Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Ron Yates Wines has quickly established itself as a standout on the famed Texas Wine Trail. This scenic Hye winery pairs traditional winemaking techniques with a passion for innovation, pouring a diverse portfolio of well-crafted wines. With warm, knowledgeable hospitality and stunning views, it is a favorite for casual visitors and serious enthusiasts alike.
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. 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
2021 Semillon ($28, 13.8% ABV): Bright and fresh, with well-balanced acidity and a delicate hint of citrus. Light-bodied and crisp, it’s a perfect warm-afternoon white.
2022 Albariño ($30, 13.2% ABV): A vibrant, aromatic Spanish varietal that thrives in Texas terroir, offering stone fruit and citrus with refreshing minerality.
2022 Commingle ($36, 14.2% ABV): A rich, oak-forward Roussanne and Viognier blend with bold structure and depth. Creamy texture with notes of vanilla, baked apple, and spice.
2023 Sauvignon Blanc ($35, 12.7% ABV): Crisp and refreshing, with salinity and citrus notes of grapefruit and lemon zest, finishing with a touch of herbaceousness.
A stellar example of what Texas wine can achieve, the 2019 Friesen Blend boasts an impressive structure and rich fruit profile.
Red Wines
2019 Amalgamation ($42, 14.9% ABV): A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Verdot. Structured, with aromas of blackberry, plum, and spice.
2019 Friesen Blend ($59, 15.1% ABV): A Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot blend with layers of dark cherry and blackberry, subtle oak, and a velvety, long finish.
2020 Friesen Tempranillo ($49, 15.3% ABV): Powerful and complex, with dark fruits, smoke, and refined structure. A must-try for red wine lovers.
More Hill Country wine: our reviews of Portree Cellars and El Gaucho Winery.
Wines to look for
The team tasted through Ron Yates's broad portfolio of whites and reds. These are the wines to look for:
- 2021 Semillon White Bright and fresh with well-balanced acidity and a delicate hint of citrus; light-bodied and crisp, a perfect warm-afternoon white.
- 2022 Albariño White Vibrant and aromatic with stone fruit, citrus, and refreshing minerality; this Spanish varietal thrives in Texas.
- 2022 Commingle (Roussanne and Viognier Blend) White A rich, oak-forward white with bold structure and depth; creamy texture with vanilla, baked apple, and spice.
- 2023 Sauvignon Blanc White Crisp and refreshing with salinity, grapefruit, lemon zest, and a touch of herbaceousness; a bright aperitif.
- 2019 Amalgamation (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Verdot Blend) Red A structured Bordeaux-style red with aromas of blackberry, plum, and spice; a well-composed blend.
- 2019 Friesen Blend (Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot) Red Layers of dark cherry and blackberry with subtle oak and a velvety, long finish; a standout red.
- 2020 Friesen Tempranillo Red Powerful and complex with dark fruits, smoke, and refined structure; a must-try for red wine lovers.
Our verdict
★★★★★
Cork & Journey: 4.5 out of 5 stars. 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. 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.
