Page 68 - San Angelo

In November of 2010, the family vision expanded the operation to include a bonded winery with the help of Drex & Nancy’s two sons, Bryan and Blake Vincent, co-owners and operators of Christoval Winery. The winery offers a number of red and white premium wines such as Tempranillo, Riesling, Merlot, Viognier, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Roussanne. Bryan’s PHD in chemistry has provided a strong foundation for winemaking. He has been instrumental in developing the wide array of wines available for guests to taste when they take a trip to the winery.

Making good wine in Texas can be challenging, but Texans are always up for a challenge. The success of Texas wines startles some people, but as vineyards and wineries continue to crop up throughout the Lone Star State, it has become apparent that Texas-grown grapes have nothing to apologize for. In a short time span the Christoval Winery, has established a reputation for making excellent wine. Recently, fve of Christoval Vineyards wines received silver and bronze medals at the 2011 Finger Lake International Wine Competition in New York. Make no mistake; though the wines are respected by top wine connoisseurs, the atmosphere at the winery is fun and casual. As visitors sign a cork and meet the Vincent family (including wine dogs Lucy and Lily, and sometimes a few of Drex and Nancy’s ten grandchildren), it is obvious that West Texas people love the casual, “wine down” atmosphere of the vineyard grounds and recently constructed tasting room. Visitors can listen to live entertainment, walk through the vines, or just hang out with family or friends. Life just doesn’t get much better.

If there is a reason that Texas wines are not better known, it is probably that Texans consume more than 96% of the state’s output. We Texans like to take care of our own, and the Vincents will see to it that you are well taken care of.  SAL