Happenings at TWC

4.0 Cellars Grape Harvest 2020
Those of you who have visited or even driven by 4.0 Cellars probably noticed grape vines growing near Hwy 290, in front of the three Logo tanks at the entrance to the tasting room and patio area. These are mostly Black Spanish, or Lenoir, vines, a hybrid grape that grows well in the hot, more humid climates of Texas. The original vines were planted in 2013 by folks from Lost Oak Winery, one of our partner/owners, and were intended to be a “show” vineyard, a garden really, so that visitors could see and appreciate grapevines. Over the past few years, several vines have died and been replaced with Tannat and Tempranillo, creating what is now a field blend vineyard. Continue »

Developing Virtual Tastings for 2020
During this strange and restrictive Coronavirus shutdown of winery tasting rooms, several new approaches, including on-line purchases, direct shipping, and curbside pickup, have been taken to keep businesses operating and provide Texas wines to fans, interested customers, and loyal wine club members. After a couple of starts and stops that allowed limited customer tasting opportunities, the most recent TABC (Governor Abbott) edict has clamped down to eliminate any on-premise consumption on a winery’s property. Even though we are all capable of managing a clean, healthy environment and social distancing requirements, the shutdown restrictions remain despite our most fervent protests. Continue »

4.0 Cellars Grape Harvest 2019
Those of you who have visited or even driven by 4.0 Cellars probably noticed grape vines growing near Hwy 290, in front of the three Logo tanks at the entrance to the tasting room and patio area. These are Black Spanish, or Lenoir, vines, a hybrid grape that grows well in the hot, more humid climates of Texas. The vines were planted in 2013 by folks from Lost Oak Winery, one of our partner/owners, and were intended to be a “show” vineyard, a garden really, so that visitors could see and appreciate grapevines. Continue »

Warehouse Elves
For many, February is a special month. First, it’s short, so we can almost begin to see spring off in the distance if we squint our eyes. Second, we all get to engage in the annual groundhog conversation: “What does it mean again when he sees his shadow? More winter or less winter?” Third, it’s when some of us shed our resolutions and get back into our regular (and more confortable) grooves. Fourth, for those in love, Valentine’s brings a concrete, Hallmark-endorsed reason to celebrate it. And you may not know it, but there are folks who celebrate “Jello Week” during February. Continue »

TWGGA’s Wine Press Award 2018-A Surprise and an Honor
The 2018 Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association annual meeting was held last week (22,23,24-Feb-2018) in Irving (Los Colinas area), TX, at the Irving Convention Center. This was the largest TWGGA meeting ever, both in terms of attendees and exhibitors. These meetings represent, to me, at least, a wonderful Texas Wine Industry “Family Reunion,” one where you have a great time and get to drink a lot of good wine with the people who grew the grapes and made the wine. This year was no exception. However, there was one big difference for me as I was awarded the TWGGA Wine Press Award 2018. WOW! Continue »

Our Tanks
Often we are asked about the three large, shiny stainless steel (SS) tanks sitting in front of 4.0 Cellars. Where did they come from? What are they used for? Are they wine tanks? Do they have wine stored in them? After a bit of research and a few phone calls, the story behind the tanks began to emerge, and I can now share it with you. Continue »