Today we’d like to introduce you to Nate Pruitt.
Hi Nate, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I actually didn’t set out planning to build a winery and brewery. My background has always been rooted in building things — brands, teams, and communities — and over time that creative drive led me here. My family and I fell in love with this piece of land out in Dripping Springs about fifteen years ago. At the time, it was just an idea and a blank slate, and I thought it would be fun to start experimenting with winemaking as a passion project. That little experiment turned into Bell Springs Winery, which slowly grew as more people started showing up, staying awhile, and making it their place.
A few years later, I realized not everyone drinks wine, so we began brewing small batches of beer as well. That move opened the door to even more people and gave us a way to celebrate craft in different forms. Today, Bell Springs has grown into a family-run winery and brewery that sits on about 22 acres in the Hill Country. What keeps me motivated isn’t just the wine or the beer — it’s creating a place where people can slow down, connect, and feel part of something. We’ve built a team that cares deeply about the craft and the hospitality side, and now we’re starting to bring in other makers and entrepreneurs to be part of the community here. It’s been an unexpected journey, but one that keeps getting more exciting every year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. When we first started, we were learning everything from the ground up. It was not just about making wine but also about building a hospitality business, managing land, and leading a team. We were small and scrappy and had to earn credibility in an industry where we did not come from traditional winery backgrounds. That took time, consistency, and a lot of trial and error.
One of the biggest challenges came during COVID. Overnight, everything changed. The way people gathered, traveled, and spent their time completely shifted. We had to rethink how we operated and how we could still create meaningful experiences when people were more cautious and less predictable. Even now, the aftershocks are still shaping our industry. Consumer habits keep evolving, and we have to stay nimble, adjusting what we offer and how we welcome people in. That has been tough at times, but it has also made us sharper. It forced us to be more intentional about who we are and how we create a place that people genuinely want to be part of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Bell Springs Winery and Brewery is our family’s passion project turned full-scale destination, set on twenty-two scenic acres in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. We started in 2010 as a small winery and have grown into a place where people can unwind, explore, and connect. Today, guests can sip small-batch wines, try inventive craft beers, and enjoy a full menu from our kitchen while surrounded by live oaks and good company.
What sets us apart is the spirit of the place. We are known for our relaxed energy and genuine hospitality, where people from all walks of life feel welcome. It is not about being exclusive or overly polished. It is about creating an experience that blends quality with approachability, where friends, families, and even dogs can spend the afternoon together.
We are proud of the community we are building. Our team includes talented winemakers, brewers, and chefs who care deeply about their craft, and we are starting to open our space to other makers and creative entrepreneurs who want to launch their own ideas here. For us, Bell Springs is more than a winery or a brewery. It is a place where people gather, slow down, and feel part of something special.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is not measured in bottles sold or tables filled. Success means building something that has life, a place where people gather, create, experiment, and connect. It means Bell Springs is more than a destination for wine and beer. It becomes a home for makers, entrepreneurs, chefs, artists, and anyone who wants to build something with intention.
I see success when people feel welcome here, whether they are sipping wine, enjoying a craft beer, sharing a meal, or bringing their own creative idea to life. It is when our maker community (https://www.bellsprings.co/maker-community)
begins to flourish, with small batch beverage makers, artisan food businesses, and creatives using our space as a launchpad. It is when we continue to grow yet stay rooted in our values of approachability, craft, and connection to the land. And it is when Bell Springs becomes part of people’s lives, where friendships form, ideas spark, and memories stick.
If years from now someone says they launched their dream here, or they discovered something new and made a friend under our oak trees, that is success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellsprings.co/
