Although we have some friends that go fairly regularly, we recently took our first trip to Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville and we are already looking forward to going back.
Knowing that we’re fans of Singer/Songwriter Shake Russell, our friends suggested the outing when it was announced that he would be performing one Sunday afternoon as part of Bernhardt’s weekly concert series. The drive was about an hour and a half from Livingston and the day we went was a beautiful day, the first we’d had in quite a while, so it was nice to see some pretty scenery on the back roads.
Jerry Bernhardt and his wife, Jerri, bought the property in 2001 and opened the winery in 2005, putting their heart and soul into it. The grounds are beautiful, with rolling hills and a large grove of pecan trees. Constructed in a Tuscan style, there are ample spots, both indoors and outdoors, to enjoy the wine and music.
Bernhardt Winery produces 100% Texas wines, American classic varietals and unique blends, including the newly released ancient Antiquity Wine Curation series. Set atop a rise overlooking rolling hills and valleys in “the Hill Country of Houston,” the winery and vineyard are at the heart of the 20-acre estate.
The Bernhardts are dedicated to providing quality wines, a fun tasting experience and warm hospitality. The winery hosts a variety of special events such as tours and tastings, live acoustic music, Sunday lawn concerts and artisan vendor markets.
The place is both family friendly and pet friendly. The Bernhardt’s own three dogs – Jonesie, a yellow lab, Clifford, a red dog, and Truffles, a little ball of fur – have the run of the place and mosey in and out around the people, always welcoming a little scratch on the head.
Wine may be purchased by the glass, bottle or flight. Knowing the concert was expected to last a couple of hours, we chose two bottles of wine for the two of us. We selected a Texas wine called Texas Sarah. It was a traditional Bordeaux blend with a bright nose of toffee, toasted almond and caramel continuing on the palate, finishing with a light spice. We also selected an American wine called American Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2019. It had a cherry, coffee and nutmeg nose, complex vanilla and dark fruit flavors with a French oak finish. They both were excellent and I would gladly purchase them again.
Anthony Klonaris, another Texas musician, joined Shake Russell for the sold-out show. Shake performed all the favorites as well as a few that were new to us. He said he’s getting ready to release a new CD that was recorded in Rockport. He’s also getting ready to perform for The Big Barn Dance Music Festival May 3-4 in Bryan.
Bernhardt Winery offers its Sunday Sunset Lawn Concerts every Sunday evening, March through early December. Guests gather under the century-old native pecan trees for the live music as well as the breathtaking panoramic views.
There are a variety of tours and tasting experiences available. Some require reservations and some do not, so I’d recommend checking out the website prior to your visit. The full menu of bottles and select wines by the glass are available for purchase. Logo wine glasses and tumblers are also available for purchase, along with traditional wine merchandise and jellies, jams and sauces.
Guests may order cheese and charcuterie boards or hot and cheesy charcuterie sliders to enjoy with their wine. Wine-infused cupcakes are also available. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic basket or cooler but are not allowed to bring in outside alcohol per TABC law.
