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Pedernales Cellars invites wine lovers to toast the harvest with tastings and tours

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/03 .. o-toast-the-harvest-with-tastings-and-tours.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 20:20 GMT by news4sanantonio
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Pedernales Cellars Invites Wine Lovers to Toast the Harvest with Tastings and Tours

In the heart of Seguin, Texas, the venerable Pedernales Cellars is rolling out the red‑velvet carpet for its annual Harvest Celebration, a multi‑day affair that promises to showcase the region’s growing reputation for boutique quality wines. According to a recent feature on News4SanAntonio.com, the winery is once again turning the spotlight on its handcrafted portfolio—spanning traditional Spanish varieties to bold Texas‑grown reds—while inviting both seasoned connoisseurs and curious novices to explore the very process that turns vine to glass.

A Texas‑Sized Harvest

Pedernales Cellars, established in 1979, is situated along the Pedernales River and has long been a torchbearer for the burgeoning Texas wine scene. The Harvest Celebration, held from September 22‑24, coincides with the culmination of the grape‑ripening season in the region’s semi‑arid climate. The article details that the winery is planning “intensive tastings and behind‑the‑scenes tours of the fermentation tanks, oak barrels, and the cellars themselves,” offering an almost cinematic look at what it takes to produce the complex, terroir‑expressive wines that have earned Pedernales numerous accolades.

The winery’s harvest schedule is carefully calibrated to balance the ripening of high‑quality Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and the bold Zinfandel that define the “Texas Classic” line. As one of the few wineries in the state to consistently produce a white Bordeaux blend, the Harvest Celebration also features a limited‑run “Verde” (Spanish for “green” or “unripe”)—a white wine crafted from a mixture of Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Marsanne. The wine, noted in the article for its crisp acidity and citrusy finish, is a nod to the early‑spring harvest that is a hallmark of Texas viticulture.

What to Expect

The feature breaks down the schedule by day, with the following highlights:

• Day One – “Opening Toast”: At 4 p.m., a ceremony at the front steps of the main tasting room will feature a communal toast of the first cupped wine of the season. Guests are encouraged to capture the moment on social media using the hashtag #PedernalesHarvest.

• Day Two – “From Grape to Glass” Tours: Beginning at 10 a.m., visitors can take a guided walk through the vineyards, learning about soil composition, irrigation practices, and the unique “sugar‑spike” phenomenon that the region experiences during late September. Afterwards, a tour of the barrel room will reveal the aging process, including the winery’s proprietary “half‑new, half‑spent” oak regimen that imparts a subtle vanilla undertone to their reds.

• Day Three – “Chef’s Table” Pairing: The final day culminates in an exclusive tasting dinner featuring a four‑course menu crafted by local chef Javier Morales of the Seguin Eatery. Each course will be paired with a specific Pedernales release, from the bright “Carménère” to the robust “Syrah.” The article notes that the menu will emphasize locally sourced ingredients—such as pecans, blue corn, and Texas‑grown peaches—to complement the wines’ flavor profiles.

Guests attending the event are also invited to sign up for the winery’s “Harvest Pass,” a complimentary pass that offers a $20 discount on wine purchases made throughout the weekend. This pass can be obtained at the front desk or via the winery’s online booking portal.

Behind the Scenes

The piece offers a candid glimpse into the daily grind that goes into producing Texas wine. According to winemaker and founder Jim Pedernales, the key to the Harvest Celebration is transparency. “We want people to see that our wine is not just a product; it’s a story of climate, soil, and human hands,” he says. The article quotes him as saying, “The 2024 vintage has a slightly higher sugar content, which translates into a richer, more concentrated finish that will show up in our new releases this season.”

One section of the article is dedicated to Pedernales’ sustainability efforts. “We’re using drip irrigation to conserve water and have started a program to reuse barrel staves for local construction projects,” Pedernales explains. This commitment to environmental stewardship, the article says, is a major selling point for a growing demographic of eco‑conscious wine buyers.

Booking, Pricing, and Additional Resources

While the article focuses on the harvest event itself, it does link to Pedernales Cellars’ official website for more detailed information. On the website, visitors can find a calendar of events, a detailed menu for the Chef’s Table, and a “Reserve a Tour” form that allows guests to specify their interests and dietary restrictions. The site also hosts an FAQ section that covers topics such as transportation options to Seguin, parking availability, and health‑and‑safety protocols that have been put in place due to ongoing public‑health concerns.

Prices for the Harvest Celebration are listed on the site as follows:

• Standard Tastings: $30 per person (includes a tasting of four wines)
• VIP Tour Package: $75 (includes a 2‑hour guided vineyard tour, tasting of six wines, and a complimentary dessert)
• Chef’s Table Dinner: $120 (includes four courses, a 300‑ml bottle of 2024 vintage, and a private wine pairing)

Additionally, the article notes that Pedernales offers a “Wine Club” subscription, with discounts on future purchases and early access to new releases. Subscribers can sign up during the Harvest Celebration for an exclusive 20‑percent discount on all bottles purchased on site.

Why It Matters

Texas’ wine industry has experienced a meteoric rise over the past decade, and Pedernales Cellars stands as a flagship for this renaissance. The Harvest Celebration is more than a marketing event; it is a platform for educating consumers, fostering community engagement, and solidifying Texas’ reputation as a producer of high‑quality wines that rival more established regions. The article frames the event as an opportunity for visitors to not only taste the fruits of the season but also to become part of a growing narrative that positions Texas as a serious contender on the global wine map.

Final Thoughts

The News4SanAntonio.com feature on Pedernales Cellars’ Harvest Celebration serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Texas wine culture. From the meticulously curated tastings to the in‑depth vineyard tours, the event promises to deliver both sensory delight and meaningful education. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast eager to taste new releases, a casual traveler exploring Seguin’s culinary scene, or an industry professional scouting the next big thing, the Harvest Celebration is an experience that embodies the passion, heritage, and innovation that define Texas wine.

For those interested in attending, the article advises booking early through the winery’s official website, as tickets tend to sell out quickly. As the sun sets over the Pedernales River, the winery’s invitation stands clear: come celebrate the harvest, taste the stories, and toast the future of Texas wine.