Home World Viral

The 5 Secrets Of Lost Draw Winery: How Texas's Top Wine Brand Took Over Fredericksburg

• minute read
Contents

Lost Draw Cellars has cemented its status as a cornerstone of the Texas wine revolution, transforming the Fredericksburg wine scene with a commitment to 100% Texas-grown fruit and an Old World winemaking philosophy. As of December 2025, the winery continues to earn critical acclaim, including a Gold Medal for its 2024 PicPoul Blanc at the 2025-2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition, proving its dedication to quality is stronger than ever.

This deep dive explores the unique history, the visionary founders, the award-winning wines, and the unforgettable experience that makes Lost Draw Winery a mandatory stop on any Texas Hill Country itinerary. Their story is not just about wine; it's about a multi-generational farming legacy that has redefined what Texas wine can be.

The Architects of Texas Terroir: Lost Draw Cellars Founders & History

Lost Draw Cellars is a testament to the power of a shared vision between a veteran grape grower and a new generation of winemakers. The winery was officially founded in 2012 by a trio of influential figures who bridged the gap between the Texas High Plains and the Texas Hill Country.

  • Andrew Sides (Co-Founder & Winemaker): Hailing from the small High Plains farming town of Brownfield, Texas, Andrew represents the younger generation. He gained invaluable experience working for his uncle's farming operation, helping to expand the vineyards from a mere 5 acres to over 50 before studying at Texas Tech.
  • Andy Timmons (Co-Founder & Grape Grower): Timmons is a highly respected, multi-generation farmer and one of the modern pioneers of grape growing in the Texas High Plains AVA. His expertise in farming cotton and peanuts laid the groundwork for diversifying into viticulture in the early 2000s at the original Lost Draw Vineyard site.
  • Troy Ottmers (Co-Founder): Troy Ottmers brings the vital connection to Fredericksburg. The historic building that houses the current Fredericksburg tasting room has been in the Ottmers family for four generations, giving Lost Draw a deep, authentic root in the Hill Country community.

The winery produced its first vintage in 2012 and opened the doors to its first tasting room in Fredericksburg in 2014. The name "Lost Draw" itself comes from a dry creek bed in Terry County, near where Andrew Sides first planted grapes, symbolizing the deep connection to the land and the source of their fruit.

The High Plains Difference: A Focus on 100% Texas-Grown Wine

What truly sets Lost Draw Cellars apart is its unwavering commitment to sourcing 100% Texas-grown fruit, primarily from the high-altitude, mineral-rich Texas High Plains American Viticultural Area (AVA). This region, a vast, flat expanse in the Panhandle, provides the ideal conditions—high elevation, dry climate, and significant diurnal temperature shifts—to grow world-class grapes.

Old World Style, New World Terroir

Lost Draw's winemaking philosophy is often described as Old World style with a low-intervention approach. This means focusing on balance, acidity, and expressing the unique characteristics of the grape and the land, rather than heavy manipulation in the cellar. Their primary focus is on Spanish and Rhone varietals, which have proven to thrive in the Texas climate.

The success of this approach is evident in their recent accolades. In 2024, Lost Draw Cellars was notably voted "TOP TEXAS WINE" at the Houston International Wine Competition.

Award-Winning Varietals and Must-Try Wines

Lost Draw is renowned for its diverse portfolio, showcasing the versatility of the Texas High Plains. Their wines are consistently recognized in international and domestic competitions, with recent highlights including:

  • 2024 PicPoul Blanc: This white wine, a classic Rhone varietal, secured a Gold Medal at the prestigious 2025-2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition.
  • Tempranillo: A flagship Spanish varietal for the winery, their Tempranillo (Texas High Plains) earned a Silver Medal in the 2024-2025 International Wine Competition. The 2020 Arroyo Rojo Tempranillo is also a highly acclaimed release.
  • Mourvèdre: Known for its savory, complex character, the Mourvèdre from Lost Draw Vineyards is a perfect example of their Old World focus.
  • GSM Blend: A classic Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, their GSM is a perennial favorite.
  • Petite Sirah: This wine offers plush, fruity plum character balanced by a deep mineral tone, reflecting the unique terroir of the High Plains.

The Lost Draw Fredericksburg Tasting Experience: More Than Just a Pour

The Fredericksburg tasting room is the heart of the Lost Draw experience in the Texas Hill Country. Located just a few blocks off Main Street, the location offers a warm, intimate, and historically rich atmosphere that feels like stepping into a family home.

A Historic Family Home

Unlike the sprawling vineyards along the US-290 corridor, the Fredericksburg tasting room provides a boutique touch in a historic setting. The building itself has been a part of the Ottmers family for four generations, giving the experience a genuine sense of Texas heritage and hospitality. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, wine by the glass, or purchase bottles in a cozy, friendly environment.

Unique Experiences and Wine Clubs

Lost Draw Cellars goes beyond the standard tasting with several engaging options designed to connect guests with the art of winemaking:

  • The Custom Blending Experience: This unique, interactive event allows guests to play winemaker for a day. You can taste, blend, and bottle your own custom wine, even designing a personalized label.
  • Cellar Estate Club: For dedicated fans, the wine club offers seasonal releases of new and exclusive Lost Draw wines, including their popular Exclusive Rose Release every summer. Members receive discounts and complimentary tastings, fostering a strong community around the brand.
  • Pet-Friendly Patio: The outdoor area, complete with a fire pit, is known for its friendly hospitality and is pet-friendly, making it a perfect casual stop for those exploring Fredericksburg.

From the sun-drenched High Plains vineyards managed by Andy Timmons to the historic Ottmers family building in Fredericksburg, Lost Draw Cellars offers a complete, authentic Texas wine story. Their commitment to varietals like Tempranillo and PicPoul Blanc, combined with their recent string of 2024 and 2025 awards, confirms their position as a leading force in the American wine landscape. When planning your visit to the Texas Hill Country, Lost Draw is a destination that delivers both exceptional quality and a genuine sense of place.

The 5 Secrets of Lost Draw Winery: How Texas's Top Wine Brand Took Over Fredericksburg
lost draw winery fredericksburg
lost draw winery fredericksburg

Detail Author:

  • Name : Mrs. Meagan Wilderman
  • Username : valentina44
  • Email : ikemmer@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1990-05-02
  • Address : 20276 Deshawn Green Suite 031 East Willietown, NC 44701
  • Phone : (650) 837-5061
  • Company : McGlynn and Sons
  • Job : Industrial Engineering Technician
  • Bio : Quae quasi blanditiis eum ut. Similique consequatur est voluptatem.

Socials

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/jaquan_gutkowski
  • username : jaquan_gutkowski
  • bio : Voluptate saepe quam ipsa deserunt. Architecto quas nemo et neque eveniet.
  • followers : 5589
  • following : 1004

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/jaquan5100
  • username : jaquan5100
  • bio : Hic nostrum nemo quasi facilis est. Deleniti sapiente voluptas omnis et.
  • followers : 4542
  • following : 954

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@jaquangutkowski
  • username : jaquangutkowski
  • bio : Laborum animi qui sed consequatur beatae. Culpa esse eum accusamus rerum velit.
  • followers : 6631
  • following : 987

linkedin:

Random Posts