Page 66 - San Angelo

family owned and operated business. Drex and Nancy Vincent acquired the vineyard estate three years ago and began work on developing what is a unique concept in West Texas. It began with loving care of the existing vineyards and planned expansion for the future.

In August of 2010, after over a year of careful design and planning, the Chapel in the Vineyard & Event Center opened with a waiting list of weddings and events. The structure is reminiscent of an Old-World European chateau with its stone exterior, heavy mesquite doors, and huge hewn beams. Excitement is evident on the faces of brides-to-be as they ring a one hundred and thirty year old “Wedding Bell” under the towering covered entrance. Viewing the stained glass adorning the stone altar (which came from an old building original to the property), the beautiful iron balconies, and leaded glass windows, it’s easy for brides-to-be to visualize

their dream wedding. The chapel and grounds are a picture-perfect setting for an intimate, indoor wedding or for the bride who wants an outdoor ceremony. The adjacent gazebo and patio areas are nestled among huge trees and seven acres of vineyard. Flowering gardens adorn the shady, outdoor courtyard. The uniqueness of this West Texas oasis has allowed the Chapel in the Vineyard to quickly establish a name as the premier wedding and event venue in West Texas. The mystique of growing grapes and winemaking holds its own special allure. The original vineyards on the estate were established in 1985 with Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling varietals. In the last three years, the Vincents have expanded the vineyard with plantings of Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Vermentino. All are Southern European varietals which fourish in the warm and arid West Texas climate.