Vineyards
Helen’s Block
The Grand Planting on April 1, 2000 marked the beginning of commercial grape growing at Flat Creek Estate. The summer before, the planting of 40 vines proved to be just the right encouragement to take the next giant step. The initial April Fool’s Day planting…60 people, 6000 plants, 6 hours…has become a legend!
Varietals in Helen’s Block included Sangiovese, Primitivo, and Tinta Madeira, all selected for the Texas Hill Country climate and soils. A planting of Multipulchiano has replaced the original Primitivo with a promising first harvest in 2010. The energy, dedication and commitment to quality grape production are reflected in the finished wines from Helen’s Block.
Our Super Texan™, Rosé and Port programs all begin with fruit grown in Helen’s Block. Resulting wines over the first decade of production show excellent character and quality with continuing promise. The Flat Creek Estate Super Texan™ 2003 was awarded a Double Gold in the San Francisco International Wine Competition, marking the first time a Texas red wine was awarded this prestigious accolade.
Hillltop Block
Hilltop Block is the home of the Flat Creek Syrah. Just one year after planting Helen’s Block, Grand Planting II took place in 2001 with many volunteer planters returning to participate. Syrah is proving to be a perfect fit for our Texas Hill Country vineyard.
When we dodge the bullets of a late freeze or early spring storm, picture-perfect quality fruit hangs beautifully in Hilltop Block. The first released Shiraz 2003 was declared a Reserve Champion in the Houston Rodeo International Wine Competition. The Harvest Team enjoyed easy pickin’ again in the 2006 Syrah, with the resulting wine being another award-winning vintage. The 2010 harvest, under the Texan sun, provided excellent yield and quality.
Hilltop Block II
Some 400 Tempranillo vines are nestled on the hillside near Hilltop Block. Originally, the block was utilized to plant and monitor small numbers of vines to help determine appropriate plantings in our own vineyards and throughout the Hill Country. In 2010, Hilltop Block II was planted with Tempranillo grapes, increasing our production of a grape that loves the Hill Country just as it does the Rioja region in Spain
Pecan Park Block
The view from the Bistro encompasses the beauty of Pecan Park Block where Pinot Grigio and Muscat Canelli are grown. The Pinot Grigio is always the first grape harvested in mid-July when the weather is not quite August-hot. Just ask a member of the Harvest Team! The resulting Pinot Grigio is always an award-winner & typically finished in a classic style. Flat Creek Estate Pinot Grigio...wine simply doesn’t get much better than this!
…unless it is the Muscato Blanco produced from our Muscat Canelli which is carefully tended from early spring pruning until long after the July and August harvest.
Longhorn Block
Our much-planned and last-planted block began commercial production with the 2006 vintage. The Tempranillo offers excellent fruit. The last-planted Port varietals are maturing well. The Pinot Blanc has become a signature Estate wine and Muscat Canelli adds to the excellent Muscato Blanco program.
Back Porch Views
The “back porch” at the Bistro, offering views of both Pecan Park Block and Longhorn Block, is a choice place…most days… for guests to enjoy a glass of wine paired with a selection of cheese. The location is a first choice for many brides and grooms as the backdrop for the wedding of their dreams. The peaceful, rural nature of the Estate is evident from the porch and patio.
