Grape Creek Vineyards

Open: Year-Round

History

Grape Creek Vineyard's terroir has a rich legacy beyond it's recent wine history. The property sits on what is believed to have been a Commanche campground.  Evidence of their presence is in the form of spearheads, arrowheads and skinning tools found on the property. The banks of Grape Creek afforded the native tribes access to year-round water and cool breezes.

Also traversing the property is the original Fredericksburg road. Many a settler used this artery to reach town for trading, worship and to enjoy their "Sunday House" in town.

In 1985, Ned and Nel Simes, the original owners of Grape Creek Vineyards, began a 20 year journey to create a recognized winery in the Texas Hill Country. They planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and also established the first underground, commercial barrel cellar in Central Texas, which can be viewed on our tours. Ned passed away in 2004 and the Heath's purchased the property and business from Ned's heirs in early 2006.

Brian immediately embarked on a renovation and expansion of the  property. This included transforming what once was the residence into the Tuscan Villa tasting rooms you see today. A new rock bell tower and entry were added off highway 290 and an aggressive program of vineyard planting and investing in substantially improved wine production capabilities was undertaken.  In 2011 Grape Creek built the current state-of-the-art wine production facility used today and featured on our cellar tours.