Identifying different flavor notes in wine is a mark of refinement, like discerning the pedigree of a horse by its taste in jazz. Sip on singular vintages with this Groupon.
Choose from Three Options
- $16 for a guided winery tour and gourmet cheese board for two (a $32.95 value)
- $32 for a guided winery tour and gourmet cheese board for four (a $65.90 value)
- $48 for a guided winery tour and gourmet cheese board for six (a $98.85 value)<p>
Often led by owner, microbiologist, and vintner Gene Estes, guided tours give visitors a peek into the processes of winemaking, from grape cultivation to barrel aging. Groups travel through the winery, learning about the crush, fermentation, and challenges of wine making and enjoying a complimentary taste straight from a barrel or tank. After the tour, guided wine tastings allow guests to sip samples of five varietals, from a sweet moscato to a bold tempranillo. The gourmet cheese board is decorated with a selection of five cheeses, three cured meats, and seasonal fruit; each pair will receive one board. Tours are held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Lost Oak Winery
Gene Estes suspects that growing up in the "dry" precinct of Abilene, Texas, may have inspired his alcohol-based ingenuity; he crafted his first batch of wine from Concord grape juice when he was just 23. Years later, after holding various pharmaceutical jobs and putting to use his Masters in Microbiology, Estes's interest in wine re-emerged with a full and passionate force. Today, as the president and vintner of Lost Oak Winery, Gene works alongside resident winemaker Jim Evans to craft a host of award-winning wines. Among them is the 2012 Viognier, which scored a double gold in the renowned San Francisco Chronicle International Wine competition—meaning all five judges awarded the varietal with top scores before gilding the bottle twice in molten gold.
The winery itself offers both guided and self-guided tours, offering visitors a glimpse into the wine-making process complete with samples straight from oak barrels. Additionally, special events draw guests to the lush grounds for live music and wine club events.