Pedernales Cellars: History, Winemaking Philosophy, and Sustainable Practices
Family-Run Texas Winery Celebrated for Sustainability and Mediterranean-Style Wines
Located in Stonewall, Texas, Pedernales Cellars is known for crafting award-winning Spanish and Rhône-style wines from 100% Texas-grown grapes. Run by sixth-generation Texans, the winery blends traditional values with modern environmental responsibility.
Deep Dive: Pedernales Cellars Winery
Join us for a deep dive into Pedernales Cellars, a family-run winery nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Discover how siblings David and Julie Kuhlken built upon their parents' pioneering viticulture to create award-winning, sustainable wines using Texas-grown grapes. Don't miss insights into their exciting upcoming releases and commitment to environmental stewardship.
History and Founding
Pedernales Cellars traces its origin to the early 1990s, when Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken planted the family's first vineyard near Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country. At that time, Texas winemaking was still nascent, and the Kuhlken family joined other local pioneers in experimenting with grape varieties and viticultural practices suitable for the Texas terroir. Their vineyard, located in the Bell Mountain AVA (the first designated American Viticultural Area in Texas), gradually yielded high-quality fruit with bold flavors as the family honed which grapes thrived in the region's climate and soil. Over time, the family identified optimal varietals for the region, founding Pedernales Cellars in 2006.
In 2006, the Kuhlken's children - David (a Rice-educated winemaker) and Julie (a former philosophy professor) - founded Pedernales Cellars as a boutique winery built on the success of the estate Kuhlken Vineyards. The sibling duo envisioned crafting handcrafted, small-lot wines from varietals that flourish in the rugged Hill Country environment. Pedernales Cellars remains a true family enterprise: David has served as head winemaker since the winery's inception, while Julie oversees operations, marketing and hospitality. Even the third generation of the family has been involved, apprenticing in vineyard and cellar tasks to carry on the legacy. The winery's name “Pedernales” itself honors local heritage - the Pedernales River that winds through the Hill Country, and the Spanish word pedernales meaning “flint.” The discovery of flint arrowheads and tools on their property inspired this name, symbolically linking their wine site to the region's ancient history.
Pedernales Cellars Timeline
Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken planted their first vineyard near Fredericksburg, marking the start of the family's journey in the Texas wine industry.
The Kuhlken family had been growing grapes in the Texas Hill Country since this year, contributing to the region’s early viticultural development.
Siblings David and Julie Kuhlken founded Pedernales Cellars as a boutique winery, building on the estate vineyard’s success.
Pedernales Cellars was officially established, with David as winemaker and Julie overseeing operations. The name pays homage to the Pedernales River and native flint artifacts.
The winery completed Texas’s largest underground wine cellar, leveraging limestone insulation for optimal wine aging.
Pedernales Cellars gained acclaim for its Viognier and Tempranillo, leading the charge in sustainable winemaking and showcasing Texas’s potential for Mediterranean-style varietals.
Pedernales plans to release its first 100% organically grown vintage in 2024. Their award-winning 2020 Valhalla Montepulciano blend is set for release in April 2024.
Honored for excellence in viticulture and sustainability, Pedernales is featured in major 2025 wine festivals and celebrated for its immersive guest experiences and consistent award-winning portfolio.
Winemaking Philosophy and Techniques
Spanish & Rhône Varietals
The winery emphasizes warm-climate varietals such as Tempranillo , Viognier , Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Albariño. These grapes perform best in Texas heat and reflect a Mediterranean sensibility.
Small-Lot, Artisanal Methods
Open-top fermentation bins, oak barrel aging in a geothermal-cooled underground cellar, and minimal intervention define their process. Pedernales also experiments with pet-nat styles like the Kyla Tempranillo Rosé.
Commitment to Sustainability
In the Vineyard
- Native grasses and cover crops retain moisture.
- Birdhouses foster natural pest control.
- Organic composting returns nutrients to the land.
- Partnerships with organic growers (one High Plains vineyard set for 2024 certification).
In the Winery
- Cellar built into limestone hill for natural insulation.
- Geothermal cooling reduces energy usage.
- Steam sanitization replaces harsh chemicals.
- Recycling of oak, cardboard, and more.
Tasting Room & Grounds
- Four EV charging stations.
- Energy-efficient lighting and local product sourcing.
- 55,000-gallon rainwater tank for irrigation.
- Ecosystem restoration on estate lands.
Social and Industry Initiatives
Pedernales is woman-owned and ensures fair labor practices. Collaborations with Texas State University advance statewide wine sustainability goals.
Future releases will feature organically certified Texas grapes—an exciting step in their mission to protect the Hill Country while producing world-class wines.
Visit Pedernales Cellars Online
Sources: Pedernales Cellars , Texas Fine Wine , The Rose Table