FLAT CREEK ESTATE
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, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and several Portuguese Port varietals. The vineyard blocks are producing premium quality fruit matching all expectations. Completed in 2001, the 5500 case winery is producing at full capacity. Two labels have been created, Flat Creek Estate and Travis Peak Select. The Flat Creek Estate label is used when the grapes are Estate grown and the Travis Peak label represents wines crafted with grapes from other premium Texas growers. With plans to expand to a 10,000 case winery in the next 2 years, the wines bottled under both labels will continue to reflect our commitment to crafting quality Texas wines.
Legendary in their commitment to Flat Creek Estate are the Harvest Team members. Volunteers sign up throughout the year to be included once harvest begins. Vintage 2007 found our Harvest Team email arriving at over 1,200 destinations alerting willing folks to yet one more early morning harvest. The Harvest Team effort was monumental in 2006 with rewards including a Harvest Dinner enjoyed by nearly 100 Team Members during the Harvest Trail Festival. Team members contribute immeasurably to the success of our venture through their dedication and participation. Go Team!
The first-planted of the vineyards on the Estate, Helen’s Block, has begun to demonstrate just what we hoped, worked and prayed for regarding quality grape production. Our inital Grand Planting in Helen's Block included Sangiovese, Primitivo, Shiraz and Tinta Madeira. The Sangiovese in 2003 provided the grapes for our “Super Texan” Sangiovese which won a Double Gold in San Francisco International Competition. Much energy is poured into enhancing the conditions we are given each year with initial varietals selected for our climate and soils, a dedicated crew hand-working all vineyard blocks and a thoughtfully designed winery. Well, what would you expect? Our Super Texan program, our Rosé program, and the beginning of a wonderful Port program, all began with our initial planting...60 people, 6000 plants, 6 hours...a legend yet to be surpassed.
Hilltop is the home of our largest block of Shiraz. Vintage 2006 found the plants and fruit the best ever. Having dodged the bullets of early spring storms, postcard perfect quality fruit hung beautifully on the vines. The Harvest Team enjoyed easy pickins’ in the Shiraz last year and the Flat Creek Estate Shiraz 2006 will surely be worth the wait! Expect release of the 2006 Shiraz in early 2008.
The Nursery Block of some 400 vines is nestled on the hillside near Hilltop Block. It harbors mother vines for future grafting. Additionally, the nursery is used to plant and monitor small numbers of vines appropriate for larger plantings in our own vineyards and throughout the Hill Country. The nursery offers valuable information and the opportunity to conduct research with plants appropriately chosen for the soil and climate at Flat Creek Estate.
The view from the Event Center encompasses the wonders of Pecan Park Block where Pinot Grigio & Muscat Canelli are grown. Despite early frost, the Block came back in amazing fashion during the growing season last year. Netting was used extensively to limit bird damage throughout the vineyards this year, and the vines offered good quantities of fruit with excellent
flavor profile. It’s never an easy grape to pick, but our Pinot Grigio has been greatly enjoyed over the three years offered and always sells out quickly. Flat Creek Estate Pinot Grigio...wine simply doesn’t get much better than this!
Our last-planted and much-planned block began commercial production in the 2006 vintage. The Tempranillo, well protected with netting, offered the kind of fruit that makes you wish for a larger planting. The last-planted Port varietals are maturing well. The Pinot Blanc and Muscat Canelli pleases us as they begin to contribute to the tonnage of Flat Creek Estate grapes.
The “back porch” at the Event Center, offering views of both Pecan Park Block and Longhorn Block, is a choice place for guests to enjoy a glass of wine paired with a selection of cheese. The location is quickly becoming a favorite of brides and grooms as the backdrop for the wedding of their dreams. The peaceful, rural nature of the Estate is evidenced easily from this venue.
