Hilmy Cellars was established in 2012 on Highway 290, just east of Fredericksburg. Erik Hilmy was fascinated by wine and winemaking and even experimented with fermentation when he was in middle school. Today, Erik’s parents, Marianne and Dr. Shereef Hilmy are at the helm of the business of Hilmy Cellars with Erik as a consultant. Take a minute to get to know the fascinating matriarch of the family, Marianne.
What did you do before owning a winery?
My background is in tourism, both in my home country of Denmark, and after a three-year stint with the Danish foreign service in New Delhi where I met my husband, who is from Egypt, we moved to New York City. I then got back to tourism and was with the Danish Tourist Board in New York City for a number of years. After moving to Texas, I helped run a medical practice before “retiring” to be stay at home housewife. I then landed in the winery business.
What first attracted you to wine; was there a specific bottle or experience?
No specific bottle or wine. I’m old and have been drinking wine for many years, though more on occasion in the earlier years. I remember Châteauneuf-du-Pape was one of the favorites back then. I’ve had a more specific direction in recent years and mostly enjoy red wine.
What is the toughest challenge in the wine industry in Texas?
There are many. We need
This Article was originally published on Texas Wine Lover
