Salado Swirl and Sip

About Us/Links

We have been making our own wine for a number of years, and nearly purchased a Pinot Noir vineyard in Oregon's Williamette Valley in 2004. After suffering a layoff in 2009 we decided we would invest in ourselves and turn our passion from a hobby to a business.

Thus in December of 2009 we opened a homebrew/wine giftshop while we awaited getting our permit to sell wine. As of August 25th we have now received both our federal and state winery permits and are now proceeding with winemaking on site as well as selling wine by the glass and bottle on premises in our tasting room.

We have phased out carrying homebrew supplies in our store as we need the space for a kitchen/wine aging area. Stay tuned for details as we introduce our menu over the next few weeks! However, homebrew folks don't despair... if you can live with some time delay in getting your supplies we can order homebrew equipment and supplies as we order supplies for our winery. Just give us enough advance notice of what you need and we'll provide you a price quote and a date we expect to have it in the store. Advance payment required.

We now have 6 of our wines released and available for sale! Here is a list of our wines, including those we plan on releasing in the near future:

Our Wines

Salado Sweet White -This was our first release; a moderately sweet apple/cranberry blend that showed sweetness up front and tartness on the finish. We sold out quickly and are unable to obtain the fruit for this wine until September, so look for this to be released sometime in mid to late October.

Salado Sweet Red - This was the champion of the three sweet red wines we experimented with - a Cabernet/Gewurtztraminer blend sweetened and flavored with natural raspberry fruit. This wine is currently in stock.

Wildfire Rose' - This rose' wine is a product of Rio Grande Valley citrus fruit and Chardonnay. It's wonderful sweetness gives way to a slightly tart finish. Expect this wine to be available shortly after we obtain the fruit, again sometime mid to late October.

Stagecoach Red Table Wine - An unfiltered 66% Malbec/33% Sangiovese blend that pays homage to one of the lasting landmarks of our fair village... fruit forward, aged in French oak and at an excellent price point. Available now.

2007 Lagrein - Traditionally grown in the Alto Adige region of Italy, these grapes were sourced from the Paso Robles region of California. This wine exhibits a heavenly dark color, a minerally, black fruit nose and smooth mouthfeel. A lovely nose of plums, dark fruits and an obvious mineral quality. A good full bodied effort, smooth on the mouthfeel, well structured, perfect tannins, deep and capable of aging. Very possibly the best wine we've ever tasted. Available now.

2008 Cabernet Franc - Pretty floral notes on the nose, slightly creamy texture on the palate. Bright acidity, not a heavy long lasting acidity. It’s more of a youthful acidity. The fruit is a sweet and sour cherry. Sweet like a ripe dark cherry but quickly transitions into a tart unripe fruit center. Like you are eating the center of the fruit. Chewy tannins. Finishes pleasant and with a light little touch of herbs. Available now.

2008 Petit Verdot - A concentrated mouthful of cocoa, black cherry and plum flavors. Silky smooth tannins, long finish and good weight. A great accompaniment to any hearty meal. Available now.

Burnt Orange Reserve - A dessert wine made in the Port style, flavored with Chocolate and Mandarin Orange. The name pays homage to (what else?)... Never fear Aggies, we'll have something for y'all soon... ! This port wine was released first to the attendees of the Tejas Winery Tour on August 22 and is currently available for sale and tasting at the winery. Keep an eye out for our food menu as this port will be featured in a decadent dessert, Chocolate Mandarin Orange Port Brownies!

Other Texas Wines

Georgetown Winery

- Georgetown's own winery; located on the square in Georgetown to the east of the courthouse. Award winning wines and ports, owned by our great friends Dan and Becca Marek.

Wines carried: Chocolate Cherry Port

Lone Oak Winery

- Located in Burleson, owned by Gene Estes (2009-2010 President of the Texas Wine and Grape Grower's Association), and made by winemaker Jim Evans, Lone Oak is making award-winning wine using 100% Texas grapes.

Wines carried: 2008 Lost Draw Tempranillo

Chisholm Trail Winery

- Located just east of Fredericksburg, Chisholm Trail is owned and operated by Paula Williamson, who also makes all their wine. Chisholm Trail Winery began producing wine for the public in August, 1999 and released its first wines at its Grand Opening Festivities on June 1, 2001.

Wines carried: 2007 Almagres Lenoir Port

New York Finger Lakes Wines - Distributed by Empire Wines LLC

Heron Hill Winery

- For 30 years Heron Hill Winery has grown cold-climate Riesling and Chardonnay grapes and made elegant world-class wines on a slate hill overlooking scenic Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region of western New York.

Wines carried: 2008 Chardonnay, 2008 Dry Riesling, 2008 Semi-Sweet Riesling

Wagner Vineyards

- Wagner Vineyards is one of the oldest and most recognized wineries in the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York. Centrally located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, Wagner’s has been one of the region’s most popular wine tasting destinations since opening in 1979.

Wines carried: 2007 Meritage, 2007 Cabernet Franc, 2007 Semi-Dry Riesling, 2009 Vignoles

Pleasant Valley Wine Company

- The Pleasant Valley Wine Company, popularly known as the Great Western Winery, located near the village of Hammondsport, New York is the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes region. Established in 1860, the winery proudly displays the designation U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1 and has eight remarkable stone buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wines carried: Chocolate Lab, Autumn Frost (Blackberry, Peach, and Strawberry)