FINALLY—the new tasting room renovation is complete! WHEW!
It’s been quite a roller coaster ride for the past 8 months. We not only remodeled the ranch house into a spacious and modern setting, but the original metal barn is now a combination lab, brewery, permanent bottling line, and case good storage unit.
Currently, the construction crew is completing another HUGE building that will house the winery production and barrel storage.
Why the Move?
Thinking back to the small building which Allan and I shared for all of the Westcave operations, I wonder how we managed (and stayed married).
It was a difficult decision to sell the vineyard that Allan and I had loved and farmed for 20 years. However, we worked 7 days a week and wanted some downtime. We also needed to have more visibility for the tasting room.
Up to the last month in the former tasting room, visitors continued to exclaim, “We never knew a winery was here!”
Starting New in Johnson City
Allan and I found the perfect place in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, along the 290 Wine Trail in Johnson City.
We thought the added distance might be an issue. Happily, our friends and the wine club family have been extremely supportive and shared in this long journey.
So far, we’ve received positive feedback that the drive is easy, beautiful, and not nearly as dangerous. In many cases, guests have said the drive was actually shorter for them.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have so many winery neighbors. The drive is even more worthwhile.
Pandemic Pandemonium
Without a doubt, the biggest obstacle in this whole construction adventure has been Covid-19.
Many businesses that supplied materials were closed, and workers sheltered in place. The remodeling stalled several times. The worst part has been the constant tasting room shutdowns.
Westcave Cellars fully supports the need for caution! We are practicing all safety suggestions—masks, gloves, social distancing, and sanitizing furniture between guests. Believe me, we are just as frustrated as guests hoping to enjoy a wine tasting.
Just like all of the other Texas Hill Country wineries, we are experiencing a huge decrease in revenue. The Westcave team is looking for ways to reinvent ourselves given the challenges that Covid-19 has presented.
Unfortunately, Allan and I are not techy and avoid the camera. We care more about hospitality and the experience. So, we are searching for ways to maintain safe and law-abiding practices while sharing the Westcave Cellars 100% Texas wine and beer.
The Future of Westcave Cellars
Some good news, though—recent guidelines from TABC will allow us to alter our percentage to 49% on-site wine consumption (tastings and glasses), but ONLY if we have 51% sales of “other,” non-wine items.
Hey, with a new commercial kitchen, we now plan to offer cheese boards and light lunches. It’s also a great time to take a tour to see the wine-making process and all the equipment. If you have any other ideas, let me know!
In the meantime, Allan is still working hard. Harvest has started, so he spends part of his time in the former estate vineyard and at the new winery processing grapes. (Don’t worry about the estate wine. While we don’t own the vineyard, the 2020 wine will be the exact same.)
I am starting the renovation on the 2-story guest house. It will become an AirBNB known as the “Hye Moon HYE-daway.” Also, you know how I LOVE to cook! I’ve been trying new recipes to pair with our 100% Texas wine. I can’t wait to share the best ones at the Cellar Dweller parties WHEN, not if, the pandemic subsides.
Allan and I Want to Thank You for Your Continued Support and Friendship
We can’t wait to share the new Westcave Cellars Winery and Brewery with you.
If you need a break, come meet Whitney, the tasting room manager. Then you can pick up a bottle or two of wine to sip outside. The new park area has even more shade and a cooling breeze.
We look forward to hosting you!
