Pedernales Cellars began with Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken, who planted their first vineyard near Fredericksburg in the early 1990s. During this time Texas wine pioneers worked experimentally with grape varieties and viticulture practices in order to master winemaking in the Texas terroir. Over time the Kuhlken vineyard started producing consistently high quality fruit with bold, intense flavors.
In 2005, Larry and Jeanine’s children, David and Julie began plans for what would become Pedernales Cellars. Grown from the success of Kuhlken Vineyards, they developed the concept for a boutique winery focused on handcrafted, small-lot wines, and working with varietals that thrive in the rugged Texas Hill Country terrain.
Pedernales Cellars continues to be a family affair, with David as winemaker and Julie overseeing hospitality, marketing, and design. Their children, the third generation of the family, have apprenticed in all aspects of the vineyard and winery.
Pedernales Cellars draws its name from geography and history – the Pedernales River runs through the Texas Hill Country, and “pedernales” means flint in Spanish. The inspiration came when an old flint Indian arrowhead was found in the vineyard and part of an Indian flint stone ax was excavated on the winery site. The serendipity of these two finds connected the vineyard, winery, the region, and its history.
