Last week Ross and I were treated to a very fun opportunity to visit four wineries very near our Pilot Knob Vineyard location. Of course, it is always a fun day when a little wine is introduced to the equation, but this time we had the pleasure of being on a bus with about 50 different event planners, caterers, transportation specialists, and a variety of other folks involved in the event development business in and around Austin. We were hosted by Damon Holditch, President and Founder of Marquee Event Group (http://www.marqueeeventgroup.com/). In addition to being a successful business owner, Damon is a wine lover, and a big advocate for the Texas wine industry. We were delighted to be invited on such an enjoyable adventure.
On the ride from Marquee headquarters (it was cold at 9am!), we met a great group of folks that have a very vested interest in the development of our 6,400sq ft+ tasting room. We had interesting discussions about what sets event venues apart, and what makes for a memorable event for all invloved. Damon even invited us to get up and share a bit about starting a vineyard and a tasting room. We didn’t go into all the details (only had an hour bus ride!), but it was fun seeing the reactions of folks as we talked about vineyard development, financing, marketing, and licensing all in about 5 minutes. I think I left out a couple items (tons), but I think it made sense.
We started our tour in Lampasas at Texas Legato and Pillar Bluff wineries. The wineries are just down the road from each other and are owned by identical twin brothers, though both claim to be the pretty one. Pillar Bluff was the first to open in 2002, and now produces up to 1,400 cases of wine each year. Texas Legato opened up a few years later, and produces about 800 cases of wine each year. They are both part of the Way Out Winery Trail (http://wayoutwineries.org/).
On the way back in, we stopped at The Vineyards at Florence and Inwood Estates (which are right next to each other). They both offered beautiful ambiance, tasty wine, and are conveniently located about 8 miles from our vineyard. It is exciting to have such good wineries all within a short distance of Pilot Knob Vineyard. We look forward to being a part of this burgeoning wine trail.
I sure hope we don’t have to get off the bus just because we will be a hosting winery on their next excursion our way; it was a lot of fun. Thank you Damon and Marquee Event Group!!!
Craig
