From the Hill Country to the Panhandle, grapes are ripening on vines, and a small army of people are turning them into fine Texas wines. This is a round the clock operation from late July to October or November, and it is known as “crush.”

Lifestyle
The Wine is Coming: Crush Is in Full Swing
From the Vineyard to the Winery

Photo: Robert C Deming
Grapes just picked nearby are processed by being dumped into a de-stemming and crushing machine at William Chris Wines in Hye.
Let the Fermentation Begin!

Photo: Robert C Deming
These grapes are fermenting in a large tub. They aren’t much to look at yet, but there is great promise here.
Stirring Fermented Grapes

Photo: Robert C Deming
In the photo above, Joe at Hye Meadows Winery is stirring fermenting grapes. This Fredericksburg native left a career in extreme sports (climbing) to join Hye Meadows Winery as an assistant winemaker.
Behind the Scenes at William Chris Winery
