Raise a Glass

Gorgeous sips and stunning views will have you crushing on this new Hill Country winery

There’s a new winery in the Texas Hill Country, and it will give you all the heart eyes. It might also have you thinking you’re not in the Lone Star State anymore.

Chapelton Vineyards and Winery is located in quaint, historic Washington County, only an hour and change from Houston. But thanks to the elegant surroundings and high-quality experience of the tasting room, it will feel like you are thousands of miles away in Napa Valley.

And that’s exactly what founders Dr. Michelle Lyn and Kurt Lyn wanted. The native Houstonians have a 75-acre ranch in the area, but were pleasantly surprised when a small vineyard they planted thrived.

They initially planned to focus only on Blanc du bois grapes, but after a brief trip to Spain they decided to add Tempranillo and Merlot grapes to the mix. Their first harvest was this past summer, and it wildly exceeded their expectations.

Now, with the holidays in full tilt, there’s no better time to raise a glass to this new destination. Venture to “wine country” for the day, check the box on holiday gifts (amazing wine for everyone on your list!), and even host a family gathering or special event.

Here’s how to make the most of it Chapelton Vineyards:

Schedule a VIP wine tasting and tour
Sure, you can swing by Chapelton for a seated wine tasting, but the VIP tour will let you explore the vineyards with a designated guide. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the onsite production facility and barrel room before tasting five wines in the Lyn Loft, paired with a curated charcuterie board.

Get away for the weekend
You probably won’t want to leave Chapelton — and the Lyns have a solution for that. The Chapelton Villa is a luxe property overlooking the vineyard and within walking distance of the winery. It’s the perfect place to book for a weekend getaway this holiday.

Channel the peacefulness of the Washington County countryside while also being close to other Texas gems like Round Top, Navasota, and Brenham.

Plan a special event
From holiday parties to birthdays, engagements, rehearsal dinners, brunches, and more, Chapelton is a unique place to gather. Celebrate with a beautiful private event space, flexible catering options, and the most gorgeous Instagrammable views.

Join the Wine Club
Chapelton’s Wine Club is the best gift you can give your vino-loving friends — and yourself. The one-time membership fee entitles you to:

quarterly shipments of their incredible pours
savings on all wine purchases, public events, villa stays, and private events
a complimentary tasting every month
quarterly virtual tastings
invites to exclusive events; limited offerings not released to the public
and so much more

Further your crush on Chapelton Vineyards and Winery, and plan your escape to this Napa-in-the-Texas Hill Country destination, here.

Photo courtesy of Chapelton Vineyards

You might forget you're not in Napa.

wine vacation promoted

ADD TO CART

H-E-B names 3 innovative Houston food companies among 'Texas Best'

H-E-B Quest for Texas Best Hive Food Co.

Photo courtesy of H-E-B

Hive Food Co. is known for its infused honey.

After months of pouring over video submissions, H-E-B is entering the final leg of its annual grocery games. The San Antonio-based supermarket chain has narrowed down the finalists for its annual Quest for Texas Best competition, including three from Houston.

Ten innovative Texas entrepreneurs were chosen from a record-breaking 978 entries representing more than 500 companies spread across the Lone Star State.

Now in its 13th year, the contest asks Texas small businesses to put their best foot forward for the chance to win a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to be stocked on H-E-B shelves. Since the competition's beginning, the grocer has discovered more than 1,000 unique products, many of which have become literal household names.

“Quest for Texas Best is more than a competition; it is a launchpad for Texas entrepreneurs,” said James Harris, senior director of diversity & inclusion and supplier diversity for H‑E‑B, in a release. “H‑E‑B began as a small business, and we know firsthand how powerful the right opportunity can be.”

This year, the San Antonio and Houston regions were at the head of the pack with three finalist nods each. But the entrepreneurs hailed from all over the state — from border town Roma to Fort Worth suburb Haltom City. The top 10 hopefuls include:

Boerne — Coley’s Foods Inc., a frozen cookie dough company
Floresville — Dean & Peeler Meats, a beef producer known for its smoked Gouda sausage and Angus tallow
San Antonio — WFN Foods, maker of heat-and-serve taco fillings like beef barbacoa, pork carnitas, and carne guisada
Roma — In Your Smokin' Face, a spice company specializing in bold chile piquín and carne asada blends
Haltom City — Sol Dias, a gourmet paleta and Mexican ice cream company
Glenn Heights — Uncle Marc’s, a manufacturer of barbecue seasonings, rubs, and sauces
Houston — Doggie Express, a small-batch maker of decorated treats for canine celebrations
Houston — Big Bayou Cocktail Sauce, a saucy supplier branching out to Bloody Mary and margarita mixes
Houston — Hive Food Co., beekeepers known for gourmet infused honey
Bastrop — La Fregona, creators of a chile sauce for elotes and esquites

The final contenders will pitch their products on October 8 at H-E-B's headquarters in San Antonio, where judges will determine the top four winning products and award $50,000 to the Grand Prize winner and the "Texas Best" title — an honor that guarantees placement on H-E-B store shelves.

The first-place winner will receive $25,000, the second-place winner will receive $15,000, and the third-place winner will receive $10,000.

Since 2014, H-E-B has handed out nearly $2.75 million in prize money to Texas entrepreneurs. But Quest for Texas Best isn’t just about capital: the winners receive marketing, mentoring, and supplemental support to grow their brands. Fifty-five Texas small businesses that took part in the contest have achieved $1 million in sales and earned a commemorative H-E-B Million Dollar Club belt buckle.

supermarkets h-e-b gourmet foods packaged goods grocery stores