William Chris Vineyards

You pull up to a 1905 farmhouse on Highway 290 and immediately understand the assignment — this isn't a big-box winery trying to be everything to everyone. William Chris has committed fully to Texas-grown, Texas-made, and the list reflects that conviction without apology. It's focused, intentional, and quietly confident.

Every bottle on the list is an estate or Texas-sourced wine, which is either a bold statement or a dealbreaker depending on your flexibility — we'd call it the former. The 20-to-40-bottle range stays lean by design, hitting Mourvèdre and Rhône-inspired blends like the 2022 La Pradera Vineyard Blend alongside the sparkling 2023 Boxing Rabbit Cuvée, which signals genuine range for a Texas program. There are real gaps here — no Old World anchors, no international comparison points — but that's the whole point. William Chris is building the case that Texas belongs on the map, and the list is their argument.

Eight to fifteen pours by the glass is a serious by-the-glass program for a winery of this scale, and the options rotate to track what's current in the cellar. You're not stuck choosing between a house white and a house red — there's actual variety to navigate across styles and grapes. If you're on the fence about committing to a bottle, the glass pours give you enough room to explore before you do.