Today we’d like to introduce you to Ross McLauchlan.
Ross, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I founded The Austin Winery in 2013, as the micro-brewery model was in its ascendancy and Texas wines were out-of-sight in Austin’s burgeoning food scene. We started small, without investors, and sought to prove we could make good wine, representative of Texas, without fancy equipment. We continued on that path, securing partnerships with local vineyards for our supply, and local restaurants & grocers like Central Market, Whole Foods. We produce 100% Texas grown grapes, from grape-to-glass in our winery/event space/ tasting room off South Congress at The Yard! We distribute in California, Illinois, New York, and have had shipments go as far as Hong Kong, Japan, Canada & Italy!
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?
For every high there is a low! Much of a founder’s role is to steady the tide, to not overreact to each triumph or pitfall. Navigating a goverment shutdown that delayed our opening, the strict oversight of multilevels of government, COVID, and the constant stresses of the weather on our grape supply to name a few!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We’ve become a cornerstone for Texas wine industry growth – we’ve helped cultivate and grow 6 winemakers on their journey. What started as an internship program, grew into a incubator for our staff’s side projects, as a way to help them express their talents and engage freely, turned into a whole thing! I’m proud that we aren’t just bringing wine to the city, but opportunity to engage with and make wine professionally.
Any big plans?
We plan to grow natuarlly, and to be the first Texas wine people reach for and try – in the state and beyond!
Pricing:
- Wine Tastings – $20
- Bottles $30-$55
- Full Winery Rentals – from $2500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theaustinwinery.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theaustinwinery
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/theaustinwinery
