News Summary
Llano Estacado Winery, the largest and second-oldest winery in Texas, has new ownership eager to expand its offerings. The new investors plan to develop a boutique hotel, restaurant, and event center in Fredericksburg, as well as a new tasting room on Main Street. Under the leadership of a dynamic team, the winery aims to capitalize on the booming Hill Country wine market while addressing challenges such as changing consumer preferences and potential sales declines.
Lubbock Welcomes Exciting Changes at Llano Estacado Winery
Hey there, Lubbock! There’s some exciting buzz happening right in our backyard at the Llano Estacado Winery. This beloved winery, known as the largest and second-oldest in Texas, has recently been purchased by a new ownership group. Although the details of the purchase price are still under wraps, what truly matters is that these enthusiastic investors are gearing up to take Llano Estacado to a whole new level!
Expanding Horizons to Hill Country
So, what’s on the horizon? Well, the new team is setting their sights on the fabulous Hill Country region. This area is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and, of course, outstanding wines. They’re planning to jazz up the winery’s offerings by crafting an even more stunning selection of fine wines. But here’s where it gets even more exciting—there’s a plan in the works to create a fabulous boutique hotel, a mouth-watering restaurant, a versatile event center, and a spacious tasting room on about 3.5 acres right across from an H-E-B parking lot in Fredericksburg.
But that’s not the end of this thrill ride! The ownership team is on the lookout for a new tasting room nestled along the bustling Main Street in Fredericksburg. This move is smart—after all, with the growing interest in wine tourism, they’re tapping right into the hearts (and palates) of wine lovers everywhere!
A New Leadership Team Taking Charge
Leading this dynamic venture is a team with impressive credentials. At the helm is Kevin Glasheen, who brings his experience as a personal injury attorney and real estate developer. The plans go beyond just the winery. They have started acquiring additional properties along Texas 290, enhancing their footprint in an area famous for its charming wineries. They even made a splash with the recent purchase of approximately 20 acres near the delightful Hilmy Cellars.
Numerous Growth Opportunities Abound
Let’s talk numbers! The Hill Country region has seen a jaw-dropping 625% increase in active winery permits from 2011 to 2021. This surge is drawn from a growing population and appealing economic incentives, making it a wine lover’s paradise. With such explosive growth, the new owners are right on time to join the party!
On a somber note, the previous ownership, made up of over 100 small stockholders, faced challenges as many chose to sell due to aging. Yet, the new ownership group is bustling with energy and innovative ideas. Key figures in this team include Noe Valles, Aaron Handler, Bret Perrenoud, Ron Ross, and Bryan Miller. Aaron will take the reins as CEO while Bret steps into the role of general manager. And let’s not forget the esteemed Mark Hyman, who has dedicated 30 years as president, will be retiring soon—passing the baton to this exciting new leadership crew!
Production and Future Ventures
Now, the talented Jason Centanni will still be with Llano Estacado, bringing two decades of winemaking experience to the table. The winery also distributes over 160,000 cases of wine annually, with around 40% of Texas wine sales stemming from this iconic winery. Talk about a strong brand!
The ambitious plans don’t stop there. The new owners are keen on opening another tasting room in Cactus Alley shopping center in Lubbock while also enhancing the hospitality offerings at the original winery. The goal? To craft a state-of-the-art facility where visitors can soak in the local wine culture while enjoying exceptional wines. It’s all about creating a destination for both residents and tourists alike!
Facing Challenges with Determination
Of course, with all this excitement comes some concerns. The broader wine trade is bracing for potential sales declines after the pandemic, and factors like climate change and shifting consumer preferences for cheaper drinks are on the radar. However, with a robust plan focused on infrastructure and innovative strategies, Llano Estacado Winery is ready to tackle whatever challenges may come their way.
As this cherished winery gears up for a fresh start, local wine fans are buzzing with anticipation for the delightful experiences and exquisite wines that await in the coming years. Here’s to exciting new chapters at Llano Estacado Winery—cheers!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
