Raise a Glass at Newsom Vineyards in Comfort
Tucked in the heart of the Texas Hill Country — the largest wine region in the state and home to more than 100 wineries — Comfort has quietly become a destination for wine lovers. Among its local gems is Newsom Vineyards at Comfort, a charming tasting room just a short five-minute walk around the block from our historic Hotel Giles.
From Cotton to Cabernet
The Newsom family’s story begins far from the Hill Country, on the windswept High Plains of West Texas, not far from the New Mexico state line. For more than a century, the family grew cotton near Lubbock. When water shortages made that uncertain, Neal Newsom began exploring other crops — everything from peanuts to pumpkins — before taking a leap of faith into wine grapes. In 1986, he planted two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon in the sandy red soil near Plains, Texas.
That first harvest, small enough to fit in the trunk of his car, earned just $500. But it was the start of something big. Today, Newsom Vineyards spans 150 acres, growing 19 varietals and producing grapes for its Texas winery partners, including Bending Branch, Saint Tryphon, and Kerrville Hills. The family’s reputation for quality fruit and meticulous care has made them one of the most respected names in Texas winemaking.
Bringing the High Plains to the Hill Country
Neal’s son, Nolan, brought the family legacy to Comfort, transforming a 100-year-old farmhouse into the cozy Newsom Vineyards Tasting Room in the heart of our historic downtown. The inviting space, bathed in rustic wood, blends small-town warmth with Hill Country charm, offering indoor and patio seating where guests can sip and unwind.
The focus here is on dry reds made from 100% single-vineyard grapes. Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon are house favorites, though you’ll also find a few bright whites on the menu. Building on the family’s relationships within the Texas winemaking industry, Newsom Vineyards label wines are created from Newsom grapes utilizing the talents of many different Lone Star State winemakers. They’re produced in small lots, so tastings here are truly special; you won’t find these wines just anywhere. In fact, outside of the tasting room, you’ll only find Newsom wines in a smattering of Texas restaurants and wine bars — although, if you find a favorite or two, you can order bottles online and have them shipped to your door.
A Community Gathering Place
Step behind the tasting room and you’ll find The Comfort Backyard, a lively hangout that’s shaded by beautiful oak trees draping over picnic tables and cornhole boards. On weekends, the air fills with live music from homegrown Texas solo artists and bands. Sip on Newsome wines and fill your belly from local food trucks like The Twisted Texican and Norteños Pinto’s, serving up fresh-made tacos, barbecue, and Tex-Mex favorites. It’s the kind of unhurried, friendly atmosphere that makes Comfort feel like home, even if you’re just passing through.
Sip, Stay, and Soak It All In
Guests of Hotel Giles can enjoy a complimentary tasting at Newsom Vineyards at Comfort — a $20 value that includes five wines and a souvenir glass. Be sure to reserve your voucher when booking your stay, and if you’re traveling with a group of six or more, we’re happy to arrange a tasting reservation with advance notice.
With two other wineries right here in Comfort (Bending Branch and Singing Water) and many more dotting the surrounding Hill Country, wine lovers have plenty to explore. But few places capture the heart and history of Texas winemaking quite like Newsom Vineyards. Stop by and step up to the tasting bar, or take a seat at a picnic table in front of the band shelter, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the High Plains right here in Comfort.
