The Westcave Cellars story is the great love story of Texas Hill Country Wineries. It is the embodiment of the love of two people who share an appreciation of hard work and the enjoyment of fine wine. It is also a space to share with the community the love of viticulture.
Westcave Cellars Winery and Brewery is an invitation to share in the experience and the love of wine, one taste at a time.
From the very beginning of our marriage, we took pleasure in tending our garden together and sharing the fruits of their labor with each other, as well as with their friends and family. Over time, this hobby paved the way to embracing our true calling- growing and tending our own vineyard.
Once we felt confident in our growing methods, and our ability to optimize the potential of the land, we began searching the winding roads of the Texas Hill Country for the perfect site to grow our vines. In 1997, we found the ideal location to realize our dream, just a stone’s throw from Westcave Preserve and Hamilton Pool Preserve. In 1999 we planted our first 3 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
After supplying local winemakers with grapes for a few years, we began crafting our own unique wine, made in the old-world style and strongly influenced by the French traditions. The vineyard has expanded to 9 acres of matured vines, lovingly tended to by hand. These 8,000 vines include 9 different varieties of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Tannat, Malbec, Vermentino, and Viognier.
The Westcave Cellars Winery opened its doors in 2011, creating a community space to soothe the soul and engage the senses.
The first Westcave Cellars tasting room opened Mother’s Day weekend 2011. It boasted a quaint tasting room, a wine shop, and a stunning outdoor space that overlooked the manicured vineyards. Guests experienced 100% Texas wines with a French influence. Musicians often performed on Sunday to the enjoyment of visitors.
In the fall of 2019, Westcave Cellars Winery expanded to brewing 100% Texas beer with the help of brewmeister Patrick Vanderwilt. Vanderwilt grew hops at his Sisterdale, Texas, ranch. Many other ingredients, including spring water, yeast, and pecans, were also harvested from his Hill Country property.
The Fettys sold the Hamilton Pool Road location and moved Westcave Cellars Winery & Brewery to Johnson City, near Hye, Texas, in January 2020.
The new location boasts a modern tasting room, brewery, and a state-of-the-art winery. For the first time ever, all equipment, wine, and case goods are together on one site. One thing has not changed, though—guests still enjoy analyzing the rich aromas and delicious flavor profiles of 100% Texas wine and beer through the tastings led by our knowledgeable and hospitable staff.
We welcome you to come share the love – the love of the natural beauty of Central Texas, the love of community, and the love of wine. For Hill Country Wine Tours and tasting opportunities, the Westcave Cellars Winery and Brewery family looks forward to your visit.
The Westcave Family
Diana St. Charles – Wine Club Manager
I moved to the Hill Country about 9 years ago after retiring from the Banking industry and hoped to build a new life within this community. I found myself visiting all the local wineries and decided to learn more about wine.
The best part of learning about wine is tasting numerous wines from around the world. The best education was joining wine tasting groups in Austin and Fredericksburg, sharing conversations with my fellow wine nerds. I eventually decided to enter the industry as a wine educator and had the pleasure to work for several wonderful Texas Hill Country wineries. They opened my eyes to production and all the important aspects of running a business.
I recently joined the Westcave Cellars team as the new Wine Club Manager. It’s actually a dream come true, since I can now learn hands on about full production at a small, family-owned, boutique winery. In addition to completing my WSET Level One Certification and International Wine Guild Level 1 Certification, this experience will certainly benefit all our guests.
My passion for wine is always evolving….. still so much to learn! Cheers!
Cabo and Tristan
Cabo and Tristan are the resident mini-Schnauzers. Known as the “Doorbells,” their main job is to alert the family when guests arrive. Cabo and Tristan are also avid hunters, protecting the grapes from animal damage.
Westcave Cellars in the News
Westcave Cellars in the NewsAmerican Winery Guide – “This is a place I would return to, and bring friends. If there was a concert opportunity on a cool afternoon or evening, it would be ideal, with a picnic basket and a bottle (or several) of the Westcave wines.” Read it here!
Texas Wine Journal – An unique estate mix from Westcave Cellars owner-winemaker Allan Fetty, this abundant red is on the bolder design for a summer season red wine. The mix is a mix of small sirah, malbec, syrah, and tannat, each a robust range to start with. See it here!
Texas Wine Lover – Several reviews of Westcave Cellar wines and events. Be sure to check them all out here.
Ariauber on Instagram – “Here’s another winery that makes its own beer, on a very small scale. Choose a beer flight or a wine flight – you can’t go wrong.” Check out her awesome page HERE.
Texas Bite & Sip – Read the full Review.
Vino & Thyme – “I truly enjoyed the whole experience and I have my next trip with my family very soon.”
Vintage Texas – “I was really surprised that I liked every wine presented. I’m usually picky, and usually only like certain wines. But at Westcave, all the wines were really enjoyable.” Read the full article here.
AMY – ATX Food & Wine Blogger – “Their inviting grounds are the perfect place to enjoy a glass or flight of Texas wine, craft beer and food that perfectly compliments both. Their team is very welcoming and they love meeting their sweet four legged guests too.” View the full Instagram post here.
Texas Wine Adventures – Watch the full video here.