Khatter Vineyards: Award-winning wine with a Texas accent
While on my way to Southfork Ranch in Parker I spotted a sign for a vineyard and so I had to find out if North Texas – and North Texans – could grow grapes as good as they do in Napa or Burgundy.
Not only are the grapes and wine as good – they’re award winning from this family owned and family run winery on a suburban cul de sac. The Cabernet and Ruby Cabernet grapes are actually grown in the Khatter’s back yard. But, this is a special place, shaded by trees with a creek running through the property – a shady sanctuary on a hot day.
We had four different wines to taste in the tasting room to the right of the Khatter’s home – Sweet Ruby Cabernet 2010 silver medal winner at the Lone Star International competition. Texas Prairie Red was the Bronze medalist at that competition’s 2009 event and Khatter Vinyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve won the bronze medal at the competition’s 2006 tasting.
They also offer a fine sherry – La Bodega de Mitchell Crema - that would be the perfect after-dinner aperitif. None of these award winning wines are over $25 – except for the sherry ($60). There is also jewelry for sale – the only thing that’s not family made.
After our tasting we went out into the vineyard – the Khatter’s backyard – and were able to see the outbuilding where the magic happens – where the wine is aged. Two giant oak casks and an aluminum pot were in back of the storage shed along with 2 giant steel fermenting tanks. Bottling is also done by hand – and the children help with preparing the bottles and corking them.
Our hostess, vintner Carolyn Khatter and her husband, Jay replaced his vegetable garden with cabernet grapes on their half-acre in 2000. Their sons help with harvesting and eventually bottling.
HelloDallas Tip: The winery hosts live music and other events – even weddings. Check the calendar on their website for special events. The tasting room is open from noon until 6:00pm Saturdays.
Posted by Constance Hannon
