The Texas Hill Country wine scene is growing by the glass, but some of its most compelling stories have been unfolding here for years. While the Texas Hill Country wine industry continues to grow, the novelty of a new winery often gets the spotlight. Hidden in plain sight, however, is a landmark with a story worth revisiting: Hilmy Cellars.
Founded in 2009 with the planting of its first vineyard, Hilmy Cellars released its inaugural wines in March 2012. It began as a family vision, along with friends. Together, they even hand-built the original tasting room, creating an artisanal space with character and charm.
Today, a distinctive wooden door shaped like a wine barrel welcomes guests into the tasting room, where a wall of international awards shares the winery’s history. Outside, a relaxed courtyard and pavilion overlook the vineyards, while an on-site kitchen operated by Chef Alex of Cast Iron Punk offers food designed to pair with Hilmy’s wines.
Marianne Hilmy, the matriarch of Hilmy Cellars, says, “Our family values resonate with true, artisan, Texas wine striving for the highest quality. We marry that with warm hospitality.”
That philosophy carries through the winemaking team of Taylor Szymanski and Sarah Yockey. As a sommelier, I recently tasted through current releases, along with pre-bottling tank and barrel samples. The wines showed impressive merit, from their small-batch craftsmanship to their value.
My sommelier pick to beat the summer heat is the 2025 Hilmy Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Texas High Plains, TX. Unoaked and bright, it offers pink grapefruit aromas and zesty citrus. It’s releasing soon.
Perhaps what makes Hilmy most compelling is its commitment to 100% Texas wine. Marianne, as a long-standing ambassador for Texas-grown grapes, continues to prove that the state belongs in the conversation on the world wine stage.
I’d say, “Splash your way through all the wines and thank me later.”
Educational tasting flights, wines by the glass, bottles, behind-the-scenes production tours and wine club memberships offer plenty of ways to experience Hilmy Cellars. Children are welcome, and leashed pets can join you outdoors.