Fawncrest Vineyard

Need an appointment apparently… not sure until we got there and it was closed.

As the BF and I found ourselves taking care of business in Canyon Lake, I thought it would be awesome to check out a local Texas Hill Country winery. Seeing that there were only 2 in this town, we went for the one that was closer to where we were. GPS landed us in a neighborhood of houses which confused us as we were used to visiting wineries with long pebble stone roads filled with vineyards and an entrance sign. Don’t expect that here as the tasting room is truly located in the owner’s house! We were definitely thrown off and nervous to approach a house with two dogs in the back yard fence for fear of being shot for trespassing, but luckily, there is a small sign on the front of the house providing directions to walk around to the back and enter in the sliding glass doors. We ended up in the small cozy tasting room which is an extension of the owner’s house and were welcomed with open friendly arms. The McNeil’s are the sweet couple that owns the small vineyard. One side of the house has a sit and sip porch that has a view out onto the lake and the 4 rows of grapes. The tasting room is air conditioned with a TV that we found ourselves watching football with the owners and playing with their big puppy. The free wine tasting was the icing as we got to try all of their wines and have a second sample of our favorite. They make a delicious Chardonnay which is aged with both French and American oak chips. They also have a Cab Sav, a Cab Franc, a Merlot, and a red blend of 3 grapes called The Meritage. We loved the relaxed charming atmosphere and the selections of wines this vineyard had to offer. BTW, there is an outside tasting bar that they have to host larger groups which is nicely covered to block the hot sun in case you’re wondering. We left this little charming simple vineyard with a large smile, 3 bottles in hand, and another fond memory to add to the book.

This place is such a hole in a wall! It was a wonderful surprise to walk in. We got to meet some wonderful people yesterday who had such hospitality. This is a true treat and VERY pet friendly! I particularly like Jessica the chocolate lab who was relentless on fetching her rubber toy from the awesome Texas shaped pond. The weather was crisp and the view of Canyon Lake was beautiful!
Thank you so very much!

Fawncrest is a boutique winery off the beaten path between Austin and San Antonio. Thanks to the people at Canyon Gorge we discovered this hidden gem in the Hill Country!
The proprietors do everything from crushing and pressing to making their own labels and they consider their wine «holistic». They produce only dry wines with no preservatives or additives and is sulfite free.
Patty gave my friend and I and our dogs a tour and tasting on a Sunday when we stumbled upon the vineyard. But, the official tasting hours are Noon — 7PM on Saturday and by appointment.
If you like a dry Merlot I recommend Fawncrest.