Lifestyle
290 Wine Castle & Bentley Hotel, Voted the most unique wine tasting experience in Texas.
By Judith Shabram
Mike Chase can trace his roots back several generations to his ancestors, who were potato farmers in Ireland. His love for genealogy prompted him to delve deeper into the family history. And may have included viewing the majesty of the Irish castles, the medieval fortresses that protected the land from invaders. Mike wanted to live in a castle, so he built one in Johnson City to honor his father.
The entrance to the 290 wine castle winds upward to the top of a hill, and much like many medieval castles, the view of the surrounding countryside is commanding. The 290 Wine Castle, with its stone walls and turrets, immediately transports the senses to a time when chivalrous knights rescued princesses from peril, and kings might have ruled a fairy tale kingdom.
In addition to living in a castle, Mike Chase hoped that someday he would be able to share his love for wine with others. His grandfather had driven a truck for local wineries in California. The 290 Wine Castle is a unique concept that respects the distinctiveness of Texas wines but celebrates the exceptional quality of the old-world wineries. What is considered new-world wine tends to produce a fuller-bodied, more fruit-forward blend, while most categorized as old-world wines tend to be lighter, less fruity, with lower alcohol content. With wines, it simply comes down to what pleases your palate. With this in mind, 290 Wine Castle hand-picks varietals and has them blended. Mike’s wife, Monique, has a fantastic palate for discerning the best wines of the old world and the new. This knowledge translates into a selection from Italy, Spain, France, and Texas. The Chases believe that you don’t have to go to Europe to enjoy an outstanding European wine, but you also need to recognize the beauty of the quality wines produced in Texas.
When you enter the castle doors, you know a new experience awaits. A number of clocks on the wall announce the concept that it is 5:00 p.m. somewhere in the world and, therefore, the perfect time to indulge in a glass of wine. Tasting options include the wine bar or a trip to a dungeon where, under a black light, you will be served five chocolates and three cheeses paired with the perfect wine. Noteworthy is that you won’t know what you have tasted until afterward, removing any preconceived ideas.
You might begin with Illusion, a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc from Spain, bright and crisp with a dry finish. The Rosso Piceno Cugnolo is a dry Italian red wine with hints of raspberry jam and blackberries, finishing with an herbal note. For connoisseurs of sweet wines, the Rose Dolcezza is from the Texas High Plains, boasting the flavor of golden honey. The Castle also features a frozen Sangria machine and offers a variety of food options, including wood-fired pizza, a charcuterie board, chocolates, and wine chips flavored with Asiago or blue cheese. The large patio offers live music on weekends, ranging from country to acoustic guitar.
Holidays are special at The 290 Wine Castle and celebrated with the uniqueness you would expect. The dungeon transforms into the Dungeon Winter Wonderland, featuring cheese or chocolate fondue paired with wine, along with a souvenir glass to take home. Winter brings mulled wine and a Holiday Market Saturday featuring local vendors. In addition, The 290 Wine Castle has created a distinctly different wine club. Benefits include discounts on wine and food, up to 30% off a stay at the Bentley Hotel, unusual wine parties, an anniversary party once a year with complimentary wine and cheese for you and your friends, and access to the rooftop turrets and dungeon cellars. Additionally, on the 2nd floor is a cigar lounge open exclusively to members, featuring a selection of premium cigars.
Adjacent to the 290 Wine Castle, the Bentley Hotel, also owned by the Chase family, affords a view of the Castle on the hill. It is a lavish property dedicated to adults as a couple’s retreat, a romantic getaway, or a honeymoon option. The fully stocked Bentley bar is open on special occasions, but guests check in at the Castle for a glass of bubbly.. The rooms are a tribute to the glamorous Hollywood stars of the 1960s, like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, and the music that changed a generation from the Beatles. The rooms offer a deluxe king-size bed, walk-in showers, ultra-soft robes and slippers, and luxurious toiletries from Hummingbird Farms.
The goal at the Bentley Hotel on 290 is to make your experience memorable as you relax with a glass of wine on your private patio or balcony, overlooking the pool or the stunning Hill Country sunsets. You can book the entire hotel for a honeymoon package, which includes a room and wine discounts, or a unique corporate retreat.
The 290 Wine Castle and Bentley Hotel are family-owned and operated by Mike, his wife Monique, and their daughter Chelsea, along with a knowledgeable staff that will make your experience unforgettable by inviting you to become part of the castle family.101 Durango
Johnson City, Texas 512-790-2654 (call or text)
