Ben is a former tech guy turned winemaker. It's clear that he has found his calling. The wine he makes is heads and shoulders above what the other best winemakers in the area produce. He sources his grapes from the best vineyards in TX and then gives them special TLC to coax the best possible taste profiles from them. Perhaps the small quantities and the longer term oaking helps, but I'm really not sure. Fundamentally the difference is that his wines have a level of complexity/depth that other vineyards are not able (yet) to produce. The prices for the reds were roughly $50+ per bottle so this will not be an inexpensive treat, but I'd say they're worth it. He also makes some of the best bread that you can get in our lovely state, though he doesn't sell it. You get a piece as part of the tasting. Not the prettiest place, but certainly one that aims at excellence and more often than not achieves it. Get reservations if you decided to go! read more

Just when you think "I would never try Texas wine" .... you go here and change your mind. Ben is from France (Calais! how fitting) and knows what the heck he is doing. If you are interested in going, book way ahead .. sounds like he books up fast and let me tell you it is worth it! He does everything right... from the French Oak Barrels to the harvesting of the grapes. If you like good wine (mayyybeee are a bit of a wine snob) ... this place will give you hope for Texas vineyards. And get ready to spend your money, because you won't leave here empty handed. read more

Hands down, this is the best tasting wine made in Texas (to my taste). I generally prefer French-style wines, and the French owner makes French-style wine with Texas grapes. I'm usually a red drinker, but everything I've sampled from them is perfect for my palette. read more

This winery was difficult to find. The place is only marked with a French flag. The wines are a little on the pricey side. We considered buying a bottle, but it was $52 which I felt was a little more than I wanted to spend, but it was pretty tasty. They had a sourdough bread there that was super and nice and crusty and still warm from being freshly baked. Too bad they weren't selling bread. We would have bought a loaf. read more

Just a weird experience. It's in a "cave". Not really a cave at all. A hole dug in the ground and a piece of wood thrown up to serve wine over. All big California style wine. If that's what you're looking for, go you. Not Texas style wines at all. Just came to me...it's a bunker dug in the ground. Not a cave. Too many other good opportunities in this area. Not for me. Trying too hard. Idk. Weird. read more

The wine is excellent here, smooth and tasty. The bottles range about 48.00 but well worth it if you like wine. The young lady giving the presentation was so nice. I didn't have an appointment but she was gracious and invited my family in. I regularly visit the wineries on 290 and this one is one of the best. Small place but if you're out for wine, definitely hit this one up. 2 thumbs up! read more

This place is incredible. Once you get over the shock of how the building looks, everything falls perfectly into place. The building is basically a shack built into a very small hill on the property. However, without this building, Calais would not be Calais. From the moment you walk in the door, it feels as though you are in some private place of wine reverence. I was almost unsure of what I was allowed to touch or go because everything, as I understand, happens in one room. The barrels are aging on the walls around you, there may be a small metal holding tank, and then there are a couple pieces of board supported by a couple wine barrels. Then, there is the wine. Let me tell you - the wine is PHENOMENAL. This is some of the highest quality wine you will have in Fredericksburg. And, Benjamin Calais, the owner and wine maker, did our tasting. He is incredibly passionate about his wine and is very knowledgeable and helpful about teaching you the intricacies of how he does what he does. Overall, this is a MUST experience. read more

Being from CA, I rarely find red wine I like in Texas. This wine rivaled the best of Napa, the winemaker was from France and truly knew what he was doing. It was an amazing tasting with a very knowledgeable host. Driving up it doesn't look like much but don't be fooled this is a hidden gem and is awesome. read more

I'm a picky wine drinker after living near Napa for years. GREAT French wine!! My favorite reds in Texas. Small winery. We met him at another wine event and he brought some bottles for people to sample. Loved them so much I went and bought more. It is a must stop for a good red wine. VERY small unassuming place with all of the more elaborate wineries going in along 290. SKIP The snobby and come here. read more

My four friends and I were recently at this winery and were treated very rudely by the older woman giving the tastings. She refused to give my friend a fresh glass after my friend mentioned that she didn't like one of the pours and didn't want to finish it. They did not provide a pitcher of water so that we could rinse our glasses before each pour was made so the residue from one pour affected the taste of the next pour. This woman interrupted my husband when he tried to ask a question about the wine and told him that she had more information to share. She spoke to us in a condescending tone throughout and acted like she was doing us a tremendous favor by serving us. Appalling! She obviously loves grapes more than people so I would suggest that she work in the field and leave the tasting room to others who like people! In Ddition, the bathroom was "down the gravel road". Very sketchy and not clean. I would never recommend this place to anyone! You can find great wine in lots of other places! read more

This was our favorite wine out of the four we visited. Ben was very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. He makes his wines special by bravely putting twists in these wines for different and unique, high quality flavors. We highly recommend Calais and will definitely be returning again. read more

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This is the best wine in Texas, we make an appointment here every time we drive to Fredericksburg from Austin. We recently booked the winemaker's table tasting and it was an awesome experience, we learn a lot about wine every time we taste with Ben. Don't miss this spot if you go tasting in the hill country. read more

Had been hearing great things about Ben Calais and his wines from wine industry folks for the better part of this year. Our major regret in deferring our first visit is that, given the limited production, several wines were completely sold out. He had brought a Roussanne from his private stock to complete the five tasting samples, but it is not available for purchase. Alas, the 30 month oak aged version of the same varietal will undoubtedly not last too long either. Nobody else in the area is doing what he does, and the result is more than evident in the glass. Tastings are by appointment only-the small tasting bar probably does not accommodate more than ten folks at a time, and the personalized attention provided makes this an educational experience to be savored at leisure. There is no lounging area or BTG sales, as the tasting room is just carved out of a section of the semi-underground winery, that could double as a bunker from a WWII movie. -tastings are Sat/Sunday only. Online booking available at the website -there is no wine club, or plans for create one -if you find something you like, buy it. It may not be available on your next visit -these are NOT inexpensive wines, but the quality/price ratio is more than adequate read more

Calais Winery - A bit of homemade bread to compliment the wine. - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

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Amazing wine!!!! However the service we received was awful when going back after our tasting to join an allocation / membership. Was treated like I was a complete annoyance when trying to purchase a case of wine. So upsetting seeing that this is the third time we have been and enjoy the wine so much. read more

The best hidden secret in Central Texas Winery. It is not a large winery by any means, but Ben Calais (engineer turned wine maker) is producing some of the best wine not just in the state, but the U.s. He is methodical, knowledgeable, and downright daring about his art. He will try things other wine makers will not. He won't pander to the masses, and I applaud him for it. He produces a fraction of what the larger more well known wineries do, like William Cris, but his attention to detail and mad scientist tinkering elevates the quality of the product far and above that of his larger counterparts. If you ever are lucky enough to experience one of his special tastings where he sits you down and walks you through some of his off the menu bottles, you will die a fulfilled person. One of his wines actually brought tears to one of our group! Plus he makes his own bread for samples! God bless the French, and god bless Benjamin Calais! read more

Set a reservation and get in on this one. Benjamin is a true Frenchman and has a very unique perspective on the 290 wineroad. His cellar is built into the ground (no lie) making it a fairly rare venue for a tasting. The owner and host for a tasting is the winemaker, the engineer, the grower, the barreller, and the keep the water out of the new cellar storyteller (ask him!). Check out his website to set up a visit, and use your GPS to look him up you won't be disappointed. He was at the bottom of his stores when we went this weekend, and there's a reason for that, great wine. Merci beaucoup! read more

Wow. Just wow. Amazing French style wines. The tasting in the caves was a great atmosphere.

Ben Calais is a walking encyclopedia of grape/ vineyard farming. This place is not for those looking for a beautiful setting to impress your shallow Instafriends, but it is THE place to go and learn about 100% Texas wines. His wines can be outstanding! Appointment only and limited to 10 people inside at a time. read more

A group of us stopped at Calais yesterday and I was awestruck with the quality of these wines! I thought I was in the heart of Bordeaux wine country! We tasted several reds along with the sauvignon blanc. Wow is all I can say. The SB was right up there with some of the best and the Gravitas reserve red was just super. We walked out with five bottles of the Gravitas! As a whole - Texas wines are getting better and Calais Winery, in my opinion, is leading the way. Watch out Napa Valley! read more

What an awesome treat. Passionate Wine maker equals beautiful wines with character and soul. Each wine has a different story. Definitely worth leaving the big city for a little road trip! CL from DFW read more

Recently visited Calais... stumbled on it as a result of finding them here on Yelp. When we drove down their long drive off 290, we didn't realize where it was at first.... it is built into the ground with very little above ground. Very cool inside. Wine was good Homemade bread was also good. Staff was friendly. read more

Hands down the BEST wine in Fredericksburg. It's a little pricey but so worth it. We will be back! We purchased 3 bottles!

Great wines, intimate tasting experience, and the opportunity to learn from one of the best wine minds in the area. Highly recommended!

Great place. Delicious wine, fun interesting atmosphere. The owner is very hands on and knows a great deal about Texas wines ( especially for a Frenchman!). Dry Rose and Syrah are the highlights for sure. If you want a personalized boutique experience, this is the one to do on the Texas wines trail! read more

Calais Winery - Wineries Near Me - Hye, Texas

The owner/winemaker is a charming Frenchman. Built his own cellar in the side of a hill. He makes really good wine. He is a purist...Live and die by the grapes. Texas grapes in French oak. Try the Tempranillo. Will go back for sure!! read more

This place is great! We got a tip to try this place out, and we were so so glad we did. Off the beaten path, and not your typical cheesey "Tuscany in Texas" atmosphere. The wine blew everything we had tried this weekend out of the water. So much more flavorful than even our formerly favorite Fberg wineries had to offer. We'll for sure be back. Be sure to book a reservation! read more

Hands down the best wine I have ever tasted. Ben even bakes fresh bread each day that really compliments the red wines. I really recommend trying to fit Calais winery into your plan when here as you need to schedule it first before showing up! read more

I have been here several times and have failed to write a review, but I'm finally doing it. Very small boutique winery. I have been to more than a dozen wineries in the area and this is the best without a doubt. His wines are also the most expensive, but you will see why after you visit and taste. His style is big and bold and it comes through in everything he makes, even his white wine. How about a roussanne aged almost 36 months in french oak? You won't find that anywhere else. In fact, you may not find it if you wait too long to go because his wines just don't last that long before they sell out. Buy it when you taste or you will be out of luck later - I learned that lesson already. This is just a great winery on the 290 wine trail that you should certainly put on your list to visit. Tastings begin on the hour and need to be booked online because he only does 10 tastings each time slot - and yes, Mr. Calais (Ben) is there the whole time explaining the wines, process, etc. to you. And the building is fantastic too. It's a wine bunker built into the land, so it's mostly underground. A unique experience no doubt. read more

In the top 3 wineries in Texas if not the best and we have been to 90+. Wines are AMAZING, tastings are very generous and the staff who helped us today was EXTREMELY wine knowledgeable. Best place on 290 for sure! read more

Did someone say French style wine in Texas? Why yes....it is possible and this is "THE" spot for some really, really fine French style wine made in Texas from Texas grown grapes. Plus, owner Ben Calais just happens to be from France as well! He grew up in the French town of Calais where he learned to make wine in Bordeaux. Many long time Texas wine fans may remember him at his first location in the Deep Ellum area of Dallas. That is where we first visited and tasted his wines many harvest moons ago. A quick check of our inventory and we still have a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a 2006 (yes, 2006!) La Cuvee du Commerce still aging in our cellar from those early days. Since then, Ben has been able to acquire quality Texas grapes to make his fine wines. Ben has been pretty much a one man show getting the land and building construction done. His hard labor of wine love is finally coming to form. His wine cave will bring you a unique and cool (literally) wine tasting experience as well as a country like feel. Not every grape makes the cut for Ben's wine making techniques and it definitely shows in the aroma and taste. Currently, Ben's lineup includes a Rose, two whites and three reds to sip and savor. The 2014 chilled dry Rose is great for our Texas summer heat. It's a blend of Cinsault and Mourvedre. You'll definitely enjoy it's cool, dry texture. You may need at least a case to get you through this hot and muggy summer. The 2013 and 2012 Roussanne wine from the High Plains are like night and day. Both are uniquely good. The 2013 harvest for Texas was a bit lean because of the late freeze. As such, there wasn't that much fruit, but what was available is full in flavor. The 2012 Roussanne was aged for 30 months. Leave it to Ben to be able to age this white varietal for this long and turn out so well. The 2012 Sangiovese has that nice earthy unfiltered flavor that just makes your whole mouth feel satisfied. Ben has also done a fine job on the 2012 Tempranillo. It should age well for those who are patient with their reds. For the 2012 Cabernet Suavignon, just put a case of this in your coffin for the afterlife. Yes, it is that good. Ben knows cabs! Available for purchase is the 2011 Marrons. After all, what is a good meal without a nice Madera to end off the night? Add this to your wine stash. Future estate plans do call for a vineyard to be planted. It sounded like Ben was focused on Tannat and only Tannat. After all, the right grapes with the right soil in the right climate is where the "Q" in quality wine starts. Future wine releases include some single vineyard varietal wines as well as a limited Bordeaux style release. In addition to wine, Ben also makes some great homemade bread. Yes, he is talented in food and wine. Maybe he should have a bread shop alongside his winery! One thing we guarantee, you won't find a bad drop of wine here. So, come on out and sip and chat with Ben while enjoying his great tasting wines. It's a great place to visit! Cheers! read more

Reserved a visit and tasting here on Friday afternoon. What a treat! Ben was knowledgeable and the wine was wonderful. I can't wait to go back with more friends. A must stop in he hill country read more

We heard about Calais Vineyards from the owner of Sugarberry Inn in Fredricksburg, Texas. He didn't know the name but said it was some of the best wine around. He was also from California so I trusted his word a little more than most. He said the winery was in a cave and had a white pickup truck out front. Kind of a one man operation. We went to a few vineyards and were not impressed...especially with the reds. We were on our way out of town and my wife saw the White truck out in front of a vineyard with just a hand painted sign and a French flag. We had to turn around because you could miss it easily. We drove in and there was one car in front of what looked like an ammunition bunker. She waited in the car and I walked over. I was unsure until I heard talking behind the big wooden doors. I opened them and was greeted and I asked if I needed a reservation. He said yes but could fit us in. All I can say is Amazing and spectacular!! From a Dry Rose and then a cloudy white. He explained it was a reserve that would be bottled in November. Unbelievable. Then he poured a Cab Franc and then a Merlot. Wow! Absolutely on par with California or French wines. Ben Calais is from Calais, France and only one of three vineyards that use only Texas grapes. His in the higher altitude of Lubbock. This guy knows his stuff. We bought half a dozen bottles. Don't miss this opportunity to go to Calais Vineyards. Top notch! read more

This was our favorite stop on our tour of the hill country! Exceptional whites and reds - looking forward to drinking the bottles we bought :) read more

What an unbelievable experience. We had a tasting last minute with the owner in the private seating area with excellent wines (Texas only!) and fresh bread. The best tasting I have ever experienced. This is not your typical place-only for people looking for the best high quality wine in Texas. I am looking forward to each night we get to open a bottle we bought. read more