In the ever-expanding vast arena of Texas Hill Country wineries, there is a new "estate driven" gem quickly moving to the forefront. Michael Ros Winery, a family-owned winery, is finding its mark by creating high-scoring, micro-production wines under the winemaking artistry of Tim Drake's watchful eye.
This winery is quite boisterous, striving to be sustainable in practice and a must-visit destination to explore in Fredericksburg, Texas.
To help you understand what makes a winery “estate” - it's the principle of growing, producing and bottling 100% of its wine under the winery's proprietary name. In the case of Michael Ros Winery, they are pushing forward a goal of kicking purely Texas dirt from two of their estate vineyards, where they are swinging for the fences with home run wines.
“Our philosophy has always been ‘grape first.’" Said Rosann Mitrione, proprietor of Michael Ros Winery. “By carefully selecting varietals that thrive in our terroir and limiting tonnage per acre, we ensure that only the highest quality fruit makes it to harvest.
“This attention to detail in the vineyard allows us to take a minimal-intervention approach in the winery, letting the grapes speak for themselves.”
Mike and Rosann Mitrione, both proprietors, founded their vision around establishing the first of two vineyards in 2017 with 27 acres planted in Brownfield, Texas - High Plains AVA. The second vineyard is home to the Texas Hill Country AVA tasting room and production facility with 10 planted acres in 2021. Both sites are designed with precision, offering 14 different varietals, heavy on Italian descent.
More importantly, I noticed these young vineyards have now stretched their legs considerably with exceptional offerings worth a splash.
Quite honestly, I know what it takes to build out a new winery, having personally painstakingly developed many for vintners around the world. In lieu of seeing what Michael Ros Winery has done, I can only say, ‘Veni, vidi, vici,’ Latin for ‘I came, I saw, I conquered’ - the famous words of Julius Caesar after a swift victory in Asia Minor.
The Fredericksburg tasting room, located just a short hop off US Highway 290 on Old San Antonio Road, reflects an exquisite crescent design both indoor and outdoor and a two-story framework overlooking a unique Texas granite and piazza themed courtyard setting. It is surrounded by 100-year-old pecan trees and vineyards for an ideal ambiance. Once inside, you'll discover handcrafted tables made from the pecan trees, married with a professional staff well-versed in sommelier training.
Recommended wines:
White - 2023 Albarino “Narra Vineyard” Texas High Plains.
An absolute zenith of a wine with high-toned energy surrounded by layers of zingy acidity yet caressed with white peaches and tangerine aromas. Non-oaked and on point for Albarino. $32 per bottle.
Awards - Double Gold, Best of Show winner at San Antonio Rodeo International Competition, and Reserve Texas Champion at Houston Livestock & Rodeo International Competition.
Red - 2023 Dolcetto “Michael Ros Vineyard” Texas High Plains.
A tapestry of delicate cherry flavors that sing on the palate. Imagine yourself engulfed within a diversity of aromatics intertwined with seamless silkiness, like a vinous version of “We are the World.” It is lightly oaked and perfectly balanced throughout. $54 per bottle.
When visiting Michael Ros Winery consider educational tasting flights. By-the-glass and bottles are available with an on-site food truck. Wine club memberships are offered. The property often features live music, and pets are welcome in the courtyard.
Hours of operation:
Thursday – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Michael Ros Winery is located at 982 Old San Antonio Rd., Fredericksburg, TX. Call 830-307-1323 for reservations.
Andre Boada is a sommelier & founder of VinoCadre.
This winery is quite boisterous, striving to be sustainable in practice and a must-visit destination to explore in Fredericksburg, Texas." - Andre Boada