Bilger Family Vineyards
Andy & Elena Bilger broke ground in the vineyard located along County Road 1623 in southeast Gillespie County in the summer of 2016. The preparation of the land was truly a family undertaking. From the beginning, Michael, Andy's brother, was tasked with preparing the land for planting of vines in the spring of 2017. Taking a three month sabbatical from work, which has turned into a multi-year commitment, Michael worked with the family seven days a week to ready the land. After clearing the property of old peach trees, giant Mexican Sycamores, old fencing, driveways, sheds, weeds and natural grasses, the job of trellis building began. By early March 2017 the grass and trees gave way to stakes, trellises and vines. By mid summer of 2017 the land that one year prior had raised very little, now grew Vitis vinifera. Follow our Bilger Family Vineyard Instagram for a pictorial history of the vineyard.
Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Sangiovese, and Arinto were the first vines planted. These grape varieties were chosen because of their growing characteristics for our location in the Texas Hill Country. Learn more about our grapes.
From our Business Plan
Bilger Family Vineyards is focused on becoming a self-sustaining vineyard operation with grapes grown in Stonewall and several other Texas Hill Country and High Plains locations. In the beginning, our winery will rely on grapes grown throughout the State of Texas. Our goal for the future is to control and shape our own identity through agricultural practices and vineyard techniques that ensure a high quality product from vine to wine. This business model requires 10 years to reach our goal of 50+ acres under vine and will require a commitment to mastering all levels of the vineyard industry.
The first planting of Bilger Family Vineyards in the spring and summer of 2017 marked the beginning of a long agricultural journey and timeless family business adventure. We hope you will join the Bilgers’ on this adventure and support us. From the purchase of our Vineyard property in Stonewall, Texas, through the transformation of the raw range land into trellises and vineyards, our goals are audacious. We are determined to serve a community of like-minded individuals who value family, friends, great wine, customer interaction, responsible family agriculture, hard work, relaxation and above all, fun. Yes, we love fun!
Update to Bilger Vineyards
2020 Bilger Family Vineyards is entering into the 5th Leaf in 2021 on our original plot and entering into our 3rd Leaf (first Harvest) on our Beyers plot. Stay tuned for planting details and planting events.
Bilger Family Vineyards is entering into their 5th Leaf in 2021 on our original plot and entering into our 3rd Leaf (first Harvest) on our Beyers plot. Stay tuned for planting details and planting events.
2019 The vineyard is expanding by 7.5 acres in 2019 with our newly acquired Beyers Tract. We are adding to our grape selection with 1 acre of Arinto, 1 acre of Alvarinho, 1 acre of Tempranillo, 1 acre of Mourvedre, 1 acre of Touriga Nacional and additional 1/2 acres of Tinta Cao, Souzuo and Cab Franc.