Ab Astris Winery

Ab Astris is a family-owned and operated boutique winery just inside Stonewall city limits. Their tasting room is set off of the highway, so the vibe is a little bit more relaxed. I’ve been wanting to try out this winery for over a year and FINALLY made it out to visit! My best friend, Carla, and I called ahead to reserve us a tasting time on their patio. As we relaxed in our chairs, Carla commented, “I feel like I’m at a friend’s backyard party.” She was spot-on.

We were greeted with a smile and seated by a team member on their patio. Saturday’s are typically the busiest of days for wineries along 290 and Ab Astris was no exception. The trees in their yard area were strung with twinkle lights, a live-musician strummed some flamenco-esque tunes on his guitar and guests were lounging in chairs and on picnic tables. For the football fans, they had a TV set out. #texas

Although the winery was buzzing, it didn’t feel overcrowded. These smaller vineyards are truly hidden gems along the Texas Wine Trail, especially during peak seasons. We tried two whites, a rose, and two reds during our tasting (served by the owner of the vineyard and his daughter).

The Albariño was our first stop along the tastebud train, featuring subtle notes of pear and lemon. If we had stayed the rest of the afternoon, we would have shared a bottle of this wine. Their Clairette Blanche was the second white wine we tried … and we enjoyed it as much as the first! After a healthy dose of white wine pours, we moved on to the rosé. The Aurora Rosé is a dry rosé wine (a must for the family of wine-makers) with a slight hint of effervescence. If I’m ever invited to a bougie summer dinner party, this would be the wine I’d bring as a hostess gift. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a red you can drink year-round and would pair well with almost any dish. The Tannat (I believe is award-winning?!) is bolder and would be perfect with a good Texas steak.

Everything we tasted was delicious! Usually when tasting wines, we try one that isn’t quite my favorite. Ab Astris’ selection was very impressive. I would have wandered out of there with five different bottles of wine, if my pocketbook would have allowed. However, I ended up walking away with a bottle of their Picpoul Blanc (very refreshing) and Carla snagged a bottle of their Clairette Blanche and Cabernet. Signs of successful tasting, indeed.

Be sure to add this charming Texas winery to your list. You won’t want to leave!