Discover Bending Branch Winery: Wine, Bourbon and Beyond
The Texas Hill Country has flourished into one of the top wine regions in the U.S., and if you’re staying at our historic Hotel Giles, you’re in the perfect spot to explore one of its most celebrated wineries: Bending Branch Winery. Comfort, Texas, may be a small town, but it’s home to this standout destination, where wine enthusiasts can experience the best of Hill Country wines. Founded in 2009, Bending Branch Winery masterfully blends Old World winemaking traditions with modern scientific techniques to create some of the best wines you'll ever taste.
Just a short 4-mile drive south of downtown Comfort, Bending Branch Winery sits on a picturesque estate where 30 different grape varieties flourish. These grapes don't just make their way into Bending Branch's own bottles—they also supply over 20 smaller wineries. It’s no wonder that Bending Branch has been dubbed the "Tannat House of Texas," with their signature Tannat leading the charge. The grapes that go into this smooth, full-bodied red wine thrive in Texas thanks to the region's warm climate and well-drained soils, which bring out the grape's bold flavors and robust tannins. Whether you’re a seasoned wine drinker or a curious newbie, the Tannat is sure to impress.
But the fun doesn’t stop with Tannat. Bending Branch is also known for its Picpoul Blanc, a white wine that bursts with bright acidity and citrus notes. Perfect for sipping on a warm Texas afternoon, this refreshing wine is another testament to the quality coming out of this winery.
If you visit the estate, you’ll have the chance to taste five of their exceptional wines for just $30, and you even get to take home a souvenir glass. Plus, with events like live music, wine pairing dinners and wine club picnics, there’s always something fun happening here. The winery is open Thursday through Monday from noon to 6 p.m., so plan your visit and experience what makes Bending Branch Winery so special.
In 2023, Bending Branch took a bold step into the world of bourbon with the launch of two new brands: Bending Branch 1840 and ChickenDuck. The winery's owners, who grew up in Kentucky, know a thing or two about bourbon, and they’ve brought that expertise to Texas. The 1840 bourbons are crafted in Kentucky and finished in Texas, while the ChickenDuck brand is entirely aged here in the Lone Star State. If you’re a bourbon fan, you can’t miss the chance to taste a flight of these new offerings. It’s a perfect complement to the winery’s already impressive lineup of wines.
If you’re exploring downtown Comfort, make sure to stop by Ursa at Branch on High, Bending Branch's charming downtown tasting room. Here, you can sample wines from both Bending Branch Winery and their Ursa Vineyards in California’s Sierra Foothills. The mix of modern and rustic décor creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a wine flight or a charcuterie plate. And if you’re planning to wander around downtown Comfort, grab a glass of wine to-go and enjoy the town’s unique shops and sights. Be sure to check out one of Branch on High's potluck dinners to share in Comfort's potluck culture.
With so much to offer, Bending Branch Winery is more than just a stop on your Texas Hill Country tour—it’s a destination in itself. Whether you’re there for the wine, the bourbon or just to soak in the beautiful surroundings, you’re sure to leave with a smile and maybe even a few bottles to enjoy at home as a reminder of your getaway stay at Hotel Giles.
