If you enjoy a unique tasting experience in a unique setting and most importantly enjoy French inspired wine then do not pass up the opportunity to visit the Calais Winery/Cave in Hye. Calais Winery is easy to miss as it sits right off 290 between Johnson City and Fred. Look for the French Flag. The cave is an intimate setting and you are surrounded by their French Oak wine barrels. It is cool in there. We learned during our private tasting that they have been producing their limited production wines since 2008. The winemaker is a French-born engineer-turned-winemaker, Benjamin Calais. Even though the wine is produced using Texas grapes Calais uses old school French traditions when producing his wines. Our tasting included their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and even a Rose'. The Left and Right Bank Bordeaux rivaled any Cab that we have sampled in Fred or Napa. The 2020 Gravitas red blend was an absolute joy to sample and it was one of the wines that traveled home with us. From their best harvests they select the 10 best barrels in the winery and produce Gravitas. It is unbelievably complex and if you enjoy a fuller than full bodied wine you will love Gravitas. Check out their website for a detailed description. Do make reservations as they are booked even on the weekdays. read more

Calais Winery - What a great find! Excellent French inspired wines - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

From the moment we stepped into the cave, Gina made us feel right at home. She was incredibly friendly and really knows her stuff--from the way the grapes are grown to how the different Texas climates shape each bottle. She walked us through the flavors and notes with so much passion, and we never felt rushed or pressured to buy a thing. ​The whole experience was eye-opening. My wife is a local, but this was my first time visiting the region, and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Truly a five-star experience! read more

Wonderful time with Mary guiding us through the seated prestige tasting. A more relaxed vibe and intimate group size, as well as the opportunity to enjoy some library wines. Small and unassuming property but big elegant tasty wines! read more

Hands down the BEST wine I have tried. They only do wine tastings and bottles of wine for purchase to my understanding. This is a very small set up, so you want a reservation and honestly, it might be required. The wine tasting was intimate, with just 7 of us at the one I was a part of. We did stand for the tasting, which we were all perfectly fine with. We sampled a variety of mainly red wines, each one, with its own unique qualities. The owner stepped in for a few of the tastings and it was pretty cool getting to hear the passion in his voice for what he has created. The wine is pricey, so a little out of my budget, but you get what you pay for! This is top quality wine for a very fair price considering! read more

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If you are visiting Hill Country Wineries this is hands down the best wine! Note I said wine, not location, not views, but the best wine and a super cool experience in the cave. This wine will rivals some of best in France so if you enjoy French wines you'll love it here. The winery itself is understated and that is an understatement, the entire focus of Calais is on the wine, well that and the homemade bread! If you have read reviews about poor service, just ask for Gina she is amazing and will ensure you have a great time. If you don't get Gina, just follow instructions (exactly) and you'll be ok. We ordered a case to go home with and can't wait to come back. read more

This is one of the three best wineries in the Texas Hill Country, and may consistently be my favorite. It is not fancy - the entrance looks super sketch, like a shack in a dirt field. But, the inside of the cave is nice and daaaaaaamn, do these people know their wines. Gina, who was running our tasting, went on at length about how each of the wines was made and the winemaker Benjamin Calais is apparently a bit of a nut - in a good way. He sets up offices at the vineyards who are growing grapes for him so he can supervise to his specifications and only produces small but superior batches. His other wines are ok but his Cabs are amazing. You DEFINITELY have to make reservations here - they can only handle 3 groups at a time and sell out on weekends. read more

Calais Winery - Sketchy cave entrance - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

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An absolute gem! Fredericksburg is a cute little wine region about an hour west of Austin. After extensive research, our group narrowed it down to three wineries and this was our absolute favorite. The cave tasting at Calais is even better than experiences I've had in OR and CA. Mary is nothing short of an expert with incredible passion towards the brand. We were educated, and enlightened by the experience. Each tasting was extraordinary. We even paired French wine with homemade French bread. The cave style tasting is also great for photos for those celebrating anything special our group of five loved this experience and absolutely recommend to anyone visiting this city. Just be aware getting Ubers in this area is extremely difficult so coordinate a driver or taxi in advance. read more

Calais Winery - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

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The wine is fantastic. French style wines made with 100% Texas grown grapes. I have not had wines like this in Texas. The tasting was very educational. read more

We had an absolutely amazing tasting with the owner for the 4:00pm tasting on Oct 25th!! We walked in and the owner handled the very drunk, rude and obnoxious group of four that were going to be served with us very professionally. One of the ladies was extremely rude and drunk. She was stumbling while waiting for our tasting to start. She was invading other peoples tastings and rushing the owner while he was still working with the people from the previous tasting. We were so glad they left with their arrogant and privileged attitude. Our tasting was fantastic! The owner was so friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. Every wine we had was superb and of very good value for Texas wine! Will definitely be coming again and excited to be trying new wines from the years to come! Definitely stop by here while you're here in the Texas wine country!!! read more

This is a hidden gem on 290. Calais is in a very discreet location with very little (if any) fanfare. There is very limited capacity for wine tastings, so it is highly advised to make a reservation. For the wine tasting, you are standing in the "cave" which creates an intimate setting. However, the cave doesn't muffle any sounds. We had another group at the same tasting who were talking loudly, so we had intermittently had a difficult time hearing the explanations of the wines. Gina did an amazing job presenting the wines. You can feel the passion she has for the wine and the wine making process. She is very knowledgeable and it's so cool how she plays a role in the actual process. She made the tasting truly unique and was such a delight. Their specialty is Bordeaux. I really haven't experienced too many of this type of wine, but really enjoyed it. The wines are bold with very distinct fragrances. My favorite was the 2019 TX RD, but all were amazing. You can tell Calais specializes in high quality wine and only provides the best! I highly recommend booking a reservation for a tasting! read more

Calais Winery - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

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All about quality wine. No tour. No showy space. A simple wine cave with expertly crafted, but pricey, wines. I enjoyed but would really be appreciated by someone experienced with higher end wines. read more

Calais Winery - Inside the wine cave - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

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We basically wanted to have time to visit both Calais and French Connection while in town for a quick little 290 Wine Trail crawl, but we couldn't do both. We heard about the wine cave here, so we scheduled a real tour appointment for Calais, and just did a quick visit to French Connection. We didn't realize they were a joint venture! At any rate, I hate to report that we really felt like this place did not live up to the hype. It was mostly that we just didn't care for the wines they had to offer. The one that we tasted and really enjoyed was over $100/bottle and we felt it just wasn't worth that pricepoint. We went out to the hill country to look for wines that would encourage us and our wine tasting friends to get serious about Texas wines. They do have an impressive menu and lineup at Calais, but the wines themselves just didn't taste good to either myself or my husband. They were all very red, very full bodied, and just had a ton of tannin with an unpleasant after taste. They were also all pretty expensive for the quality. The wine cave is also a man made structure and not an actual geographic cave, which we thought was a touch disappointing. I'm glad we stopped in. The staff was very passionate about the wine and knowledgeable about viniculture. They were very friendly and helpful. It's just not the place for us. read more

We had reservations for a tasting. We walked in and were rudely told we needed to wait while he served previous customers. Our tasting was to be at a counter and we were told the restrooms were around the corner, in reality it was a schlepp from tasting area. When questioned we were told we could leave and be reimbursed for our reservation! Our over-riding impression was arrogance and disinterest in the customer!!! We cannot recommend!!!! read more

We booked our reservation for a cave tasting and were very pleasantly surprised. It isn't a cave, but a building in the side of a hill. It's very nondescript and easy to miss. You see the French flag on the road and park in the dirt in front of the building. We were greeted by Ben, and received a wonderful education and tasting experience. The care and hands on approach to the grape vines was amazing to hear. His passion for the grapes is very apparent. My favorites were the 2021 Semillion and the 2018 TX RD. My husbands favorite was the 2019 Cuvee de L'Exposition. Great wines. We will definitely be back. Thank you Ben!! read more

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Amazing wines! Although they require a reservation, I highly recommend visiting as the wine is so smooth and delicious. Mary was very patient with our larger group, and had freshly made French bread to go with the wine. It was a perfect pairing, and everyone in our group purchased bottles to take home. Fantastic! read more

Calais is probably the best wine in Hill country. Not sure I want to spread this around since it's nice to find these hidden secrets. First time we went, I thought we were on the wrong private property and were going to get chased off since the tasting is in a underground storage where the wines are kept. We recently did a tasting a Bryan's on 290 due to covid restrictions. I didn't realize it was Ben serving us our tastings since we hadn't met him the other time and he's basically our age. I can't believe someone so young can make such great wines but he spent a substantial time in France. I do miss his homemade bread!! But that wouldn't change my review it would just make it better. The wines are a little pricy but worth the money!!!! read more

Calais Winery - Great wine and fresh bread - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

We really enjoyed our cave tasting and were lucky enough to have it hosted by the owner. He was so friendly and very informative and the wine was amazing! Can't wait to return! read more

By far the best wine I have had in the hill country. We happened upon this place when went tasting. There's no sign announcing them. Just a French flag and a bunker type building. When we arrived, we found out we needed reservations for tastings, but the lady was nice enough to squeeze us in. That was the best thing that could have happened to us For $15, we felt like we got a deal. The wines are exceptional. The 2015 cabernet was by far our favorite. We even took a bottle home. The grapes are grown in north Texas where the weather is a little cooler. We learned a lot while there and can't wait to return. read more

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Amazing experience! Some of the best wine I've ever had. Learned a lot during the tasting about the history of the winery and the wine making process. Would absolutely go back and buy more bottles! read more

Great wines!! Amazing experience, don't miss an opportunity to have top notch wines!

Very good winery in a nondescript tasting room that you might miss if you aren't looking. They serve some nice bold reds which are exactly what my wife and I enjoy. We ended up leaving with a case of wine. The host was very knowledgeable without being pretentious and did a great job educating us while we tasted. Worth trying if you are in the area. Note you need a reservation to taste so make one and outside of tasting you can only buy if you have allocation (you need to purchase at least a case every year). read more

So as I am from California, I have generally not been impressed with Texas wine. This winery changed all that. They have wonderfully great wines that compare directly to some of the best wines in California. There unique flavor really sets this winemaker apart from all others I have tried. The only reason that I gave this a 4 was the initial reception that my colleague and I received when we simply showed up for a tasting. Apparently they prefer scheduled tastings so I highly recommend that. However, we were accommodated and treated very well during our time there. I recommend Calais as probably the best winery in the state of Texas. read more

They're the best red wine makers in Texas PERIOD! This isn't traditional water down wines. Calais can hang with any top tier wine maker out there. Totally worth visiting. And make sure you make this your first stop to truly appreciate the taste on a sober palate. read more

If I could give Ben's wine 20 stars I would! You just cannot leave this area without trying Ben's latest and greatest! Some of the best French wine available in Texas no doubt. If you enjoy great balance of tannin this is your place! Be sure to make a reservation! read more

If you visit the Texas wine country in the Texas Hill Country, definitely add Calais to your wine tour. The winery is located in a very non-descript bunker that you would miss just driving by. Tastings are by appointment only so plan ahead. The wine is exceptional and the folks who work there are very knowledgeable in the wines they are pouring. Keep in mind, the wines are a better quality than most Texas wines and a little pricier but well-worth it. We bought a half case of 5 reds and 1 white and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. If you enjoy good wine, you'll love it. read more

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This is THE BEST wine we've had from Texas. Period. Stop reading. Visit their website and schedule a tasting. Owner, vintner, engineer, and part-time forklift driver Benjamin Calais is a man of passion. He brings his art of oenology from France to share with us in Texas. This is a boutique winery that focuses on high-end wines. We're talking about a handful of barrels each year. We sampled the Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All were elegant, rich, and silky smooth. All are worthy of cellaring. Are Calais wines a bit pricey? Yep. Sure are. But, if you want to get the best, you have to pay up. If you're on a budget, buy one bottle and save it for that romantic dinner. You wont' be sorry! read more

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There's no sign for the winery on 290; just a small French flag flying over a dirt side road. Once down that road to the Calais underground bunker entrance, there's a handwritten sign as you walk down to the bunker doors. The bunker is a wonderful respite from the Texas heat; mostly filled with barrels, a small tasting bar up front, and a table that seats 8 for the winemaker's tastings in the back. It's a three person operation and Benjamin Calais is clearly very passionate about their work. We tasted mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Sauv blends, all sourced from the Texas high plains. I have never seen Texas Cab done anywhere nearly as well as Calais. I'd always believed that Texas wineries that served Cab were playing to the preferences of their visitors, but Calais proves that Texas Cab can stand proudly head to head and even above wines like Tempranillo that I'd been taught were more Texas friendly. Walked away with at least one bottle of each and every of the 5 main tastings from the winemaker session. Mostly in the $50 range, everything we were poured was simply excellent. If you want a beautiful winery to lounge away a Texas afternoon, there are many other choices up and down 290. If you want to taste just how good Texas wines can be, book a visit to Calais. read more

Not our favorite. The server was knowledgeable. Wine was just ok. Felt the wine was overpriced for the taste. Also, felt rushed during our tasting. read more

This was such a wonderful recommendation! My husband and I were told to visit this winery built by Mr. Calais. The staff was incredibly informative and passionate! If you are visiting Texas Wine Country, I highly recommend you book a reservation at this remarkable winery that brings the French Bourdeaux wine making process to Texas with Texas grown grapes. read more

We went to Calais over the weekend. I honestly feel that this is one of the most unwelcoming wineries that I encountered in Fredericksburg. We had a reservation for over 1 month. It appears that there was some miscommunication about the time. We arrived at 12 pm and were told our reservation was for 2 pm. The host was very rude. She never apologize or even attempted to accommodate the error. She went on to say that they were fully booked, yet there were no customers even in the place. It appears obvious that they are not interested in new customers. I never had a chance to try the wine, but I feel that there are many delicious wines in Fredericksburg and a stop here is not necessary. read more

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Best wine in the area at the best price. The owner is French and shares his passion with his guests.

A hidden gem with no signage. This is by far the smallest winery we visited, but it was so worth the U-turn when we missed the unmarked drive. The tasting is done in an underground building that the winemaker helped to build himself. He is extremely hands-on with the entire process and was even present for our tasting. You get a much more personal experience here. This tasting is not about looks or scenery, but rather about learning about great wine in an intimate setting. The wines were wonderful! Ben really brings the beauty of French wines to Texas. read more

We had a blast here, drinking wine and learning about the process for making each bottle a great bottle. The owner/winemaker was very passionate, which came through in the wine. The sauvignon blanc we tried was outstanding - a nice oaky flavor that resembled a chardonnay. The reds we tried were all outstanding, and we got to sample some of the winemaker's bread as we sipped. A great experience all around, especially since the setting is very intimate and not at all rowdy. read more

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Not just a winery but an intimate and personal experience. Be ready to fall in love with Benjamin Calais, his passion, his wine and the education you will have tucked into your memory when you leave. Our gang decided on the $15 wine flight which is a fantastic offering. Five lovely wines ranging from a tender white to a bold Cabernet. Every pour was generous and each wine delicious. We loved the education Ben provided as he is a walking dictionary on wine from the tender vine to the final bottle. Each of his wines is handmade from the finest grapes and stored in aged French barrels in his underground stone bunker. For me, this is the best wine I've tasted in the Texas Hill Country. It's imperative that you call for an appointment as Ben will most likely be booked if you decide to just stop by. read more

Calais Winery - The only Malbec I want to drink! He is out of his Cab and Tempranillo! Boo hoo!! - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

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This is a small non-description building. It was a small annoyance that a reservation was required so we arrived and had to sign up for a reservation 30 min from then. The wine tasting host was very friendly and the wines are spectacular! Quite possibly the best wines we tasted that weekend. Only complaints are the lack of a view/patio. It kind of detracts from the overall experience and I'd personally probably rather go to their sister property French Connection for a nice view and still great wines. Overall, this is still a fun tasting and excellent wines. read more

Super exclusive, and intimate, if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of what everyone else is doing. Book a cave tasting, and have a private expert walk you through how Calais has transformed over the years. Exquisite French Wine. Loved it! read more

Calais Winery - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

Calais Winery is superb. You can taste the passion, and quality driven intensity that French Winemaker Benjamin Calais pours into each bottle of his wine. Ben himself oversees every step of the wine making process from A - Z. Ben is from Calais a town and major port in northern France. He found his way to Austin through the technology World via Dallas. He utilizes traditional French techniques and has the longest barrel aging program that I am aware of in this part of Texas. He barrels both his whites and reds. His wines are created from Texas grown grapes from the best vineyards. This is small batch crafted high quality wines. Word is out about his wine, because as soon as it is bottled, Ben has a hard time keeping it available on the tasting menu. It sells like hot cakes. Ben's winery is a work in progress. He has been working to clear the land so he can grow some rows of Tannat in the near future. The small tasting room is also the cellar were the wine is racked in barrels. It is built partly underground and keeps the price for running AC low. Walking into the tasting room reminds me of touring the small villages in French Switzerland and visiting their local wine caves. You need to make an appointment in advance. The tasting experience takes about an hour, and on the weekend is usually accompanied with some of Ben's fresh baked French bread (his dad was a baker). I have been hear several times now and always enjoy the experience. Ben is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his wine. You can also purchase the beautiful glasses that the tasting comes in. They are crafted and imported from Ben's hometown in France. The wine is a great mix of old world funk with deep soul. Because of the high quality, the prices are higher. But it is worth every cent. This is great wine! read more

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We went on a wine tour through Tipsy Tours and this was our last stop. The wine maker is the one that did the tasting for us. You could tell that he was passionate about his wine. And the wine itself was fabulous. We enjoyed all their wines. read more

Super impressed with Calais. Not our first time here but the first since COVID (visited 11/13). Social distancing kept in mind while still maintaining an unbelievable experience. Mary was our host and provided an educational/enthusiastic wine tasting. She also gave us some great recommendations. I can't recommend Calais enough!! read more

One of the best wine makers in Texas. No great views here, just great wine. Nuanced, deeply extracted fine wines.