Our Story

The Meaning Behind Stone House

A visit to Stone House Vineyard reveals the origin of its name. The winery’s tasting room is built with enormous limestone blocks—each weighing more than 2,000 pounds—embodying the strength, permanence, and timeless character of a true Stone House. These enduring elements reflect the values owner Angela Moench holds dear in her approach to winemaking and vineyard stewardship, while grounding the estate in its striking setting along the shores of Lake Travis.

Australian Roots & Culinary Influence

Angela hails from Australia’s renowned Barossa Region, one of the country’s most celebrated wine areas. Raised in a vineyard‑owning family, she developed a deep connection to wine from an early age. Her journey later took her to England, where she studied at Le Cordon Bleu, shaping a lasting appreciation for the relationship between food and wine—an influence still reflected today in the winery’s culinary‑driven experiences and monthly dinners.

A Texas Hill Country Vision

In 1996, Angela and her late husband, Howard, envisioned creating a vineyard in the Texas Hill Country. Their shared love of fine food and wine made the project a natural extension of their lives, while also contributing to the growing Texas wine community. Together, they carefully selected varietals suited to the region’s unique microclimate, rocky soils, and cooling lake breezes.



Viticulture in the Texas Hill Country presents distinct challenges—from late frosts and hail to drought, heavy rains during flowering, and the risk of Pierce’s disease. Thoughtful vineyard planning and varietal selection were essential to long‑term success.

The Norton Grape & Early Success

One standout choice was the Norton grape, selected for its resilience and its ability to express Texas terroir. With late bud‑break and natural resistance to Pierce’s disease, Norton proved well‑suited to the region. The resulting wine—deep blue‑purple in color, medium to full‑bodied, and layered with spice and berry aromatics—quickly gained recognition.

By 2005, Angela’s Norton wine, branded as Claros, had achieved notable success, paving the way for the winery’s opening. In January 2006, Stone House Vineyard welcomed the public, complemented by wines from Angela’s Australian label, Stone House Vintners. A longtime family friend from Napa Valley soon joined as consulting winemaker, expanding the portfolio with California wines and further shaping the winery’s identity.

Enargeia: A Lasting Tribute

Since 2016, the flagship wine Enargeia has stood as Angela’s tribute to Howard, honoring his love of Greek literature and Bordeaux wines. In Greek mythology, Enargeia represents the physical manifestation of the divine. The wine—a rich Napa Valley blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec—keeps his memory alive with every bottle shared.

Hospitality, Community & Sustainability

Beyond its wines, Stone House Vineyard is defined by warm hospitality and personal connection. Guests are invited to explore the vineyard, engage with the winemaking story, and enjoy thoughtfully curated tastings. Sustainability and community engagement remain central to the estate’s philosophy, reflected in charitable partnerships, educational events, and seasonal gatherings.

With tranquil Lake Travis views as its backdrop, Stone House Vineyard provides a distinctive setting for weddings, family celebrations, and corporate events. Each experience is customized with care, capturing the character of the estate and the spirit of gathering that has defined Stone House from the beginning.

The Meaning Behind Stone House

A visit to Stone House Vineyard reveals the origin of its name. The winery’s tasting room is built with enormous limestone blocks—each weighing more than 2,000 pounds—embodying the strength, permanence, and timeless character of a true Stone House. These enduring elements reflect the values owner Angela Moench holds dear in her approach to winemaking and vineyard stewardship, while grounding the estate in its striking setting along the shores of Lake Travis.

Australian Roots & Culinary Influence

Angela hails from Australia’s renowned Barossa Region, one of the country’s most celebrated wine areas. Raised in a vineyard‑owning family, she developed a deep connection to wine from an early age. Her journey later took her to England, where she studied at Le Cordon Bleu, shaping a lasting appreciation for the relationship between food and wine—an influence still reflected today in the winery’s culinary‑driven experiences and monthly dinners.

A Texas Hill Country Vision

In 1996, Angela and her late husband, Howard, envisioned creating a vineyard in the Texas Hill Country. Their shared love of fine food and wine made the project a natural extension of their lives, while also contributing to the growing Texas wine community. Together, they carefully selected varietals suited to the region’s unique microclimate, rocky soils, and cooling lake breezes.



Viticulture in the Texas Hill Country presents distinct challenges—from late frosts and hail to drought, heavy rains during flowering, and the risk of Pierce’s disease. Thoughtful vineyard planning and varietal selection were essential to long‑term success.

The Norton Grape & Early Success

One standout choice was the Norton grape, selected for its resilience and its ability to express Texas terroir. With late bud‑break and natural resistance to Pierce’s disease, Norton proved well‑suited to the region. The resulting wine—deep blue‑purple in color, medium to full‑bodied, and layered with spice and berry aromatics—quickly gained recognition.

By 2005, Angela’s Norton wine, branded as Claros, had achieved notable success, paving the way for the winery’s opening. In January 2006, Stone House Vineyard welcomed the public, complemented by wines from Angela’s Australian label, Stone House Vintners. A longtime family friend from Napa Valley soon joined as consulting winemaker, expanding the portfolio with California wines and further shaping the winery’s identity.

Enargeia: A Lasting Tribute

Since 2016, the flagship wine Enargeia has stood as Angela’s tribute to Howard, honoring his love of Greek literature and Bordeaux wines. In Greek mythology, Enargeia represents the physical manifestation of the divine. The wine—a rich Napa Valley blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec—keeps his memory alive with every bottle shared.

Hospitality, Community & Sustainability

Beyond its wines, Stone House Vineyard is defined by warm hospitality and personal connection. Guests are invited to explore the vineyard, engage with the winemaking story, and enjoy thoughtfully curated tastings. Sustainability and community engagement remain central to the estate’s philosophy, reflected in charitable partnerships, educational events, and seasonal gatherings.

With tranquil Lake Travis views as its backdrop, Stone House Vineyard provides a distinctive setting for weddings, family celebrations, and corporate events. Each experience is customized with care, capturing the character of the estate and the spirit of gathering that has defined Stone House from the beginning.