Today we’d like to introduce you to Les Constable.
Les, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born 1944 in West Virginia. First visited Texas when 18 on a greyhound bus entering Texas at El Paso, traveling through Kerrville, to San Antonio then Houston and on to the east. I was on a trip from Boot Camp in San Diego to Fort Lauderdale where by parents lived at the time. On the return trip, I met Ann whose family is related to Davy Crockett so that is my early Texas connection.
I was impress by the land scape, the food and the amazingly beautiful; women. I still am.
Ann and I moved to Texas in the mid 70’s and when I could retire this is where we wanted to stay.
I was very lucky at a young age to have friends who really liked good wines and I have had many of the best wines in the world. I am old enough to remember buying good Bordeaux wines for $1.25 a bottle. Chanti cost $1. We paid $18 for La Romanie Conti, $7 for Dom Paringon and most of the great Chateau wines cost about $12-14 a bottle. I miss these wines but only drink them when someone else buys them for me to taste with them. You are encouraged to do that.
When I first tried what I thought were Texas wines in the 70’s I was very disappointed.
I first made wine from Texas grapes in 1991. I was stunned at the flavors. At that time, I realized we could make good wine in Texas. I had no idea that we could make absolutely great wine that show well against any wines from any wines from around the world. But we can and do.
When I decided to get started I went back to school to learn wine making science.
Science is easy for me. My dad was a botanist and I was a nuclear reactor operator on submarines then later a nuclear engineer. It is surprising how well my background helps me with modern wine making. The Sun is after all a nuclear reactor and that is where it all begins.
I knew it was legal to have a winery in Texas but as they say the devil is in the details.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No one knew what grapes would do well in Texas. We are still learning but warm climate grapes from Spain, Southern France and Italy do much better than cold climate grapes like Riesling from Germany.
Also, a lot of laws needed to be changed to allow wineries in Texas. I was heavily involved in research and legislative issues.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Brushy Creek Vineyards & Winery – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We make real Texas wine meaning all of the grapes, 100%, we use were grown in Texas and made into wine at our winery.
We make a wide range of wines and have won many gold medals in places like San Francisco.
We are best known for Tempranillo, Tannat, Sangiovese for reds and Rkatsiteli, Muscat, Semillon and Trebbiano for dry whites plus several sweet and dessert wines such as port…
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Slow growth maintaining the highest possible quality.
Pricing:
- Prices range from about $20 to $50/bottle
Contact Info:
- Address: 572 County Road 2798
Alvord, Texas 76225 - Website: www.BrushyCreekVineyards.com
- Phone: 940-427-4747
- Email: brushyck@wf.net
- Facebook: Brushy Creek Vineyards
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
