It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Krause Springs in Spicewood, TX gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Spicewood, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am so grateful for the exceptional care my mother received from Always Best Care”
“We are very grateful for Kass and the team at Always Best Care Senior Services”
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“Everyone is so caring and the office staff jumps in to help anytime there is”
“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it”
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“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with.”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas”
“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and”
“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his”
“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to”
“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared”
“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by”
“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”
“I am so grateful for the exceptional care my mother received from Always Best Care of Boerne. Ken, the owner, and Veronica, our appointment scheduler, were both wonderful from the very beginning. Veronica was fantastic—she was an incredibly effective and caring communicator. She kept me fully informed about caregiver schedules, promptly addressed any concerns about my mom, and even reached out to other family members when I wasn’t available. Her thoughtfulness and reliability made a stressful time so much easier to navigate. What touched our family most was how genuinely the caregivers cared—not only for my mom, but also for my dad, even though he was not under their care. Their compassion and kindness went above and beyond and gave us tremendous peace of mind. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Boerne to anyone looking for professional, compassionate in-home care. Thank you to Ken, Veronica, and the entire team for the wonderful support and dedication. We truly appreciate you.”
“We are very grateful for Kass and the team at Always Best Care Senior Services - Home Care Services in Boerne. We needed dependable in-home senior care in Fredericksburg, Texas for my mother, who is also on hospice, and finding the right care partner had been difficult. After looking around and talking to multiple options, we finally found a team that is truly living up to expectations. The hospice support is important, but the in-home care component has made a major difference for our family. Kass has been responsive, compassionate, professional, and consistent. The caregivers have helped provide the extra daily support, comfort, and attention my mother needs, while also giving our family more peace of mind. It is clear that Ken and the ownership team care about doing this the right way. They understand that families are not just looking for basic home care services — they are looking for trust, communication, reliability, and people who treat their loved ones with dignity. For anyone searching for senior home care, caregiver services, hospice support assistance, companion care, or personal care in Fredericksburg, Boerne, Kerrville, Comfort, or the Texas Hill Country, I would strongly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They have been a blessing to our family, and we appreciate the care and professionalism they have shown.”
“hopefully gba work there”
“Everyone is so caring and the office staff jumps in to help anytime there is a need. Communicate so easily. I’ve always felt so comfortable and trusting of their caregivers and service.”
“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it gets! I have a dear friend that is in hospice and needed a little extra home care. Ken, the owner, was fast to respond to my call and started home care right away. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Always Best Care Senior Services' staff and owner.”
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“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”
“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and their families. He is a local senior care expert and leader in his community. If you are need of assistance in navigating your local senior care options, then do not hesitate to give Ken a call!”
“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his efforts and for going above and beyond.”
“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”
“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”
“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with Kenneth.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”
“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Krause Springs in Spicewood, TX with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Opie's Barbecue or visit Old Baldy, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Spicewood, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Spicewood, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Spicewood, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
If you're a fan of Texas barbecue, your next bite of smoked meat may be coming to you on the recommendation of a beloved Oscar winner.Matthew McConaughey recently appeared on an episode of the Mythical Kitchen, a viral internet channel that breaks down the last meals of famous celebrities. The Texas A-lister is currently promoting his new Apple TV+ show, Brothers, which premiered on September 23 and also stars fellow actor Woody Harrelson.During the interview with host Josh Scherer, who begins the show with his signatu...
If you're a fan of Texas barbecue, your next bite of smoked meat may be coming to you on the recommendation of a beloved Oscar winner.
Matthew McConaughey recently appeared on an episode of the Mythical Kitchen, a viral internet channel that breaks down the last meals of famous celebrities. The Texas A-lister is currently promoting his new Apple TV+ show, Brothers, which premiered on September 23 and also stars fellow actor Woody Harrelson.
During the interview with host Josh Scherer, who begins the show with his signature line, "We all gotta eat, and we're all gonna die," McConaughey outlined an eight-course lineup of dishes that make up his ideal "last meal." While being interviewed, the star gave a shout-out to the jalapeño-creamed corn and sausage from Opie's Barbecue in Spicewood, Texas, or, as he said, "near Marble Falls."
"There's barbecue all over Texas, and it's like, religious, right?" said McConaughey. "And you can all have your opinions, but Opie's is one where ... That's pretty good, isn't it?" he continued, taking a bite of the sausage, which he insisted must be dunked in the creamed corn.
"I'm not a big cream of corn guy, but boy, when I found this and dunked Opie's sausage into it. Get your sausage first, now your dunk, and it has to go in that order. Now you try it," he continued.
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Opie's first opened its "no-frills" dining room in 1999 in the Texas Hill Country.
Alright, alright, alright. Let's dive into the full lineup of McConaughey's "Last Meal":
Drinks:
Mains:
Sweets:
Find it: 9504 State Hwy 71, Spicewood, TX 78669
Sometimes here at the Build-Outs we get asked: what about a showroom? What, exactly, qualifies as a brand new build? Well—far as we’re concerned, the Build-Outs feature series is pluralistic, and takes a big tent approach to new coffee projects recently opened or under construction. For proof, look no further than today’s feature, which takes us to a a new “showroom and hands-on demonstration space” in Texas Hill Country.The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by Pacific Barista Series, DONA and L...
Sometimes here at the Build-Outs we get asked: what about a showroom? What, exactly, qualifies as a brand new build? Well—far as we’re concerned, the Build-Outs feature series is pluralistic, and takes a big tent approach to new coffee projects recently opened or under construction. For proof, look no further than today’s feature, which takes us to a a new “showroom and hands-on demonstration space” in Texas Hill Country.
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by Pacific Barista Series, DONA and La Marzocco.
As told to Sprudge by Kristi Anderson.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Coffee Equipment Pros is a North American online marketplace and equipment partner for coffee roasteries, including those with retail cafe spaces and wholesale operations. We focus on helping people find, evaluate, and implement roastery equipment—new, used, and emerging technologies—along with consulting and technical support.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Our new Spicewood, Texas facility, located in the scenic Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin, is a showroom and hands-on demonstration space where customers can experience the Air-Motion Roaster (we’re the exclusive North American distributor) and roastery equipment in action. It’s designed for education, testing, and workflow exploration: less showroom, more working environment where people can actually roast, cup, and compare systems side by side.
What’s your approach to coffee?
We’re focused on transparency and hands-on understanding. Coffee roasting decisions are high-stakes, so our approach is to reduce guesswork by letting people experience equipment performance directly through roasting, tasting, and real workflow testing. We’re especially interested in how newer technologies, including air-roasting systems like Air-Motion Roasters, expand what’s possible in terms of consistency, energy use, and cup clarity.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
The space features Air-Motion Roasters (AMR, of which we are the exclusive North American distributor) alongside nearly 20 additional pieces of equipment covering the full roasting workflow. This includes destoners, weigh-fill systems, scales, bean analyzers, sealers, grinders, and more. The setup is designed to demonstrate complete end-to-end production in real time.
How is your project considering sustainability?
The facility is built around a fully electric roasting and post-roast workflow, removing reliance on traditional gas infrastructure and reducing on-site emissions. We call it the “Roastery of the Future” because it represents a more flexible, efficient model for designing roasting operations, particularly in urban or infrastructure-limited environments. Sustainability here is as much about rethinking system design and footprint as it is about energy use.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
The facility is currently open by appointment and moving into active use as a demonstration, education, and co-roasting space in the coming months.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
As the exclusive North American distributor, we’re working closely with Air-Motion Roasters (an AMR3 and AMR6 anchor our space), along with a range of trusted equipment manufacturers and partners across roasting, brewing, and café infrastructure who support modern, flexible roasting workflows.
Thank you!
Thank you for including us! We appreciate the opportunity to share what we’re building with the Sprudge community.
Harvest brings an entire growing season into focus. Grapes that have spent months developing on the vine are picked and moved into the winery, where a new vintage begins. For Spicewood Vineyards, that process starts with the land and decisions made long before harvest.Original owners Ed and Madeline Manigold studied the property before planting. Soil analysis identified three distinct soil types, helping determine which grape varieties suited different areas. Nine acres from the original 17-acre planting remain in production, with Cha...
Harvest brings an entire growing season into focus. Grapes that have spent months developing on the vine are picked and moved into the winery, where a new vintage begins. For Spicewood Vineyards, that process starts with the land and decisions made long before harvest.
Original owners Ed and Madeline Manigold studied the property before planting. Soil analysis identified three distinct soil types, helping determine which grape varieties suited different areas. Nine acres from the original 17-acre planting remain in production, with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Tempranillo among the varieties grown today.
Established in 1992, Spicewood describes its vineyard management philosophy as “hands in the dirt,” a fitting description for growing wine grapes in Texas. Frost, hail and searing heat are among the challenges, and no two seasons arrive the same way.
The 2026 growing season made that unpredictability clear. A late-March freeze struck the Texas Hill Country during bud break, with temperatures falling into the 20s. Owner and President Ron Yates reported that the freeze devastated the majority of Spicewood’s estate vineyards and that the winery expects to harvest very little Hill Country fruit this year. For the 2026 vintage, Spicewood will rely on grapes from the Texas High Plains, far West Texas and Dell Valley.
A vintage is more than the year printed on a label. It reflects a growing season and the conditions the grapes experienced before entering the cellar.
Spicewood’s estate vineyard remains central to its story, while relationships with growers across Texas provide access to additional varieties and regions. One grape, however, has particular significance to Yates.
Tempranillo holds a special place in his approach to Texas wine. Yates grew up in Kingsland, near Fall Creek Vineyards in Tow, owned by his cousins Ed and Susan Auler, pioneers of the Texas wine industry. His interest in wine deepened while studying at the University of Texas, when a semester abroad took him to Spain.
Time in Ribera del Duero introduced Yates to a major Tempranillo-growing region. The son of his host family grew grapes there, giving Yates time in the vineyards to learn about viticulture. When he returned to Texas, he recognized similarities between Ribera del Duero and the Hill Country, particularly limestone bedrock and hot days, and became convinced Tempranillo had potential in Texas.
That connection remains visible in Spicewood’s wines. The winery calls Tempranillo its favorite grape to grow and says the variety “absolutely thrives in our Texas terroir.” Its current portfolio also includes Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grenache and other Texas-grown wines.
Those wines have earned recognition in major competitions. At the 2026 Houston Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, Spicewood’s 2022 Tempranillo from Dutton Vineyards received Gold, Reserve Class Champion and Texas Class Champion honors. Its 2023 Cabernet Franc earned Gold and Texas Class Champion.
Yates acquired Spicewood Vineyards in 2007 and remains directly involved in day-to-day operations and vineyard management while working closely with the winemaking team.
Spicewood was founded as a winery devoted exclusively to estate-grown grapes. Although sourcing has expanded, growing grapes and making wine on the same property remain part of its identity. The approximately 5,000-square-foot winery spans two levels, with production downstairs alongside a Texas limestone barrel room and the tasting room above. Spicewood reports production capacity of more than 5,000 cases annually.
The winery’s Estate Tempranillo has been produced entirely from estate-grown fruit, while other Tempranillo bottlings have used grapes from the Texas High Plains. Spicewood also works with growers across Texas, allowing the winery to source fruit from multiple regions while remaining committed to Texas-grown grapes.
Each parcel reflects months of farming before fermentation begins. Ripeness, weather and vineyard conditions influence the decisions that follow in the cellar. Eventually, that work reaches the tasting room, where visitors experience the finished vintage in the glass.
Spicewood offers tastings seven days a week, along with wines by the glass and bottle. Guests can settle into the tasting room or take their wine outside to spacious patios and picnic areas surrounded by the Hill Country landscape.
Harvest gives that visit added context. Vines planted during the vineyard’s early years remain in production, fruit from another growing season enters the winery and bottles from previous vintages are opened upstairs. Seeing those stages in one place is a reminder that wine begins as agriculture.
Spicewood’s history spans more than three decades of Texas grape growing. Its early soil studies shaped the vineyard, Yates’ experience in Spain brought Tempranillo into sharper focus, and relationships with growers across Texas continue to broaden the fruit entering the cellar.
Spicewood describes its philosophy simply: “Wine is a celebration of life.” During harvest, months of work in the vineyard become the starting point for bottles that will eventually be opened around a table.
One vintage may already be in the glass, but another is just beginning.
Sip Texas wine in the heart of the Hill Country at Spicewood Vineyards, 1419 Co Rd 409, Spicewood, TX 78669, then explore current releases, shop wines and plan your visit at
MICHELLE WOOD | @WestAustinCityLifestyle
As Editor of West Austin City Lifestyle, I’m always drawn to the people, places and traditions that make our community special. I especially enjoy exploring the stories behind Texas wineries and the Hill Country through my love of wine. Have a local story, favorite spot or recommendation? I’d love for you to share it with me at [email protected].
"We take the cultivation of our grapes, the creation of our incredible Texas wine, and the enjoyment of a shared love of vino, very seriously."
As luxury development booms west of Austin in Spicewood, the owner of 517 acres of land is sizing up potential buyers.Calvin Chen, the majority owner of the land that’s dubbed the Flying X Ranch, put the land up for sale last year for $85,000 per acre, or $44 million if sold altogether. Chen, the founder of Art Hub ATX and owner of his own architecture firm, can afford to be choosy with potential buyers, according to the Austin Business Journal.Chen told the outlet that the ideal buyer is someone interested in “cult...
As luxury development booms west of Austin in Spicewood, the owner of 517 acres of land is sizing up potential buyers.
Calvin Chen, the majority owner of the land that’s dubbed the Flying X Ranch, put the land up for sale last year for $85,000 per acre, or $44 million if sold altogether. Chen, the founder of Art Hub ATX and owner of his own architecture firm, can afford to be choosy with potential buyers, according to the Austin Business Journal.
Chen told the outlet that the ideal buyer is someone interested in “culture,” someone who is going to push the envelope in terms of unique experiences. Offers so far have come from industrial companies, and a California-based aviation company that wants to build a private luxury airport next to a currently unpaved runway. Another offer came in from a major Japanese car manufacturer, who wants to build a racetrack on the property, Chen told the outlet. They’re still in the early phases of the search for a unique partner.
Chen listed developments like the Thermal motorsport country club in California and the Faena Hotel brand that operates globally as options for the land. Spicewood, which sits along Highway 71 on the west side of Austin, is close to the Colorado River and Pedernales Falls State Park.
While Chen and the other owners of the 517 acres mull over ideas for the land, other projects in the Austin area are moving right along. Kelly Slater’s Austin Surf Club is looking to restart construction as it stares down the barrel of $16 million in liens. The Surf Club developers are looking to establish a Municipal Management District to fund needed infrastructure.
Work is also expected to begin at the Dog’s Head, an Endeavor-owned tract of land towards the far east portions of Austin that was just annexed into city limits. Recent reports tie Amazon to the Dog’s Head site.
— Hunter Cooke
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