A Passion for Epicurean Excellence Since 1999
A visit to Stone House Vineyard clearly illustrates the origin of its unique name. This name encapsulates the enduring qualities of a timeless creation, reflecting the values owner Angela Moench holds dear in her winemaking and vineyard management. The winery’s tasting room features enormous limestone blocks, each weighing over 2,000 pounds, perfectly embodying the idea of a Stone House. Angela’s vision, resilience, and passion resonate with the strength of the stones that constitute the winery, connecting the estate to the stunning shores of Lake Travis.
Angela hails from the Barossa Region in Australia, renowned as one of the country’s premier wine areas. Growing up in a family with a vineyard provided her with invaluable experience from a young age. In her early teens, she relocated to England for her studies and ultimately attended the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu. This culinary journey enhanced her appreciation for food and wine, significantly influencing her vision for the exclusive monthly dinners held at the winery.
In 1996, Angela and her late husband Howard, a physician in Houston, envisioned creating a vineyard in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. This project was a natural extension of their love for fine food and wine, while also allowing them to contribute to the growing Texas wine scene.
Before establishing their 7-acre vineyard, they carefully selected grape varietals suited to the region’s unique microclimate, rocky soil, and gentle breezes from the lake. The Texas Hill Country poses several challenges for grape cultivation, including late frosts, hail, heavy rainfall during flowering, droughts during the growing season, and the risk of Pierce’s disease.
The lesser-known Norton grape was chosen for its ability to express the Texas terroir while offering resilience against some regional challenges, thanks to its late bud-break and natural resistance to Pierce’s disease. This grape yields a captivating blue-purple, medium to full-bodied wine, distinguished by lively aromas of spices and berries.
By 2005, Angela had found significant success with Norton, branded as Claros, and felt ready to launch the winery. In January 2006, Stone House Vineyard officially opened its doors to the public, enriching its offerings with several wines from her Australian venture, Stone House Vintners. Around this time, a family friend from Napa Valley joined as a consulting winemaker, further enhancing the winery’s portfolio with wines from that prestigious region, contributing to the excellence that has characterized Stone House since its beginning.
Since 2016, the flagship wine, Enargeia, has served as Angela’s enduring tribute to Howard, who had a deep appreciation for both Greek literature and Bordeaux wines, often enjoying them together. In Greek mythology, Enargeia represents the physical embodiment of the gods in human form. This wine is a rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec from Napa Valley, a fitting homage that keeps Howard’s memory alive each time a bottle of Enargeia is opened and shared.
Beyond its award-winning wines, the vineyard is celebrated for its warm hospitality and personalized experiences. Visitors often enjoy guided tours of the vineyard, where they can learn about the intricacies of grape growing and winemaking directly from Angela and her dedicated team. Tastings are thoughtfully curated to highlight the unique qualities of each wine, encouraging guests to explore the diverse flavors and aromas.
The vineyard’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement is apparent in its practices and events. Angela strongly believes in the importance of giving back to the local community and fostering a sense of belonging among wine lovers. Stone House Vineyard frequently hosts charity events, wine education workshops, and seasonal dinners and events that celebrate the best of Texas Hill Country.
The beautiful setting of Stone House Vineyard, with its tranquil views of Lake Travis, offers the ideal backdrop for weddings, family gatherings, and corporate events. Each celebration is customized to the guests’ desires, ensuring an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the winery and the breathtaking charm of the vineyard.