History
Set amidst the beautiful rolling hills of Central Texas is a most pristine piece of land, perfect for growing grapes and making wine. Flat Creek Estate is nestled on this 80 acres, happily proving for a decade of years that quality Texas grapes produce quality Texas wines.
The development of Flat Creek Estate began in 1998 when Rick and Madelyn Naber purchased the premier Hill Country property. The Nabers immediately fell in love with the gentle slopes of this cirque of sandy loam around the creek. Named for Flat Creek, which runs from just north of the property and ends in Lake Travis, the Estate is surrounded by picturesque beauty.
Rick and Madelyn, the ever-present owners, came from agricultural backgrounds in Iowa and saw this opportunity as the start of an exciting new venture. Rick’s expertise and energy set the pace for all involved as his inertia keeps the Flat Creek world spinning whether understanding the quirks of TABC codes or trouble-shooting daily challenges. Madelyn is truly a “Woman Gone Wine. Her commitment and delight in the evolution of Flat Creek Estate shows in her enthusiasm and initiative in many aspects of the business. With an earlier-than-anticipated retirement so they could live on the North Shore of Lake Travis, their energy was initially directed toward wonderful, long summers entertaining nephews and nieces while enjoying their "Harley Habit." The scooters are now tucked away! Although they came into the business in a “sideways” manner, the Naber’s passion is obvious to all who visit the Estate.
Trooper, the big dog, plays a big part in the Flat Creek family. He's involved in every aspect of the operation alongside Rick & Madelyn. Trooper spent endless hours in the vineyards during plantings. He helps select harvest dates by sampling grapes as harvest nears and is most noted as being the 'official greeter' as you arrive. Trooper especially enjoys ending the day overlooking his vineyards from the Event Center porch where Rick & Madelyn frequently join him.
In 2000, the planting of the vineyard began with 6 acres of vines in the northwest corner of the property. Now nearly 20 acres of vines are planted. The varietals include Shiraz, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and several Portuguese Port varietals. Volunteers lent their hands for planting in all four blocks. The vineyard blocks are producing premium quality fruit matching all expectations.
Completed in 2001, the 5500 case winery was soon producing at full capacity. The winery was expanded to a 10,000 case winery, with 2009 marking the "First Crush" in the new facilities. Production is always managed by a full time winemaker. All wines bottled at Flat Creek Estate continue to reflect our commitment to crafting quality Texas wines.
Flat Creek’s tasting room, which adjoins the winery since the 2009 opening, is staffed by the Wine Divas. They enjoy providing educational, interactive and fun tasting presentations of the Flat Creek Estate wine portfolio.
Legendary in their commitment to Flat Creek Estate are the Harvest Team members. Volunteers join the Flat Creek crew to hand pick our warm weather varietals in July and August, providing many hands to help assure a quality wine program. From the first harvest in 2002, summer emails alert willing folks to yet one more early morning harvest. The Harvest Team effort in 2006 was cheered at a Harvest Dinner enjoyed by nearly 100 Team Members during the Harvest Trail Festival. In 2009, Flat Creek joined with other Texas growers in losing most of the grape crop to early bud break plus spring hail plus an April freeze. Then an excellent harvest in 2010 was celebrated with cheers and perspiration!
The Event Center, now the Flat Creek Bistro, was constructed in 2005. The Event Center served as tasting room by day and continues as the venue for dinners, receptions and weddings on many Hill Country evenings.
The Flat Creek Bistro now serves a three course paired wine lunch as well as weekend brunches and lunches, upholding in food the Flat Creek tradition of quality wine!
Outdoor events, from weddings to sculpture exhibits to July’s VinoPalooza, are held within the stone arches of the Pavilion since 2007. Musicians parise the acoustics of the wood ceilings when performing for weddings or dinners in the Pavilion.
From the original Tasting Room, now known as the Club Room, then several years of tasting in the Event Center, Rick & Madelyn moved the wine tasting in 2009 to the light and open Tasting Room looking into the winery production area.
All the facilities combine with friendly faces when Flat Creek Estate is your Hill Country destination! Thanks to all of you who have participated so far in creating the Flat Creek history!
