Meierstone Vineyards: A Legacy of Farming, Ranching and Wine-Making in Texas Hill Country

While many ranches in the hill country have given way to wineries, Meierstone has held fast to its roots as a working farm and ranch. "Every inch has a purpose," says Krystal Patel, the current owner of Meierstone Vineyards. "Half the ranch growing corn, wheat, and oats, as well as the other raising black Angus cattle."

The art of winemaking runs deep in Patel's family, with her ancestors having migrated from Germany and settled in Luckenbach, Texas, seven generations ago. 

"Growing up as a little girl, I was so excited to go down to the basement where my grandmother (Dora) had converted it to a wine cellar," says Patel. "We would make anything we could get our hands on into wine."

From Mustang Grapes to peaches, Patel and her grandmother made wine together, and it was truly a family affair. Meanwhile, Albert Meier owned the Case tractor dealership in Fredericksburg, Texas, and made sure that local farmers had reliable tractors to be successful on their farms. 

The name Meierstone Vineyard is a tribute to the family's legacy. "My grandparents bought this farm, and they were the Meiers," says Patel. "Then they had only one child, my mom. Then she got married, and her last name became Stone. They joined the two last names and became Meierstone to honor the legacy.

Although Patel ventured into the tech world as a young adult, she ultimately returned to her roots and now successfully manages the ranch and vineyards. Visitors are welcome to come to the ranch for wine tastings, which include five delicious wines. The estate is also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend along to sit out on the giant porch swing and soak up the sunshine.

Meierstone wines have won numerous awards, including the Top Texas Wine at the 2024 Houston International Wine Competition. This earned the family a custom award saddle, in a fitting nod to their deep roots in the Texan way of life.