Invention Vineyards will be closing at 3:00pm on Christmas Eve and remain Closed on Christmas Day. We will resume normal business hours on Thursday, December 26th.
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Carl Hilmar Guenther established a mill on the Texas frontier in 1851 that grew into one of the largest food processing companies in the nation, Pioneer Family Mills. The original Guenther Mill stood on the Invention Vineyards property, among where the vineyards are today, and the historic stone buildings near the entry were part of the family mill.
In 1851 he bought land and water rights on Live Oak Creek near Fredericksburg. After six months of construction, his mill was operational, but a flood destroyed the first dam. One month after the flood the mill was working again.
Ox-drawn wagons loaded with harvested crops converged on the mill in the mornings, and after the farmers’ business was completed the men visited with one another. The mill became a center of social life in the Hill Country community.
In 1859 Guenther chose a site about one mile from the center of San Antonio as a new site for his mill operation. Guenther Mills soon became Pioneer Flour Mills.
Invention Vineyards’ 25,000 square foot, state-of-the-art wine production complex includes, the crush pad, 50 stainless production tanks providing 65,000 gallons of capacity, barrel cellar, and multiple bottling areas.
The Invention winery now houses Heath Sparkling Wines methode champenoise sparkling wine production, including tirage line, riddling quads and a full disgorgement line.
Heath Family Brands produces 80,000 cases per year, across our wineries.
Heath Family Brands is one of the largest supporters of Texas grape growers and one of the state’s largest producers of Texas wines.
Jason is the most decorated winemaker in Texas, having achieved more than 175, 90+ scores and earning over 1000 medals from the most prestigious wine competitions in the country.
With the addition of stunning Tuscan-inspired patios overlooking the vineyards and a vineyard dining experience at Stout’s Signature at Grape Creek, this quickly became a premier Texas wine destination. Since, they have expanded to four premier winery and vineyard estates and two upscale, urban tasting rooms in downtown Fredericksburg and Georgetown, Texas.
Explore the history of Heath Family Brands!
The saying goes, “At Heath Family Brands, when you’re a member anywhere, you’re a member everywhere.” This unique dedication to club Members, that provides access and benefits at all locations, has led to a large and loyal membership who value this Member-focused approach.
Not only are Brian and Jennifer committed to supporting the Texas wine industry, but they are also dedicated to investing in the Heath Family Brands team and their community. Heath Family Brands has grown from an original five employees to now 150 employees through competitive pay, healthcare and company-funded retirement plans. They also contribute each year to a number of local causes and charities within their community.
So, what’s next for Heath Family Brands? Who knows. But we know something will always be on the horizon.