El Gaucho Winery

I hate to give this secret away. This is the best place to drink wine in Central Texas. Go in middle of the week, less crowds. The owners are Top Notch know their stuff and treat you right. Views and stars, words do not do it justice.

I was there yesterday, Jan. 23, 2016.
El Gaucho was a great place to stop by, the owner, Bennett, was super nice, the place had a nice view, the food was good, wine was Great, (It is all wine from Argentina which is actually WHY we went, (a party of 5) their reserve Malbecs are Great!) it was a very friendly and relaxing atmosphere, made the one day trip from Hoston to Austin WELL WORTH IT. Definetly going back when I visit Austin again!

Really great wine! We enjoyed almost all and bought some to take home. This is strictly a tasting room, as all wines are grown and bottled in Argentina.
Bottles of wine are super reasonable ($ 15 avg) while tastings are a bit high ($ 10 – 23 for 5 – 8 small tastings). Save yourself some money and just buy a bottle.
A previous poster mentioned that they were not kid friendly, but rather kid enthusiastic. This could not be more true. There is a large section right by the outdoor seating that is full of kid teepees and general play area. I dont expect good wine at chucky cheese, nor do i expect a chucky cheese experience while im drinking good wine. There were a ton of kids wreaking havok while we were there. Running everywhere, yelling, playing with large sharp sticks, playing with spray paint bottles, sitting in the best seats, etc…
The owner had his own child there and honestly it felt like he was more interested in making sure his kid was having fun and playing with all the other visiting children then ensuring his paying guests were enjoying themselves.
This could be such a peaceful beautiful spot with great wine, but instead its a kid’s camp that happens to serve wine. At the end of the day, i will choose inferior texas wine at a not as kid «enthusiastic» winery.

Drove out here on a brisk Sunday afternoon yesterday per a friend’s suggestion (thanks Dawn H.!). Let me say the best thing about this place, for me, is that it’s kid enthusiastic. Yes, not just friendly, but ENTHUSIASTIC. Parents rejoice to the tune of the Hallelujah Chorus! They have teepees built for the kids to climb on and play in and lots of outdoor space for them as well. The owner even entertained by son with the popping of corks, totally adorbs. Second best thing beautiful location, wonderful outdoor seating and cozy indoor tasting area. Third, good Argentinian wines at a fair price point for tasting and/​or drinking by the glass or bottle. Fourth, some tasty food options. Fifth, friendly and interesting proprietors. I cannot wait to go back here on a warm day (after cedar season ends) to enjoy this spot again. I already know I like their Malbecs, and I can’t wait to try the reserves next time!

What a true gem of a find — thanks Unilocal!More people need to know about this fantastic spot! Whether you reside in the Lake Travis area or downtown Austin, the short trek is certainly worth the reward (only about 30 minutes and the drive is lovely!)!
El Gaucho, located in the Hill Country of Spicewood, is a lovely winery set on a sprawling piece of property and serves up true Argentine wines (no offense to all the Texas vines that have gotten so much better in recent years). The very welcoming and nice husband and wife team, Bennett and Argentina born Eugenia, offer 8 different varieties of impressive wines from one of their two vineyards in the heart of Menfoza.
The old converted house serves as a very charming tasting room with a small bar and several tables and chairs. The outdoor area has tons of comfy seating areas, mood-​enhancing twinkly lights in the trees, heat lamps for the cooler days, a real deal Argentine fire pit (and soon to be completed pizza oven), and several wooden teepees for the kiddos to play on — oh, the patio is also Fido friendly for well-​behaved furbabies.
There are three tastings choices (please see tip) or you can order by the glass or bottle; all very affordable IMHO for the quality. In addition to the wines, Gaucho also serves up some authentic Argentine cuisine ranging from simple Cheese and Meat Plates to handmade Empanadas, to the very special treat (weather permitting) of a fire pit grilled Argentine Asado [meat] plate on Sundays (particularly during the warmer months). They served up some yummy grilled Chorizo with house-​made, spicy chimmichuri on the day of our first visit and consensus seemed it was a big hit — for the four adults and two «halves.» ;)
I can’t believe El Gaucho has been open since last June and I just now found it! Certainly going to be a repeat offender. Highly recommend! It feels like being home, or at dear friends’ house, all the whilst being served and educated by two very charming hosts. Salud!

This is a BEAUTIFUL place! Lots of attention to detail! A hidden jewel in the Lake Travis area.
So close to Lakeway and Rough Hollow. A magical feeling there! It will be our «go to» place.

Beautiful place to relax and have a great glass or bottle of wine, amazing service and atmosphere. Can’t wait to come back!