Press
5-Star Yelp Reviews
Current rating: 4.5
“Being that this was our first trip to Texas Wine Country (November 2015) had fairly fairly low expectations for the quality and flavor profile of the wines. We were simply looking for a little getaway and a taste of the local culture. We didn’t read the reviews nor did we evaluate a number of other wineries before our visit. Needless to say we were incredibly delighted with the outcome our of haphazard decision after stepping foot inside the little cottage made from materials all naturally occurring and available on the property. The wine was delicious and the atmosphere delightful. Travis was a super helpful in learning more about the wines and we look forward to returning very soon!”
“One of the most beautiful wineries you will find in Texas! Very well done, it is a must see if you are anywhere close! The owner is a hoot, and the wines are very unique. This is the kind of place you could just sit at all day.”
“I absolutely loved this place. The owner was such a nice man and you could tell how much pride he took in his work.”
“Enjoyed our time there. Went there after dinner with friends..The only action I wish this winery would have done is start fireplace as it was chilly inside..The wine was really enjoyable. We will be back.”
“Such a surprise! Never been a wine connoisseur but you can definitely taste the difference between his wines and others, and worth the extra price tag by comparison to wineries in the area. The place is beautiful and the owner is full of information.”
“On our hunt to visit a unique winery in the hill country of Texas, we found La Cruz de Comal. When we drove in, right away we noticed the winery’s main building and it felt like we were in France. It is an authentic European building, small and cozy and welcoming!
The owner was there to serve his 100% estate grown grapes which boast of no additional acid, sugar or sulfites to his wine. The owner, who is a retired lawyer, Mr. Dickson, calls his wine, “real wine.” We tasted four wines and our favorite was the port, it had a smooth and delightful finish. There also is a sweet winery dog who loves to visit with the customers...we had a relaxing time there and would recommend it to anyone who wants to taste “Real wine.””
“I decided to take a trip and visit this place. I researched all the vineyards nearby but this place not only had the highest reviews, it seemed to have a nice scenery. The interior and exterior has french touches to it and you can tell each piece was well thought out.
Now the wine.... my husband and I FELL IN LOVE. At first the prices seemed to be pricey but once you do the wine tasting, you’ll know why. The wine is so pure and has so much grace you have to walk out with at least a bottle (we bought three). I like wine but I’ll only drink one glass because I get dizzy but when I went hope my husband and I both finished a bottle. The wine here has no sulfites and you can just taste the purity of the grapes.
Pricing: When you buy three wines the tasting fee is waived for one person ($15). The owner gave us a discount so after one wine tasting fee and 3 bottles of wine we paid around $160.
The interior is just lovely here you can just tell each piece in the room was placed there for a reason. The bathroom outside looked very old so I was very hesitant to use it but one you go in it is so cute and was not uncomfortable at all.
So, overall this place was an excellent experience!”
“Heaven, I’m in Heaven! Can’t say enough good things about this little winery. All wines are “natural”. No additives.
The tasting room looks like a little cottage nestled in the French countryside.
The owner/winemaker, Lewis, is a piece of work. One of the most intelligent and yet one of the most obscure and eclectic people I have ever met. A true pleasure to meet and chat with.
Do yourself a favor. Check out the hours and plan to visit this little piece of heaven. You will be thrilled and so glad you did.
I highly recommend!!”
“This place has the BEST wine I’ve tasted....period. The tasting pours were generous and we enjoyed learning about the differences between their preparation methods versus the larger, more commercial vineyards. I have to assume it’s those differences that led to such pleasant flavors. I’ve always been a red guy but found the first white I’ve enjoyed here. Another first, I could really discern the various ingredients/flavors in each glass of wine, and the reds didn’t have that strong bite to them. I’ve been to Napa and Senoma, as well as France and Italy, and I just haven’t ever enjoyed the taste of wine as much as I did during our trip to this little winery.”
“Go here. The wines are mostly made from grapes grown on the property by a gentleman who has studied wine making in California and France. Tasting is a good value, and the property and tasting room are gorgeous. If you like to taste and talk about fine wine, you will feel right at home. If you don’t know much about wine, but want a nice country drive and wines that appeal to a variety of tastes, check it out, too.”
“Everything about this place was great… the atmosphere, the owner & manager, the location and of course the wine…
I would go back in a heart beat! Oh and they have the BEST dessert wines! AMAZING! I had no plans on purchasing any wine but could not resist once I experienced it. If you are in the hill country GO visit.”
“ It’s one of the best jewels of the Texas Hill Country appellation worth visiting…
The only question when you’re done with your tasting is how many bottles of each you are going to take home. Whatever you decide, either drink them soon at your next wine get together or store them in a quality cellar.”
“The wines are delicious, unique and carefully crafted. Rustic and intimate tasting room, built from local stone and wood harvested on the property. The owner/wine maker is very knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about his wines. We loved this place… Will definitely return.”
“I am a very satisfied customer who felt the need to spread the word of this amazing gem… I could write a 10 page review on how spectacular it is…
They are unique, rustic and I can’t reiterate how delightful they are… !!! The scenery/ hills that surround the winery are breath taking and are worth the trip alone. The staff members and owner were some of the friendliest people I have come across in the Canyon Lake area. Finally, … they distribute to some of the best restaurants in Houston i.e.- Underbelly and Mockingbird Bistro…”
“… Was it worth the drive? Yes, it was worth it… One, all of the wines are made from grapes grown in Texas, mostly in this region… Almost all of the wineries in this area import grapes from out of state. Two, the wines are natural which means they are unfiltered and there are no additives, most importantly no sulfites were added… The third reason is a result of the previous two: these wines are bold, complex and unique. I didn’t love every one. But each was unforgettable… Five stars earned! It is such a treat to find a winery like this one in the Texas Hill Country.”
5-Star TripAdvisor Reviews
Current rating: 4.5
“I wish we had more time to spend here. The proprietor Lewis has such a passion for his wines and gave such great detail to each varietal! The ambience gave you a very relaxing feel and we could have spent hours there. I so loved the wines and look forward to returning when I come back to the area! Cheers my friend!”
“Lewis Dickson’s organically produced wines and tasting room are nothing short of fantastic. It is a hidden treasure in Startzville that brings out the best of Hill Country terroir. My wife and I brought a case of La Cruz de Comal and Dickson wines home, and when offering it to friends, we’ve had number of them take a sip, give us a quizzical look and ask, “Is this really from Texas?” My answer is always, “Hell, yes!” The winery and tasting room make for an excellent day trip from anywhere in the Austin and San Antonio areas or a weekend trip from Houston or Dallas. Lewis does the tastings himself, and provides the personal touch. The tasting room feels like a cool Hill Country home that meets a French chateau. Lewis enjoys answering questions about wine whether you know a little or a lot about it. La Cruz de Comal is an experience I highly recommend.”
“cannot say enough positive words for the La Cruz de Comal Wines. The wines are absolutely delish! Fresh, clean, fruity, lingering finishes....
The proprietor was engaging, answered all the questions about his various wines. Wonderful experience. I’m a red wine drinker and his red blends are really nice. The tasting cottage is perfect! So charming; rustic; warm; inviting. You can bet I will go there again and share the experience with several of my wine drinking friends!”
“Lewis Dixon is not only a very interesting man but he has studied the old world country and it shows up in his wine making, his cooking, and finally the estate he has built....His winery is but a few years old compared to those in the wine country of France or Italy but he has studied their style and believes that wine should repeat history. I know you will find his tasting room quite the experience and if lucky enough you will find Louis to be quite the gentleman and story teller....We love it and we love to take our friends there....don’t miss it...call it a bucket list item...”
La Cruz de Comal Press
Sprudge | “Believable Lies Or Plausible Truths: A Day At Texas’ La Cruz De Comal”
Houston Chronicle | “From Defender of Wily Politicians, Serial Killers and Drug Dealers to Texas Winemaker”
Jester King Brewery | “Jester King To Offer Naturally Fermented Wines From La Cruz de Comal in Our Tasting Room”
Houston Press | “The Best Wine in Texas? La Cruz de Comal Pétard Blanc”
TerraUomoCielo | “Pétard Blanc 2011: Una Sorpresa Inaspettata”
Houston Press | “Texas Wines: Behind the Cellar Door”
Wine of the Moment | “La Cruz de Comal Wines — Startzville, TX”
Edible Austin | “Imbibable – La Cruz de Comal”
CHOW Tour Austin | “Purple Gold, Texas Wine”
Vintage Texas Blog | “Texas Wines Through the Looking Glass”
Good Taste with Tanji | “My First…Pachamanca”
Texas Wine Lover | “La Cruz de Comal”
Sabrine Murphy Designs, LLC | “Character in the Texas Hill Country”
Related Links
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Mondovino
2004 documentary exposing the impact of the globalization of major wine-producing regions
Natural Wine, 2nd Edition, by Isabelle Legeron (Master of Wine)
On Concocting “International Style” Wine
Articles about “international style” wine (NOT our style):
Professional Friends of Wine| “The International Style“
Wine Lovers Page| “Mondovino Malbec“
CNN Money| “World’s Biggest Wine Country: USA“
FFWD Weekly| “Booze“
Wine Lovers Page| “A Wake-Up Call to Some Winemakers“
Articles & products for concocting or “fixing” wine (NOT what we do):