The Rootless Grapevine

03/29/2026

Fredericksburg Standard News has unveiled further details about the luxury hotel and retail complex, set to be a flagship Kimpton property within the prestigious IHG family. This development will offer extensive conference and convention space designed for larger events.

Additionally, The Albert Hotel has appointed Chris as General Manager, bringing significant hospitality expertise to the role. The Rootless Grapevine founder and I had the honor of meeting Chris at dinner and I honestly believe he is the right candidate to turn things around. Having worked at Omni Hotels and being a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite member, I noted areas for improvement and welcome Chris's efforts to implement changes and he acknowledged the challenges ahead. Chris aims to establish The Albert as a premier hotel in Fredericksburg.

Meanwhile, construction of Hilton's Home2 Suites extended-stay hotel is underway at 1100 Friendship Lane, anticipated to complete in early 2027. This $6 million project will feature 104 suites near the Texas Wine Trail. I have had several people inquire about the status on the Waldorf Astoria project and I will be reaching out to my contact and hope to have more details soon.

We invite you to share The Rootless Grapevine with your network and look forward to keeping travelers updated on developments in the Texas Hill Country. If you have an event you'd like us to cover, please let us know, and we'll work with venues to ensure timely coverage.

https://www.fredericksburgstandard.com/2026/03/25/luxury-development-embraces-fredericksburg-ahead-opening/

**ss

03/29/2026

Good morning friends,

I don't typically share my personal stuff on this feed but I felt it was important to let everyone know. We had to pick up our wine shipment from Ferris & Fletch yesterday and get my glass of wine because I won't be able to have any wine for a while. You see me at the tasting room, vineyard or writing for for the coming weeks. Tuesday, I will be getting a right hip replacement. Because we have stairs, I will be staying with friends until I am cleared to drive and can safely navigate the stairs. If you're one who prays, it will be appreciated. Otherwise, your thoughts on Tuesday will be much loved. Look forward to seeing everyone at the tasting room or one of our favorite wineries once I have completed my PT/OT. Until then,
DRINK MORE TEXAS WINE for me.

03/08/2026

Adega Vinho's Gumbo Festival took place as scheduled, despite the rain. Like athletic competitions, the event drew a highly skilled and competitive group of chefs. The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant & Catering in Marble Falls delivered red beans and rice, gumbo, and king cake to the attendees. Attendees enjoyed the sounds of New Orleans by Zydeco Blanco.

03/06/2026

William Chris has announced its latest expansion, bringing exciting developments. Please see the attachment for more information and visit their website at William Chris.

02/27/2026

02/27/2026

Calivence Vineyards, Fredericksburg's latest wine tasting room, offers an exceptional experience despite not being a Texas winery or utilizing local fruit. Situated in a charming historic limestone home at 419 W Main Street, Calivence Wine Bar & Bistro features wines from their California estate and curated French selections. The intimate tasting bar seats up to six, with additional seating areas within the home and outdoors. Clint, our guide, drew upon his extensive industry knowledge to present a selection of wines, including the notable 2022 Sparkling Brut Rose. We recommend visiting the Bistro for its farm-to-table options, which can be found on their website. For a fun and informative tour, consider Cellar Rat Tours. Calivence Vineyards is certainly worth a visit.

02/27/2026

Are you seeking a sports bar that excels in live music and high-quality dining? Look no further than Silver Creek Beer Garden, a local favorite and recent recipient of US Today's Top Ten Beer Gardens distinction. With a vast array of beers on tap and in bottles and cans, as well as the town's most extensive spirit collection, Silver Creek delivers. The bar is expertly managed by owner Chris, and the skilled bartending team, including Fred, Jett, and Christine, with Fred particularly adept at creating customized cocktails. The beer garden's expansive outdoor space is perfect for relaxed dining and live music appreciation, accommodating both large groups and intimate gatherings. Their menu offers a wide variety of options. I particularly like the ribeye, the salmon or the pork medallions. They also offer a number of German and Italian entrée as well.

02/25/2026

The winter pick-up party hosted by Ferris & Fletch Winery was a notable achievement, thanks in part to their alliance with Mystic Lobster Roll Company. Those who have not yet had the opportunity to experience Mystic Lobster's culinary expertise are encouraged to visit soon. While my personal preference is for the Maine lobster roll, the lobster mac and cheese is also a highlight. Following the opening of Rarig Ross's, Ferris & Fletch Winery Co. tasting room on Main Street, I had the opportunity to meet the owner and vintner, Rarig Ross. My previous assertions about Rarig's potential still stand, and it has been exciting to see him expand from California fruit to 100% Texas, with a current project underway on the 290 corridor next to Halter Ranch. Rarig Ross and wife Ellery Ross are the type of people that you just know you're going to be friends. I have always been a fan of local, family owned, boutique wineries and family starts in their name Ferris & Fletch, after his oldest two boys.
Rarig has one of the best Texas picpoul wines I have ever had. Unfortunately, like many great wines, it has sold out. My favorite today was the red blend. It paired with the lobster mac & cheese perfectly.
If you haven't been to Ferris & Fletch Wine Co. I highly recommend it.

02/13/2026

Fredericksburg's development is a topic that can be viewed from multiple angles, depending on one's perspective. Progress is often seen as a positive force by business owners, investors, and tourists, as it brings about change and growth. However, some long-time residents may not share this enthusiasm. Regardless, the town is undergoing significant development. Over the next 24 months, the area will see the addition of five new hotels, including luxury brands like The Waldorf Astoria and The Kimpton. In the coming weeks, I will be making exciting announcements about the future of downtown Fredericksburg, which are anticipated to be well-received by the Wino's and other groups.

🤠 Fredericksburg just made the world notice Texas hospitality: bit.ly/4a9Hlfv