The Vineyard

Pillar Bluff Vineyards received its bonding license in 1999 and opened the tasting room in 2002. Currently, they are producing 1,200 to 1,400 cases each year. The tasting room is delightfully small with a wood tasting counter. The Tuscan yellow walls provide a warm feeling. A number of gift items are available for purchase. These include Riedel glasses, wine bags, cheese trays, wine bottle carriers, picnic bags and wine bottle tags. A gazebo outside of the tasting room provides a great location for events among the vines. Gill has music events scheduled for every second Saturday throughout the year. The winery also has a Celtic event every Solstice. The pavilion is the site for weddings and other private events. Gill related the most satisfying day he ever had. As he looked towards the large gazebo, two or three couples were enjoying themselves and someone spontaneously picked up a guitar and started playing. What more can one ask for than a delightful afternoon in a vineyard with the gentle sound of music? Pillar Bluff Vineyards invites you to come visit, walk through the vineyards, taste our Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Merlot in either our tasting room or outside in the shade of the live oaks. To visit, take FM 1478 (Naruna Rd. at the Golf Course) west of Lampasas, TX for 3 miles to the Burnet County line, turning left onto County Road 111. The tasting room is open Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Kathy Sullivan Wine Trail Traveler

Source http://www.pillarbluff.com

Meet the Makers

Gill Bledsoe, owner and winemaker, in the Pillar Bluff Vineyards tasting room where he told us his story. After spending 20 years in the army, he returned to Texas. He planted a few vines, which were successful. In 1997, he planted five acres of grapevines. These included Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. With a late fall frost date of November 7 and winter over between March 15 and April 17, spring late frosts are a major concern. However Gill is successful with his vineyards and as he said, “I’m going down this road whether anyone is with me or not.” Gill has achieved success at Pillar Bluff.

The Paired Wine

Pillar Bluff Merlot

A smooth, well balanced but delicate wine, having a black cherry nose, plum accents and a hint of pepper. It was aged a full year in French and American oak and is alive with soft chewy tannins.