Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia McIntosh.
Hi Cynthia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Edge of the Lake Vineyard began as a family dream rooted in a love for both Texas land and fine wine. What started as a small planting of vines along the water’s edge has grown into a thriving vineyard and winery known for its welcoming spirit and dedication to quality. From the very beginning, the goal was simple: to create a place where people could gather, connect, and celebrate life over a glass of Texas-grown wine. The family transformed their property, once reserved for private enjoyment, into a destination that now hosts community events, wine club gatherings, and unique experiences like private theater nights. Today, Edge of the Lake Vineyard honors its heritage while embracing innovation, proudly producing estate wines that showcase the richness of Texas agriculture and the passion that first inspired its creation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Climate & Soil Adaptation: Learning how to cultivate vines that thrive in Texas’ unique climate, balancing unpredictable weather, heat, and the challenges of growing premium grapes outside traditional wine regions.
From Hobby to Business: Transforming a family property into a professional, licensed vineyard and winery required navigating regulations, permits, and the steep learning curve of wine production.
Financial Investment: Establishing a vineyard meant years of upfront investment in land, vines, equipment, and facilities long before seeing the first return from bottled wine.
Community Perception: Building credibility as a new vineyard in a growing but still underestimated Texas wine industry took time, consistency, and persistence.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Honoring the family’s vision while expanding into new experiences like the private theater, events, and wine club required creativity and adaptability.
Labor & Harvest Realities: With harvest demanding long, grueling days in the heat, managing labor and coordinating volunteers became both a challenge and a community-building opportunity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Edge of the Lake Vineyard, we do more than grow grapes, we create experiences. Our specialty lies in producing estate-grown wines that reflect the character of our Texas soil and climate, while pairing them with a welcoming atmosphere that invites guests to linger, connect, and celebrate. We’re known not only for the quality of our wines, but also for the way we bring people together through creative experiences like wine pairing dinners, harvest events, and our unique private theater nights.
What we’re most proud of is the sense of community that has blossomed here. From wine club members who return season after season to new visitors discovering Texas wine for the first time, we’ve built more than a vineyard, we’ve built a place where people feel at home.
What sets us apart is the balance of intimacy and innovation: a family-run vineyard that honors tradition while offering experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Our passion for Texas agriculture, commitment to quality, and dedication to hospitality define who we are, and why every glass poured at Edge of the Lake Vineyard tells a story worth savoring.
Currently growing just over 15 acres of Grenache’, Albariñ0, and Tempranillo varietals.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
No vineyard grows alone, and the story of Edge of the Lake Vineyard is no exception. From the very beginning, we’ve been lifted by mentors, cheerleaders, and teammates who believed in this dream right alongside us. Our family and close friends rolled up their sleeves during long harvest days, offering both hands-on help and encouragement when the work felt overwhelming. Fellow Texas winemakers and growers generously shared knowledge, advice, and a spirit of collaboration that made navigating the learning curve possible. Our wine club members and guests have also been among our greatest advocates, their enthusiasm and loyalty remind us why we do what we do.
We’re especially grateful for the local community, who embraced our vineyard from its earliest days and continue to show up, spread the word, and celebrate Texas wine with us. Every mentor who shared wisdom, every friend who picked grapes, every guest who raised a glass, each one has played a vital role in shaping Edge of the Lake Vineyard into what it is today. This dream could not have come true without the vision of Dr. Cummings and the enactment of his son and wine maker Chris McIntosh. We are family owned and operated and you can truly tell when you walk through those doors.
Pricing:
- Food $15-$50
- Bottles of Wine $28-$150
Contact Info:
