News Summary
Llano Estacado Winery, the largest and second-oldest winery in Texas, has new ownership eager to expand its offerings. The new investors plan to develop a boutique hotel, restaurant, and event center in Fredericksburg, as well as a new tasting room on Main Street. Under the leadership of a dynamic team, the winery aims to capitalize on the booming Hill Country wine market while addressing challenges such as changing consumer preferences and potential sales declines.
Lubbock’s Llano Estacado Winery Shakes Things Up with New Ownership!
In the heart of Lubbock, Texas, something exciting is brewing at the Llano Estacado Winery. This winery, recognized as the largest and second-oldest in Texas, has recently changed hands. A group of enthusiastic investors has stepped in, sparking a wave of optimism and exciting plans for a bright future. Although the sale price is a mystery, it seems that the new owners are ready to elevate this cherished winery to new heights.
Expanding Horizons to Hill Country
The new team has set their sights on the booming Hill Country region, aiming to spread the Llano Estacado brand and introduce more of the fine wines that the area is renowned for. Not only that! They’re also working on creating a stunning boutique hotel, a delightful restaurant, a versatile event center, and a spacious tasting room on a prime 3.5 acres of land, strategically located right across from an H-E-B parking lot in Fredericksburg.
Moreover, excitement is brewing as the ownership group is actively searching for a second tasting room along Fredericksburg’s bustling Main Street. This new venture is perfectly timed, especially with the area’s soaring popularity among wine aficionados just waiting to indulge in the finest sips.
Meet the New Innovators
Leading this dynamic new team is the forward-thinking Kevin Glasheen, who balances his prowess as a personal injury attorney with a savvy flair for real estate development. But that’s not where the ambitions stop—his team is also acquiring additional properties along Texas 290, a hot spot known for its wineries. Recently, they snagged around 20 acres near the charming Hilmy Cellars.
A Booming Industry
The Hill Country is witnessing an incredible 625% growth in active winery permits since 2011. This meteoric rise is credited to a burgeoning population and appealing economic opportunities that are luring both newcomers and curious tourists alike. With such promising growth in sight, the new owners are motivated to carve out their niche in this vibrant market.
Following a period of ownership by more than 100 small stockholders, many decided it was time to move on, primarily due to age. The fresh ownership group includes prominent individuals like Noe Valles, Aaron Handler, Bret Perrenoud, Ron Ross, and Bryan Miller, ensuring there’s a robust foundation to move forward. Aaron Handler has stepped into the role of CEO, while Bret Perrenoud takes the reins as general manager. Meanwhile, the respected Mark Hyman will be retiring after three decades of dedicated service, allowing for a seamless transition into this new era.
Wine Production and Future Plans
In an exciting twist, the skilled winemaker Jason Centanni will continue to lend his expertise, bringing two decades of know-how to the table. At present, Llano Estacado Winery boasts an impressive production of over 160,000 cases of wine every year, with retail sales accounting for about 40% of all Texas wine sales. This impressive track record showcases the enduring strength of the Llano Estacado brand.
But the journey doesn’t stop there! The new owners have plans to open a tasting room in Lubbock’s bustling Cactus Alley shopping center while also pouring investment into enhancing hospitality at the original Lubbock location. The vision is clear: to develop a state-of-the-art facility that features outstanding wines while promoting tourism and contributing to the vibrant local wine culture.
Navigating Challenges Ahead
However, the path to success isn’t without its bumps. The broader wine industry faces challenges, including a possible decline in sales following the pandemic, the looming shadow of climate change, and shifting consumer tastes that favor more affordable drinks. Yet, with a carefully laid strategy and a focus on modern infrastructure, Llano Estacado Winery appears ready to tackle these challenges head-on!
As this beloved winery embarks on an exciting new journey, wine enthusiasts can hardly wait to see what amazing adventures and delightful tasting experiences lie ahead. Cheers to a promising future for Llano Estacado Winery!
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