Blessing of the Vines

March 28, 2023

I just got back from a quick trip to the beautiful Texas hill country for Kuhlman Cellars’ Blessing of the Vines event: a spring celebration to welcome the season. There was live music (a fabulous singer and guitarist performing some of my favorite songs!), adorable pups hanging out on the patio (the vineyard is dog friendly), a special food item, and a progressive wine tasting held in the vineyard so guests could sample the Estate wines right where the grapes grew. So cool!

As I’m sure you know, most wine tastings take place indoors or at least at a table. It was so fun to get to stroll around the vineyard, sippin’ and savoring. The special Estate Wine Tasting began near the Winegarden with the Estate Rosé and information about all the wildflowers and butterflies found at Kuhlman Cellars in the spring.

Then I enjoyed a leisurely stroll listening to jazz on my way to the Estate Roussanne (my favorite Kuhlman wine!) in the middle of the vineyard. The Estate looks spectacular from out here and I was shocked to see teeny tiny baby grapes already forming on the vines.

Next up was the 2021 Estate White, a refreshing blend of Marsanne and Roussanne with pear and jasmine notes. This is such an easy-to-drink wine and begs to be enjoyed in the pool all summer long.

I practically bounced up to the next station because I was so excited to be one of the first people to try the new 2020 Estate Mourvèdre, released yesterday. This wine blew my mind. I immediately purchased two bottles to take home. It’s is my new favorite Kuhlman red!

The last station was the 2019 Estate Red on the side of the Winegarden. This wine is a blend of Carignan, Aglianico, and Mourvèdre with firm tannins and notes of juicy berries. A few steps away was a bar where guests could order wine to enjoy and the food pickup station. I pre-ordered the Estate Mourvèdre Braised Beef Short Rib, so I grabbed that (very hearty!) plate and grabbed a table by the garden to enjoy music.

There was also a literal blessing of the vines ceremony, which I thought was so cute. I wish Rev. Emily Owen could come bless my azaleas!

Finally, I headed indoors to try the winter 2023 Wine and Food Experience tasting menu. You can read all about that here. I purchased half a dozen bottles to bring back to Dallas and a bottle of Crown Maple Syrup, which Kuhlman has me addicted to. It was a perfect Sunday at the vineyard!