Alexander Vineyards - Fredericksburg, TX

“And now for something completely different” – a motto that owner Claude Alexander has ‘borrowed’ to describe his venture into the Texas winery world.  This new winery has just opened up and is located on the east of Fredericksburg off of Highway 290.  Claude has taken the time and effort to partner with some well established wineries in France to make his own wine to import and sell in Texas.  The grapes and wines are from France and Germany, but unlike most wine importers, he has actually worked with the winemaker and selected specific wines to produce under his label.  There are currently five wines to select from for tasting with more to be available later this year and early next year.  There are two champagnes, one made of 100% Chardonnay and the other from Blanc de Blanc and Pinot Noir. Yes, these are real champagnes and composed of Grand Cru fruit.  Both are quite good and a very exciting option for champagne lovers, as they are the real deal offered through a Texas winery! They are not super dry like some traditional champagnes and the alcohol content is not so high, so you won’t feel so “bubbly” after having a bottle.  There is a good Riesling also available that is very well balanced. The Riesling grapes are from the Mosel area of Germany.  Lastly, there are two Graves to try.  The red is 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The White is 55% Semillion and 45% Sauvignon Blanc.  Both Graves have great balances and aromas to enjoy.  These “old world” wines should help calibrate and broaden your wine sipping sensors so you can compare other wines to these created in the heart of the best wine producing areas for each of these various types of wines.  Claude also has plans to bring in some wines under his label through partnerships with wineries in Italy and possibly Spain.  He is very knowledgeable about his wines and what he is doing.  Don’t be put off by the “temp” trailer tasting room, as you can see the plans he has on the walls for future buildings and bed and breakfast cottages. This place is worth your valuable wine visiting time and he is very happy to share his story with those that stop in to explore what Alexander Vineyards currently has to offer.  Enjoy his hospitality and as well as the shade of the big oak trees on this wine country estate. We look forward to seeing the ground breaking on his new tasting room in the near future and the continued growth of his menu offerings. It is exciting to have something totally new and unique being offered to Texas wine connoisseurs.

www.alexandervineyards.com