As this year comes to a close and so many of us are lucky to be sharing time with family, it seems appropriate to feature a winery that is a true family affair. Ab Astris Winery is owned by Erin and Tony Smith, who work closely with their daughter Kristen and her husband, Mike Nelson, to bring us great 100% Texas wines. Learn about Ab Astris Winery where Tony Smith answers our questions.
What did you do before owning a winery?
I was (and still am!) a practicing Neuroradiologist in San Antonio.
What first attracted you to wine; was there a specific bottle or experience?
I was not a wine drinker and then my oldest daughter, Kristen, began dating Mike Nelson, and his parents lived in the Central Coast of California. We started visiting out there and fell in love with Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. This experience peaked our interest in the early 2000s in the Texas wine scene. We would all get together as a family, drink wine, and wonder if we could possibly ever get into the wine industry in Texas. The bottle of Texas wine that was an a-ha moment for me was the 2009 Tannat from Bending Branch Winery.
What is the toughest challenge in the wine industry in Texas?
Definitely, the weather: hail, heat, rain, cold. You name it, it can definitely be nerve-wracking.
What is your favorite food and wine pairing?
This Article was originally published on Texas Wine Lover
