Lubbock Wine Tour with Abby Bogle

By: Abby Bogle, Managing Partner for Texas Wine Company and Church House Wines.

Hi, everyone! Happy 2021. My name is Abby Bogle and I am the Managing Partner for Texas Wine Company (a custom crush facility) and Church House Wines. Boy oh boy, are we glad we are in a new year – especially all of us on the High Plains trying to grow grapes and make Texas wine. A little background for those of you who don’t know, I have been in the Texas wine industry for about eight years. I began my career at McPherson Cellars during my years at Texas Tech University. Between then and now, I have worked with many other wineries throughout the region in some way, shape or form. In addition to working with West Texas wine, I have been the president of the High Plains Wine and Food Foundation for three years. Through this position, I have been able to build relationships with many wineries throughout the region!

Now that I have introduced myself, let’s get to the good part… Texas wine! 

First, I am going to begin with a short 30-minute drive west to Brownfield. This is where you will find a majority of the region’s vineyards, along with a few in Meadow, that support the Texas wine industry. This is also where Farmhouse Vineyards and Lost Draw Vineyards reside.

The “Farmhouse four,” which includes Katy Jane and Nick Seaton, as well as Anthony and Traci Ferguson, are amazing! They grow for several clients around the Hill Country while also producing their own wines, made by Tim Drake. Their tasting room in Brownfield is so fun! If you make your way out there, you have to start with the Boyfriend (I mean, a sparkling wine named Boyfriend, so of course it’s going to be good.) Next, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Jacked Knife, Smoke and Mirrors and Cultivated. They are all great tasting, top-quality red wines that will pair perfectly with one of their paninis or charcuterie boards. When it warms up, their sangria needs to be the first thing you order. You will love it on the patio or at the lake!

Lost Draw Vineyards is in Brownfield, Texas and Andy Timmons, who is a pioneer for Texas wine, owns this vineyard along with Texas Wine Company and Church House Wines. He, just like Farmhouse, sells most of his fruit to the Hill Country. However, you can find some of his top-quality blends in the award-winning Church House label, which is the retail label for Texas Wine Company. Church House is sold in several HEB and United Supermarkets locations as well as the Wolforth Farmer’s Market every Saturday. The 2019 Merlot and the 2017 Reserve Zinfandel are a must-try, but you can’t go wrong with any bottle!

The Church House label is the true meaning of top quality and value-driven wine at an affordable price. If you are interested in knowing more about the process of making wine, stop by and see us at Texas Wine Company, located in Meadow, Texas!

Now, let’s get back into Lubbock’s city limits. I can’t recommend Burklee Hill’s pizzette paired with their Malbec enough. Make sure to stop by on Wednesday evenings, as they showcase live music in their dining room. The next winery on your list needs to be McPherson Cellars, especially during their patio nights in the summer. While there, make sure to try the La Herencia, Picpoul Blanc and Reserve Sangiovese.

We certainly can’t forget the two local wineries on the edge of Lubbock – Llano Estacado Winery and English Newsom Winery at Caprock Cellars. Both feature great tasting rooms with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. A few of my favorite Llano blends include the THP Tempranillo, Viviano and Cellar Reserve Chardonnay. Make sure to ask the winemaker, Jason Centanni, to talk to you about his wine club offers while there.

English Newsom Winery is known for not only their high-quality wines but also many of their exciting events. Check their Facebook for upcoming live music nights and festivals. Grab your friends and go out there for a happening night and a glass of Picardan. If you haven’t tried this white, trust me, you will be hooked!

As you can tell, there are quite a few amazing wines in this area. These are all award-winning wines that have been produced from top-quality 100% West Texas fruit. Share your favorite wines with us using #LiveLoveLubbock! Cheers to local wine!