our own path and using the experience and data we are gathering to make a more significant impact on both the national and international stage. I don’t know of another place in the world that is as exciting as what Texas is today.”Whether you are a wine lover, wine-curious or simply enjoy trying new things and exploring beautiful places, visiting women-owned wineries and choosing local wines made by women is a great way to support women innovators in Central Texas.
TEXAS WINE PICKS
Support Texas women when you purchase these wines, made by women or by women-owned wineries:
Dolcetto, Wine for the People
Dandy Rosé, Wine for the People
Visit at 113 E. Park St. in Fredericksburg or order online at wineforthepeople.com.
Montepulciano, Uplift Vineyard
Roussanne, Uplift Vineyard
Visit at 1411 Co. Rd. 119 in Burnet or order online at upliftvineyard.com.
Texas Tempranillo Reserve, Pedernales Cellars
Texas GSM Melange, Pedernales Cellars
Visit at 2916 Upper Albert Rd. in Stonewall or order online at pedernalescellars.com.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Kalasi Cellars
Kanchi Reserve, Kalasi Cellars
Visit at 414 Goehmann Lane in Fredericksburg or order online at kalasicellars.com.
Aglianico, Portree Cellars
Cinsault Rosé, Portree Cellars
Visit at 668 Ranch to Market Rd. 1320 in Johnson City or order online at portreecellars.com.
Viognier, Kai Simone Winery
Sangiovese, Kai Simone Winery
Visit at 7590 Old Spring Branch Rd. in Spring Branch or order online at kaisimonewinery.com.
Mourvèdre, Lightsome Wines
Learn where to find Lightsome Wines at lightsomewines.com.
GET INVOLVED
Texas-wine focused nonprofits led by women.
Grafted
Grafted is a personal and professional development organization focused on enriching the community of women in wine. Learn more at graftedtx.org and @grafted_tx.
Texas Hill Country Wineries
For 25 years, the Texas Hill Country Wineries trade association has been promoting wineries across the region through passport programs and curated wine dinners, which raise scholarship funds to support the next generation of Texas winemakers. Learn more at texashillcountrywineries.com and follow @texashillcountrywine.
Texas Wine Growers
Texas Wine Growers promotes and protects the integrity of Texas wine through educational programs and policy advocacy. Learn more at texaswinegrowers.com and follow @txwinegrowers.
Texas Wine Auction Foundation
The Texas Wine Foundation funds programs that promote healthy communities and strengthen a sustainable future for Texas wines. Learn more at texaswineauction.com.
HILL COUNTRY WINE ADVENTURES
Planning your next wine outing with friends and family? Consider these women-led services.
Vino Vinyasa Yoga
Vino Vinyasa, founded by certified sommelier and yoga instructor Morgan Perry, offers classes that pair yoga and wine tasting throughout the Hill Country. Catch one of their pop-ups at a local winery, at the Four Seasons hotel in Austin or book a private event. Make your plans at vinovinyasayoga.com and follow @vinovinyasayoga.
Hill Country Wine Tours
Book a ride out to the Hill Country to explore Texas wine with Hill Country Wine Tours which provides private, customized day trips to Fredericksburg, Hye, Johnson City, Wimberley, Dripping Springs and Blanco. Start planning at hillcountrywinetours.com.