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As you slowly coast down the scenic drive towards Cap*Rock Winery, you can almost imagine that you are in Napa Valley, with its Spanish mission style architecture and grand entry gates welcoming you in.
We heard on our West Texas adventures this summer that the Napa Valley of Texas is the Hill Country and the Sonoma Valley is the other wineries scattered around the state. The analogy works from the tourism point of view. The Hill Country wineries have definitely enjoyed an increase in tourist traffic, sometimes becoming down-right hectic during peak times. Wineries scattered elsewhere around our great state enjoy a more casual, laid-back approach. However, there is no mistaking the southern charm and hospitality exclusive to Texas wineries. Let’s all hope the “corporate wineries” never take a foothold in Texas.
After making the long drive to Lubbock, we were anxious to check out the area wineries and the vineyards of the High Plains. It’s truly rare that we can say this, but we were not disappointed at any of our destinations during our week-long visit. In fact, we would recommend Lubbock as a first-rate three-day get-away for couples and friends. You will create wonderful memories.
As you slowly coast down the scenic drive towards Cap*Rock Winery, you can almost imagine that you are in Napa Valley, with its Spanish mission style architecture and grand entry gates welcoming you in. Napa has nothin’ on Cap*Rock! From the moment you see their gates and long entry drive, you know you are in for a treat.
The Spanish Mission style building has so much detail, you won’t be too quick to enter inside. Photos don’t do it justice, so be sure to stop and take it all in. Pay special attention to the arched opening above the entry doors. Notice the Native American 
statue above the door. This certainly pays homage to the early days of Texas history. As you approach the doors, take a moment to study the detail in the door pulls. Notice the scenes of Indian life on the High Plains. These are some of the best doors in the industry.
The tasting room is also beautiful, with a very relaxing area that we could see just hanging around with 
friends, sipping some spectacular wines and losing track of time. It is a stunning venue for weddings and other events. In addition to the impressive lineup of wines to sample and buy, you don’t want to miss their engaging tour of the property and their big production facilities.
The Winery has gone through a few owners since its inception in the 1980’s. Most recently, some serious business blunders sent the winery to the auction block. This is where the current owner, Catherine Bodenstedt, took over and is leading the winery back to its rightful place as a premier Texas winery. Refusing to cut corners, in a couple of short years, her dedication and passion for producing the highest quality wines possible has started paying off. Cap*Rock Wines have won 27 awards in the past nine months.
During our visit, we discovered a 2010 Roussanne that gives 
McPherson’s 2010 Roussanne a run for its money. This is becoming one of our favorite white wine grapes in Texas. This Gold Medal Winner is made from a single grape. At about $18.00, Texas Wine Camp recommends you try, and buy this wine. This wine has a nice smooth, citrus flavor, making it a clean, crisp, dry wine with a slightly nutty taste. Unlike McPherson’s 2010, we believe you can still order the Cap*Rock wine, and have it shipped to your door in time for Thanksgiving parties. We have provided the link below.
Now, let’s go out on a limb. Try pairing the Roussanne with a fried deviled egg appetizer. Don’t know how to make fried deviled eggs? No worries. Just follow this link when you are done reading this article and we will provide you step by step instructions. (They are crazy good!)
Link to The Devil Made Me Do It Fried Deviled Eggs
In addition to the Roussanne, we discovered other great wines. Our purchase list included a Rosé and an Orange Muscat for Cindy.
2010 Dry Granache Rosé: This is a great porch sipper, with strawberry, raspberry, cranberry and a touch of sweetness. According to their website, “this is the red wine drinker’s white wine!” and we tend to agree.
2010 Orange Muscat: If you like a decadent, creamy smooth and luxurious dessert wine, this one should be in your cellar. Leah recommended that it would be yummy over cheesecake for a great summer treat. This is one of their best-loved wines and it definitely made our list.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with the staff and the behind the scenes tour with Charles and Leah Yancey. We were very impressed with Leah. She recently had returned to become the Winery Executive Chef. She excitedly shared with us her ideas for an updated kitchen and fun events planned for the future. In a recent interview with Gary, Leah recommended pairing the Roussanne with her special guacamole. “This recipe was given to me by a friend’s grandmother who is from Venezuela and it’s the only guacamole I eat now!!” Want to learn how to make her special guacamole? Just follow this link when you are done reading this article and we will provide you step by step instructions.
Link to: Leah’s Venezuelan Connection Guacamole
Read more about Leah’s path to coming back home to Lubbock on Lubbock Online.
Leah also just won 1stplace in the Pastry Competition at the 1st Annual Lubbock Wine Festival.
*Leah Yancey*
Charles Yancey, the Tasting Room Manager, shared a funny story about the “unbreakable wine glass” that they offer for the wine tasting. As he was demonstrating its exceptional quality to a crowd of customers by tapping it against the marble countertop, he somehow managed to shatter it. Thus ended the claim of “unbreakableness” (is this a word?). Proving once again, a man needs to know his limits.
This past summer, Lubbock experienced a major power failure, so residents had to boil water. In response, Cap*Rock Winery was quoted saying “In Our Time of Need, Lubbock Should Drink Clean, Safe Texas Wine”. That’s something that we can get behind.
Cap*Rock Winery Wine List – Shipped to Your Door
Follow this link to Cap*Rock’s Products
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