Sometimes a place conjures dreams of a new future. A town evokes the vision of a different lifestyle. Strangers eventually become friends, and a new place begins to feel like home. Fredericksburg had this effect on Melissa and Bobby Humphries.
The two met on eHarmony in 2008. A long, late-night phone call soon led to a hunt for the perfect wedding venue. As wine lovers, Fredericksburg’s rolling hills, sprawling views and scenic vineyards felt like a magical setting for their wedding. They visited to get a feel for the area and quickly fell in love with the charm, friendly locals and slower pace.
After the wedding, the Humphries lived in Montgomery, where they raised their three children who make up their blended family. Bobby had a career in oil and gas, while Melissa worked as a nutritional therapist and founded a natural skin care line. They built their forever home. Yet nearly every time there was a chance for a weekend escape, they found themselves returning to Fredericksburg, where they were making friends and a new lifestyle.
Life showed no signs of slowing down, so once the kids were out of the house, they made a change. By 2018, the next chapter of their lives began in our Texas Hill Country. Melissa continued her skin care company, while Bobby worked remotely and planned for retirement. They were shaping their future.
Once retired, Bobby became a realtor specializing in vineyard and winery properties. He explains, “I always suggested to my wine clients in real estate that they need to have a reason for the customer to choose them over the great number of other choices. Good to great wine is essential - an experience or ambience - and a personal connection.” Eventually, these words of wisdom would be the foundation for their own hospitality ventures.
During a neighborhood walk in the fall of 2021, the two discussed becoming more involved in the local small business community. Melissa stated, “We talked about creating a space with sophistication and elegance, but unpretentious. Where you walk in, tuck in on a couch, and enjoy a couple of hours over a decadent bottle.”
They envisioned a place where locals and visitors alike could feel the slower-paced quality of life that drew the couple to this town in the first place, imagining not a party bar, but a place to relax, have meaningful conversations and celebrate life. Melissa realized there was no business in town focused on Champagne and sparkling wine, so the concept of Six Twists was born.
Bobby and Melissa agree stating, “It is the people in the community who make this town special.” They shared bottles of wine with friends and had genuine conversations, ultimately helping them grow into well-respected business owners on Main Street. Over the past three years, the couple have been quite busy. They are the leading force behind the city’s first sparkling wine bar, Six Twists. They have taken ownership of the fledgling Ocotillo Chocolate and Wine Bar and turned it into the town’s premier dessert destination with 24 international wines by the glass. And, most recently, they hold managing interest in the new Market at Elk and Main, inspired by the elevated deli and market concepts of other wine destinations, offering artisan sandwiches, seasonal soups and gelato, alongside specialty food and gift items.
While this dynamic couple is infusing luxury into Fredericksburg, they are goodhearted people whose true passions lie in fostering meaningful relationships and sharing wine with friends. Bobby says, “We have never felt so at home in any other place.”