1996 – Howard and Angela Moench buy several acres of land bordering Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country with no intention of planting vines.

1997 – Considering planting a vineyard to compliment their enthusiasm for good wine and food, and to become a part of the evolving Texas wine industry.

1998 – Howard is determined to plant something different and do it well. After consultations with various viticulturists and oenologists, he decides on planting Norton, a native American varietal which produces a delicious medium to full bodied red wine (when made properly) Norton also has other attributes: it is disease resistant, a big plus for Texas Hill Country, vigorous, and as Howard and Angela were to discover, low yielding.

1999-The trellis and irrigation system are installed and 6 ½ acres are planted from stock in the Missouri Valley.

2000 – By this time Angela is fully in charge of the vineyard and determined to produce the highest quality grapes. Howard is allowed to walk among the vines and admire her work.

2002 – First vintage. To no one’s surprise, the grapes are of excellent quality as by now the vineyard is tended like a prize garden. An Australian winemaker is prepared to help with the production of the wine, which keeps it (almost) in the family as Angela was born in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.

2004 – Release of the first wine, Claros. Immediately wins Gold Medal and Best of Class in the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition. Delighted Moenchs’ plan to expand the vineyard and build a winery.

2005 – After many other successes with Claros and the release of the 2003 vintage, Stone House Vineyard is firmly established. Scheming Beagle Port is added to the portfolio.