There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when you pair Texas Hill Country views with the brilliance of women business owners. To celebrate the entrepreneurs who power our community, we gathered at Driftwood Estate Winery for a night defined by fine wine, charcuterie, and even finer connections.
Perched on a scenic bluff at 4001 Elder Hill Road, the winery offered us a front-row seat to a classic Texas masterpiece. With glasses in hand, we watched the sun dip behind the twisted silhouettes of ancient live oaks, casting a golden glow over the 18 acres of lush estate vineyards stretching toward the horizon.
A Legacy in Every Pour
Driftwood Estate isn’t just a pretty view; it’s a piece of Hays County history. Established in 1998 by Gary Elliott, it holds the distinction of being the county’s first commercial vineyard. Today, this veteran-owned and family-run gem remains a powerhouse of Texas viticulture, producing 10,000 cases of wine annually. We enjoyed award-winning wines, to name just a few:
- 2019 Alamo Red: Bold, soulful, and deeply Texan
- 2023 Chardonnay: Crisp and elegant—the perfect sunset companion
- 2023 Pinot Grigio: Bright, refreshing, and ideal for lively conversation
What makes Driftwood truly special is a 25-year winemaking philosophy rooted in precision. Whether it’s a single-block varietal or a complex multi-region blend using grapes from the renowned Newsom Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, every bottle tells a story of craftsmanship.
Ladies and partners of Hays City Lifestyle Included in the shoot were: Laura Elliott of Driftwood Estate Winery, Dr. Ashley Strickland of Buda Dental, Erica Bille of Nest Mortgaging, Noa Sutherland of Zoi Well & Meridian, Allison Pflaum of Hays Home Team, Rebecca Acosta-Ojeda of Salon One 12, Jackie Mendes of Perspire Sauna Studio in Kyle and Linda Lopez of 1626 Construction.
Photography by Iris Castro of Oh My Soul Photography, Styling by Styling the New West and Floral by Wow Factor Floral.
Driftwood Estate isn't just a pretty view; it’s a piece of Hays County history.