Entering the grounds of thoughtfully curated Vista Brewing sets the tone for memories yet to be made. Cofounders Karen and Kent Killough, set their sights on building a destination where both locals and visitors can experience all that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. They created a unique gathering place for guests to fall in love with the rolling hills, beautiful trees and wildflowers, and out-of-this-world sunsets!
“Kent and I are most excited about the team here at Vista. Our culinary program under Chef Kyle Barker and brewing program under Daniel Heisler, along with General Manager Allison Jacques, we are delivering a world-class hospitality experience right here in Dripping Springs. My personal favorite events are our monthly pairing dinners.” says co-owner Karen Killough.
An Austin native, Kent graduated from UT, while Karen moved to Austin from North Carolina after college to pursue a career at Dell as a computer engineer. The couple married in 2008 and moved abroad to Oxford, England in 2009 while Kent earned his MBA. This is where they fell in love with the English country pub feel. The English concept of a beautiful space with quality food and drinks, a gathering place for the community, and for friends and family was something we were lacking in the states.
From celebrating the beautiful dark skies in the Texas Hill Country, to preserving our pristine streams and aquifers, to growing local and sustainable agriculture, to building a more supportive and inclusive culture, Vista Brewing positively engages with the community. A few of their efforts include support of HAAM, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, which provides low-cost health care for local musicians. Vista supports the Dark Skies initiatives, Hays Co Friends of the Night Sky, which aims to protect the Hill Country sky from light pollution. They are part of the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society, in which Vista Brewing is a business member and hosts the Driftwood Heritage Festival each spring. Karen is starting her second two-year term on the Board of Directors for the state-wide guild for Texas Craft Brewers’ Guild. They also support the Pink Boots Society; networking and education for women working in the brewing and alcohol industries. Vista Brewing is a destination for dog lovers as they participate in the annual Barks for Beers and Divine Canines event held each May. They also make numerous charity donations year-round to local organizations that align with Vista’s mission.
Vista Brewing’s 21-acre ranch has a little bit of something for everyone including their seasonal, chef-driven restaurant and event catering sourced from their own farm. Children have space to roam and enjoy the treehouse-like play area. Weekly live music and fun events invite the community to relax and unplug. “Outdoor rooms” under the motts of oaks are dotted around the beer garden, giving your group - or you and your sweetheart - as big or as small an area as you’d like.
Find Vista Brewing on social @vistabrewing and stop in for a visit at their ranch located at 13551 FM 150 W in Driftwood.
