OENO FILES
New experimental wine tasting room pours into the Hill Country
Acquired Taste Wine is taking a less serious approach to its winemaking.
A new wine brand along the Hill Country’s 290 Wine Trail might cause some self-serious oenophiles to go into a swirl. Acquired Taste Wine is now open in Stonewall, launching new labels at a dizzying pace.
Owned by industry vet Dave Bryant, owner of Texas wine consultancy Texas Wine Consulting, the project takes an experimental approach. A release says the brand “rejects the idea that a winery needs to be defined by a single label, estate, or tradition.”
Instead, the brand’s philosophy is laissez-faire. New wines, available by wine club or at the tasting room, will take varied approaches to sourcing fruit, try new blends, and generally remove the pomp from the tasting experience. As the name hints, it doesn’t expect to appeal to everyone.
The vision emphasizes vibes over specific varietals. Currently, the tasting room is pouring three labels:
- Float Wines — a rosé and white blend meant to be enjoyed around water
- The Campaign — two wines (a Sangiovese and a Tempranillo) blending red state and blue state grapes
- Heart Break — “messy” reds meant for immediate drinkability
An upcoming fall release goes even more outré. Temporary Wines’ limited-production bottles will never be released twice. The labels double as temporary tattoos.
The tasting room is a little unconventional as well. Instead of the modern farmhouse style favored by many Hill Country wineries, guests can expect midcentury modern furnishings and Bauhaus posters. Although there is a bar along one wall, much of the square footage is devoted to living room-like arrangements.
Those who want to go on the adventure can find the wines at 239 Miracle Mile in Stonewall. The tasting room is open 11 am-5 pm, Thursday through Saturday, or by appointment.
