By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News
Brothers Mike, Chris and Marc Chase always dreamed of one day opening a family-run winery. In December, that dream became a reality with the opening of Barons Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg.
The art of winemaking can be traced back many years in the Chase family.
“As proudly displayed on our flagship wine Le Baron, our forefathers at one time or the other worked in the wine industry in northern California, be it transporting grapes or setting out heat pots on a frigid night,” said Marc Chase, who lives in River Place. “(Now), 75 years later, we follow their original entrepreneurial spirit and created a family-run winery.”
The vineyard is named for the well-known creek that runs through Fredericksburg. Driving through the small Hill Country town, Chase said his family has always seen the Barons Creek name represented on many local businesses.
(L-R) Marc Chase, winemaker Russell Smith, Mike Chase, and Chris Chase recently opened Barons Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg.
“We thought the name was fitting for us because it represented Fredericksburg so well and the essence of the Hill Country,” Chase said.
Both Marc and Chris Chase live in the Four Points area. Mike Chase lives in central Austin in Tarrytown. While their careers have taken them in different directions, they all have one thing in common.
“From building houses and a flooring business to building a counseling practice, the common experience and goal has been to build relationships,” Chase said “Where better than a vineyard, right in the middle of the Texas Hill Country, to accomplish this.”
The Chase brothers, their wives, and others recently celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Barons Creek Vineyard, which they opened in Fredericksburg this year.
Barons Creek Vineyards offers wine tastings for both small parties and large groups. The winery features several different private tasting rooms as well as a covered patio and a 2,400-square-foot outdoor covered pavilion. Tastings range in price from $18-$25, depending on the location and private service.
The vineyard also hosts larger-scale events such as weddings and family reunions. Two Italian-styled villas with six rooms each can accommodate up to 24 guests. A private limo is available to take guests into town for a day of shopping or dining.
“Our beautiful property is a great backdrop to host a corporate retreat, family reunion, wedding or special event,” Chase said. “We can provide an in-house event coordinator to help you with all your needs from catering, floral and music. Whether it’s a great getaway for you and that special person or a girl’s weekend or wedding party, our winery is a great stop.”
Guests can also enjoy food prepared by Chef John Barnes from Las Vegas.
Barons Creek Vineyards offers 14 types of wine, including a red wine called Cellar D. Russell Smith Montsant, which comes from winemaker Russell Smith’s vineyard in Spain.
“Our winemaker, Russell Smith, has spent the better part of his life researching grape varietals and because of his extensive knowledge pertaining to the fruit, Barons Creek Vineyards has the privilege of blending only the very best,” Chase said.
Barons Creek Vineyard also offers a wine club membership that allows members to have anywhere from three to 12 bottles delivered to their home four times a year. Membership in the wine club allows members to accumulate points on every purchase to redeem for wines and overnight stays.
The three brothers, along with their wives, see themselves as the ambassadors for Barons Creek Vineyard and to continually ask how they can make each guest’s visit an enjoyable experience.
“Our mission is to offer each and every guest an experience that is both fun and inviting – where they can relax and reflect with family and friends, while enjoying our high-quality, affordable, handcrafted wines, surrounded by the beauty and charm of the Texas Hill Country and the unsurpassed service of our staff,” Chase said.
Barons Creek Vineyards is located at 5865 Highway 290 East in Fredericksburg. Hours of operation are weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.baronscreekvineyards.com.