Ron Yates Wines: A Texas Winery Making Waves in the Hill Country

With a mix of traditional winemaking techniques and a passion for innovation, Ron Yates has quickly established itself as a standout winery on the famed Texas Wine Trail. Located in Hye, TX, this scenic winery offers an inviting atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, making it a favorite destination for both casual visitors and serious wine enthusiasts.

The Ron Yates Experience

When you step into Ron Yates Wines, you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming staff who are eager to guide you through a tasting of their carefully crafted wines. With no reservation required, you can stroll in, relax, and sample a selection of five wines from their diverse portfolio for just $20. The winery itself boasts stunning views of the surrounding Hill Country, making it a scenic escape for locals and tourists alike.

During a recent visit, we were lucky to be served by Dama, a friendly and knowledgeable server hailing from Chile. Her expertise and passion for the wines added a personal touch to the tasting experience.

White Wines at Ron Yates  

2021 Semillon

• Price: $28

• ABV: 13.8%

• Rating: 90 Points
  This Semillon presents a bright and fresh profile with well-balanced acidity and a delicate hint of citrus. Its light body and crisp finish make it a perfect choice for warm Texas afternoons. At 13.8% alcohol, it offers a rich yet approachable flavor, earning a solid 90 points.

2022 Albariño

• Price: $30

• ABV: 13.2%

• Rating: 90 Points
  A vibrant and aromatic wine, the 2022 Albariño delivers an enticing blend of stone fruit and citrus, with a refreshing minerality on the finish. This Spanish varietal thrives in the Texas terroir, offering a beautiful expression that rivals its Old World counterparts. With its balanced acidity and bright flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser, earning 90 points.

2022 Commingle (Roussanne and Viognier Blend)

• Price: $36

• ABV: 14.2%

• Rating: 85 Points
  This blend of Roussanne and Viognier is a rich, oak-forward white that stands out for its bold structure and depth. The oak influence is prominent, offering a creamy texture with flavors of vanilla, baked apple, and spice. It’s a wine for those who enjoy a fuller-bodied white, but the heavy oak presence may not appeal to everyone. It scores 85 points.

2023 Sauvignon Blanc

• Price: $35

• ABV: 12.7%

• Rating: 88 Points
  The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc offers a delightful balance of salinity and citrus. Its bright acidity, combined with notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, and a touch of herbaceousness, creates a crisp and refreshing wine that pairs beautifully with light dishes or stands alone as a refreshing aperitif. At 88 points, it’s a wine worth trying.

Red Wines at Ron Yates  

2019 Amalgamation (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot Blend)

• Price: $42

• ABV: 14.9%

• Rating: 88 Points
  This Bordeaux-style blend offers a structured palate with dark fruit flavors, including blackberry, plum, and a touch of spice. The balance between the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Verdot creates a harmonious wine with good depth and a smooth finish. It’s a well-executed blend that deserves its 88 points.

2019 Friesen Blend (Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)

• Price: $59

• ABV: 15.1%

• Rating: 92 Points
  A stellar example of what Texas wine can achieve, the 2019 Friesen Blend boasts an impressive structure and rich fruit profile. The blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot creates layers of dark cherry, blackberry, and subtle oak. With its velvety texture and long finish, this wine is a standout, earning 92 points.

2020 Friesen Tempranillo

• Price: $49

• ABV: 15.3%

• Rating: 93 Points
  The 2020 Friesen Tempranillo is a powerful and complex wine that showcases dark fruits, smoke, and a refined structure. With a long, smooth finish and a perfect balance of acidity and tannins, this wine is a testament to the potential of Texas Tempranillo. Earning 93 points, it’s a must-try for any red wine lover.

Ron Yates Wines is Worth the Visit  

With a range of well-crafted wines that showcase the diversity and potential of Texas Hill Country, Ron Yates Wines offers an experience that both novices and seasoned wine enthusiasts can appreciate. Whether you’re drawn to their vibrant whites like the 2022 Albariño or prefer the depth and complexity of reds such as the 2020 Friesen Tempranillo, there’s something for everyone at this boutique winery.

The atmosphere is laid-back yet refined, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting. At $20 for a tasting of five wines, it’s an affordable way to explore the offerings of one of Texas Hill Country’s rising stars. Don’t miss out on their stunning views, friendly staff, and, of course, the exceptional wines that continue to put Texas on the map as a serious wine-producing region.

Visit Ron Yates Wines or explore their portfolio online at Ron Yates Wines. Whether you’re stopping by for a tasting or joining their highly-rated wine club, you’re sure to leave with a new appreciation for Texas wines.