Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheri Pattillo.
Hi Sheri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started with a simple wine tasting, my first ever, in the basement of Charlie’s 517, an upscale restaurant in Houston’s theater district. I was in my mid-20s, working in corporate finance and just starting to become a foodie thanks to myriad options in a big city. My then boyfriend, now husband, accompanied me to the intimate gathering where we tasted a handful of wines paired with small bites. The limited information I learned that night whetted my appetite to explore wine.
Eventually, we left Houston and moved to the Hill Country where I later transitioned into non-profit management and planning work helping the vulnerable in our city. When I decided to leave after six years, I didn’t want to jump headlong into something else. So, I decided to take a break and just rest.
At that point, I had been tasting wine regularly for a couple of years with my friend, Kim. We did this at a little local shop called Grape Juice, owned by Patrick and Keri Wilt. We continued doing that after I left my nonprofit work. Let me insert that Patrick gets full credit for passing along the wine bug to me. His knowledge inspired me, and he introduced me to the great big world of wine.
Then one day while having lunch alone at a brewery, I distinctly recall having somewhat of an epiphany: Take a wine course.
And that’s exactly what I did in Austin. Which led to another and another and another. I became consumed with the depth and breadth of the subject. After years of study – and popping thousands of corks – I hold the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma (Level 4) as well as being a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. Eventually, I also became a Certified Educator for WSET. And because I am a lifelong learner, I later earned a winemaking certificate from Texas Tech University.
At some point along the way, it occurred to me that what I had initially considered an avocation might actually be a vocation. I began consulting with wine businesses and teaching courses for The Texas Wine School and Texas Tech University (Fredericksburg). As another way to use my skills, I served as Executive Director for Texas Wine Growers, an organization committed to protecting and promoting the integrity of Texas wines. And for a time, I wrote wine articles for Rock and Vine.
Another aspect of my work at the time was in sales for Calais Winery in Hye for almost five years. Owner/winemaker Benjamin Calais approached me in 2018 about going into partnership to start a new winery, French Connection Wines. The business began in December 2018 and we opened to the public in September 2019.
When I look back over my journey, I never imagined landing where I am today. I like to describe wine as my third life. First was corporate, second was nonprofit, and now the world of wine.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The wine road overall has been smooth for me. It has felt and continues to feel, right. Part of that feeling is due to the unequivocal support of my family and friends. Plus, opportunities have presented themselves to me, which have been a continual source of amazement. Sure, there were setbacks along the way, but those generally motivated me all the more.
Several times I have read Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way. In it, she prompts us to Fill the Form, which basically means doing our daily work – doing that next right thing that is in front of us to do. For me, that meant saying yes to opportunities. And before I knew it, I had a variety of experiences in the world of wine.
One road bump I encountered in 2020 was recognizing I had no margins in life because I had overcommitted myself. So, I pulled back from some of my positions in order to fully focus on the new winery.
For French Connection, most of our challenges have been external and uncontrollable. As a new business, it was scary being shut down for almost five months during COVID. And we are always at the mercy of Texas weather, which has brought some difficult vintages due to freezes, hail, and the likes.
But as the partners – Ben and Victoria Calais along with my husband, Pat, and I – like to say, we have a great team in place, which makes all the difference during difficult times. As partners, we have the good fortune to get along, work well together, bring complementary skills to the business, and actually like each other.
Struggles are part of life. And, of course, we never know what is around the corner. But joys are also part of life! Frequently, people ask me how I got to the place I am in wine. I often tell them I never knew when I took that first wine course that one day I would be a partner in a winery. But it’s funny how things happen. And I often quote Robert Frost’s line in “The Road Not Taken”: “…knowing how way leads on to way…”
As you know, we’re big fans of French Connection Wines. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
French Connection Wines is a boutique winery that specializes in wines from varieties grown in France’s Rhône Valley but made 100% from Texas grapes. Some varieties include Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier. We support the grape growers of Texas, and we source the best quality fruit from high elevation sites.
My business partner and winemaker, Benjamin Calais, is French and follows classic French winemaking traditions in Texas. He carries a statewide reputation for excellence in winemaking. Our incredible cellar team just finished with harvest, and this vintage will be our largest production yet.
Besides being known for top-quality wines, we are known for our knowledgeable team and the resulting educational experiences given. Because we want guests to have the best experience possible, we only hire people who have a wine background and credentials in wine. Staffing is difficult in Hye, TX, but Victoria Calais, who manages our tasting room, works hard to find the right people. And we are so proud of the team we have.
In addition to our Educational Tasting, we also offer an extended Reserve Tasting, which includes our French-inspired charcuterie board and French macarons. Because we are a boutique winery with limited space and staffing, we do require reservations.
There are three maisonettes on the property for guests to stay with us, which are listed on Airbnb. Our guests enjoy being able to use our tasting room patio to take in the view and watch the beautiful sunsets.
Bringing joy and beauty to the world through wine is what motivates us. And we work hard while having fun!
Our first two years have been great. I would say French Connection Wines has quickly become known for delicious wines coupled with a personal experience and a stunning view. We value relationships, and we have a very loyal following for which we are grateful.
Contact Info:
- Email: sheri@frenchconnectionhye.com
- Website: https://www.frenchconnectionhye.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchconnectionwines/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frenchconnectionhye
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fcwineshye
Image Credits
Miguel Lecuona, Manda Levy
