The members of the Catalano household are long time enthusiasts of vino. So, they opened their own winery.
Bent Oak Winery is the development of CEO John Catalano and partner Audrey Catalano, sibling Marilee Catalano and sister-in-law Debbie Bruce.
“We fell for the white wine market, and after taking a number of white wine immersion journeys to numerous white wine areas, chose to make a go for it,” John Catalano stated.
The strategy was to discover an area once they all retired from the labor force, however as their enthusiasm for white wine and wine-making grew, the possibility of beginning their own brand name ended up being more luring.
Catalano, who had experience as a house maker, began things off by discovering how to turn Texas grapes into white wine from scratch, an experience that was 17 years in the making. Over that time, he made certificates in viticulture and enology (the growing of grapevines and the research study of red wines, respectively).
“Brewing is 95% water, however a grape is a little bio-chemical factory all of its own,” he stated. “So, I began taking natural chemistry courses and white wine chemistry courses so I might much better comprehend it. And then, we chose we were going to begin a winery.”
Once Catalano found out the vinification (or wine making) procedure, he and his household shook hands and consented to open a winery. Although, they still required a name and location.
The Bent Oak name pertained to John and Audrey Catalano as they rested on the deck of among their preferred wineries. As John was talking about the monetary strategy of business, Audrey stopped him mid-sentence and indicated a tree that was bridged from the wind. Drawn to its kinked trunk, they browsed the web and discovered the name Bent Oak Winery was not yet taken.
After years raising cash for business, the next action was to discover a house forBent Oak Catalano stated they aimed to settle in various locations consisting of Marble Falls, however after 2 years of expedition and acquiring licenses, they arrived at their Cedar Park area to provide residents a metropolitan winery within arm’s reach.
“We didn’t desire individuals driving 80 miles to have 2 glasses of white wine and drive 80 miles back,” John stated. “So, we chose we were remaining right here.”
When the winery very first opened in 2014, some barrel tables beinged in the front half of the tasting space, and the back part of the location housed the brand name’s white wine tanks and fermenters.
As more organization rolled in over the next 2 years, John stated theproduction area was pressed back and its fermentation tanks relocated to include more clients. The household ultimately moved their production system to another location on-site to make more area for others to enjoy their bottled offerings.
Since opening its doors 8 years back, Bent Oak has actually turned into one of the most embellished wineries in Cedar Park, getting numerous gold and double gold medals from the San Francisco Chronicle, San Antonio Stock Show & & Rodeo International Wine Competition and the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
“We call it severe white wine for severe white wine enthusiasts, however we do not take ourselves too seriously,” Catalano stated. “We are making first-rate red wines that can take on anyone.”
Bruce stated Bent Oak likes producing a relaxing, laidback environment that’s open to both white wine lovers and periodic sippers. And with food readily available, customers will delight in a range of pairings suitable for their stomach’s desires.
The scene
Not to be puzzled with a daily white wine bar, Bent Oak’s inviting tasting space has the makings of a lovely outside chateau– it’s simply inside.
The storage facility winery’s tasting area appears like the living-room of a little Mediterranean house. It is filled with pleasant furnishings sets, poorly lit candle lights and little glass tables sitting atop white wine barrels. The walls are decorated with images of the charter member and their households and canines.
On the best side of the tasting space, there’s a little cooking area with charcuterie trays and chocolates below the counter, and the back of the area is designated for entertainers to serenade customers with live music for Wine Down Fridays.
Menu highlights
Given the summer season weather condition, Catalano stated lots of customers generally favor Bent Oak’s blanc du Bois, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon.
Along with Bent Oak’s charcuterie trays and chocolate bites, the winery likewise provides chicken nachos, ham sandwiches, pulled pork stew and other food options, that make for fascinating white wine pairings.
Upcoming occasions
Singer Heath Ham will take the phase for Wine Down Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. onAug 5. Joel Rapaport will carry out 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. onAug 12. No tickets or RSVP needed. For more info on upcoming occasions, see bentoakwinery.com.
Location and hours
Bent Oak Winery is at 2000 Windy Terrace, Suite 2B, inCedar Park It is open from 1 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday-Saturday and 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
About this story
This story becomes part of a brand-new periodic series checking out Central Texas’ breweries, distilleries and bars. Have a preferred? Email your suggestions to ehopkins@statesman.com.