History

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 – Consider planting a vineyard to complement 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 to do it well. After consultations with various viticulturists and oenologists, he decides to plant Norton, a native American varietal which produces a delicious medium to full-bodied red wine (when made properly). Norton has other attributes: it is disease resistant, a big plus for the 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 – 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 the vineyard is tended like a prize garden. An Australian winemaker assists with the production of the wine, which keeps it in the family (almost) 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 the 2002 Claros and the release of the 2003 vintage, Stone House Vineyard is firmly established. Scheming Beagle Port is added to the portfolio and Howard is allowed to help in the vineyard, as it’s expanded to 6 ½ acres and Angela only has two hands.

2006-2007 – The winery is expanded to incorporate a new, larger barrel room and a large tank room that houses the open top fermenters.

2008-2012 – Our wines continue to accumulate many awards, both nationally and internationally, and additional land is aquired for further vineyard expansion. As a frustrated architect (and real life physician) who is at his happiest when planning and building, Howard is looking for another building site on the property. Angela’s a bit concerned, as she feels things are just fine as they are.