French Connection Wines

My recent visit to the French Connection Winery left me with a mix of impressions. The winery itself boasts a beautiful location, with its charming patio offering a serene and picturesque setting that is perfect for wine tasting. The ambiance here is undoubtedly one of its strongest points, providing a tranquil escape into the world of wines. The selection and quality of the wines on offer at French Connection are commendable. Each wine I tasted had its unique profile, showcasing a good range of what the winery has to offer. From robust reds to refreshing whites, the variety was sufficient to cater to different palates, making the wine tasting aspect of my visit quite enjoyable. However, my experience was somewhat tempered by the level of service. While not inadequate, the service lacked the personal touch that can elevate a winery visit from good to exceptional. In my previous visits to other wineries, I've been made to feel right at home, with staff members who are eager to share stories about their wines and vineyards. Unfortunately, I found this element missing at French Connection, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, the charcuterie board I ordered was somewhat disappointing. While it was presented nicely, the selection and quality of the meats and cheeses were just so-so, not quite living up to the standard set by the wines. For a winery of French Connection's caliber, I expected a bit more in terms of food pairing options to complement their wines. In conclusion, French Connection Winery is undoubtedly worth a visit for its beautiful setting and the quality of its wines. However, a few aspects, such as the level of service and the quality of the charcuterie, could use improvement to make the experience truly remarkable. I give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars, with hopes that my next visit will see these areas enhanced, matching the high standards of their wines.

Great patio, great server....came with a really nice charcuterie board and finished with macaroons. Only thing didn't know going in is 4 of 6 tastings were white. But very good.

This is a top tier winery producing some of the very best Texas has to offer. Benjamin and Victoria are incredibly hospitable and the grounds are fantastic. Well worth a visit!

French connection was a spectacular find. It was recommended to us by Andrea the sommelier at Bryan's at 290. The wines are exceptional especially the whites . The staff is friendly the views amazing and the charcuterie board is outstanding. Highly recommend checking them out if in the area.

French Connection offers fantastic whites and rosès, as well as outstanding red wines. The beautiful tasting room and relaxed vibe makes it the perfect spot to stop on any Hill Country wine tour.

Amazing wine, owners and location. They were absolutely fantastic with us and made our trip. Just a great place to visit in a wine town. I highly recommend them!

Being used to California trips, we took a weekend 3-couple wine-tasting trip to the Hye, TX area…with admittedly low expectations. WE WERE SO PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!! Both wines and accommodations are dramatically elevated in the area and will be giving California a run for its money in beauty, taste, and in finesse of skilled educated wine-makers. The 2-night stay in our “maisonette” at French Connection was lovely. Sheri was pleasantly attentive when we had a couple questions, and had obviously thought out helpful little details like providing easy internet access; cozy throw blankets; coffee maker AND separate hot water pot for tea; protein bars, cereals with milk, snack time items; and even a little first aid kit. All in a tidy modern little “home” of our own just off busy 290 highway - close enough for convenience and far enough for solitude and scenic views. Definitely recommend.

Loved loved loved this winery. Great Texas wine, French style. Now a member, beautiful scenery and the staff is amazing. 🥰

We came here on a recommendation during another wine tasting. They do not have any signage except right in front of the establishment, so you will have to look it up for directions. The location is gorgeous and has an amazing view. They have a covered patio and rocking chairs you can enjoy. Our server, Kristia (sp?), was very knowledgeable about the winemaking process, the wine, and the winemaker. You can tell she is very passionate about what she does. French Connection is associated with Calais Winery. Just like Calais, these are French inspired wines, but focus more on whites and roses. The wines were very good and showed a nice variety. We also split the large charcuterie. I highly recommend getting this board vs the small. The highlights were the brie (soooo creamy!) and the ham. All of the board was delicious and we ate every last piece (and may have fought over the last of the brie). If you are looking for a relaxing, off-the-beaten path, this is a great place to enjoy a nice glass of wine.

Every so often I'm reluctant to write a review because I want to keep a place all to myself, and not compete for a weekend reservation! But I have to share about this place because it is one of the best of our Hill Country wineries! The winemaker is Ben Calais and that eccentric (I mean you'd have to be to go from France to Texas to make wine, right?) Frenchman knows what he's doing working with Texas grapes! He is passionate about crafting world class wine and doing it right here in Hye, Texas. I've visited his namesake (by appointment-only) winery and the wines there were fabulous, and the pricing reflects the effort. French Connection Wines is his recent endeavor and the wines here are high quality but a bit more affordable. The tastings are an excellent experience and the servers are experts in wine and are very knowledgeable, providing detailed descriptions of each wine and explaining what makes it unique. It is truly an experience that will make you slow down and want to linger, especially while you are enjoying the outdoor patio tables with expansive views of the hill country from the "top of the hill". Oh, and did I mention the amazing charcuterie board?!

One of our favorites, probably the best white/rosé selection we have found in the hill country yet. Comparable to William Chris for overall quality and attention to detail.

Went here based on recommendation of folk at other vineyard. Name seemed silly so always kept me away but there wines were great, and we loved the views. They have a big patio with fans and small indoor area. (Also passed some cabins on way which looked cool). Did a tasting and really like everything we tried. Staff was very knowledgable and friendly. We will definitely return.

Love, love, love this winery! Each time we visit the Fredericksburg area we have to stop at French connection. The views when you sit outside and enjoy your wine are just awesome and it always seems a little cooler there compared to the rest of places we visit. Of course, none of that would matter much if the wine wasn't amazing. The sommelier's are knowledgeable and friendly, it's great learning from them. I should just go ahead and become part of their wine club. If you are wondering if you should give them a visit, just go!

Great views, wonderful service and charcuterie to die for! We loved the rose and brought back several bottles. There is a wonderful patio making it family friendly too.

Great little winery tucked away on 290 wine road. It's very lowkey and relaxed compared to some of the bigger wineries, which was a huge plus. It was the first stop for my family and I on our winery hopping day and a great place to kick it off. They specialize in French wines and were popular for their whites and roses. We got a bottle of their dry white and it was divine. The staff were very friendly and checked on us quite often to ensure we were enjoying ourselves. The view is absolutely stunning - it's a gorgeous place to kick back and enjoy a nice Texas fall afternoon!

Semi new winery associated with Calais winery. Located close to Hye market and garrison brothers. Their wines are French inspired. I had a tasting and was happy with all of the wines I tasted. They have a nice patio with beautiful views of the hill country. They do have a few onsite cabins for rent. Tastings are by appointment, but if you're nearby, you can always stop and ask if they have openings. They had one when I went. If they don't, you can enjoy a glass or bottle without an appointment.

This winery is a "one and done" for me. I tried it and I'm glad I did, but I won't make a point to go back. The wines were okay, nothing remarkable, but not too bad. The venue is a little sparse, but I didn't really mind that either. The service was adequate but a little impersonal, our server was more interested in chatting with her co-worker than engaging with us. My complaint is that we called ahead to get a reservation. They said they could possibly squeeze us in at our preferred time if we wanted to stand outside for our tasting--it was well over 100 on that July day. We asked if we could sit inside and they reluctantly scheduled us a few hours later than we wanted so we could be inside. We got there ahead of our scheduled time and waited in our car for our appointment as they made it clear that they were busy and they were making an exception for us. We were the only car in the lot. At our appointed time, we went inside. The place was a ghost town. We were the only ones there the entire time--about 45 minutes. We casually asked our server if it had been a busy day (Thursday). She said not really. We were shocked that they manipulated us to fit us into their "busy" schedule that apparently wasn't so busy after all. We did not feel valued or welcome and will not be back.

Love the quaint atmosphere, the view and the petite Syrah. Great people. A hidden gym on Hye Albert Rd.

We LOVE this winery. We actually live about 7 miles from here and it took us a year to visit! What a wasted year!! We could have been coming here longer!! Set off Hye Albert Road, you are set in a hill too overlooking the best of the Hill Country! The tasting room is quaint with an old world charm. Now, on to the good stuff. The wine is INCREDIBLE!! And, living in the hill country that is hard to actually say. There are a few very good wines and a few very bad wines mixed in with a majority of fair wines. French Connection is one of the BEST wineries out here!! Bill Kreitz was our host for our tasting. You look at him and you think hill country yocal. Not so. This man has forgotten more about wine than I will ever know!! His history of old work wines and the movement to the US is incredible!! His explanations of these wines was spot on and very informative!! The wines themselves are old world in style and full bodied. We will be buying bottles to take home and, enjoying many more days on their porch with the large charcuterie board and some of their wines!! I HIGHLY recommend this place on any trip to the Hill Country. You will not ne disappointed with a trip here for a wine tasting!!

We visited on a Friday afternoon to enjoy a glass of wine outside. We ordered from their outdoor bar and one of their employees recommended some wines according to our preferences. We sat down on their patio and enjoyed their beautiful view. My fiancé and I both loved the wine we tried and we will be recommending this place to our friends and family.

Probably the best wines in Texas!!! I had an exceptional experience at French Connection. Shout out to Christia Sale. She was awesome!!! I can't wait to go back again.

Totally recommend hitting this place while you're in the area. This Rose is delicious! They also have amazing whites and reds. We stayed on location in one of their Maisonettes. Very comfy and convenient to several great spots, including Garrison Bourbon just down the road..

My favorite hill country winery. They do Texas wines right and focus on light bodied wines that are made from grapes that tolerate the growing conditions of west Texas the best. Unfortunately it sounds like Texans reject the idea that red wine grapes don't perform as well in Texas so it sounds like they are going to follow the crowd and try to produce more full bodied reds. It's unfortunate. What they do produce is amazing with my personal favorite being the Cotes de Hye. This place is not to be missed. They produce some of the highest quality wines in Texas.

This winery is tucked behind the 290 trail but a very special place with a wonderful view, delicious wine, and helpful service. It felt less commercial than other wineries in the area we visited and more of a small batch, well thought out wine.

One of our favorite winery stops. It was our first of six through the long weekend and one of the most memorable. It had a very laid back vibe, every wine we tasted was great. Bill was extremely helpful and friendly. We brought our dogs and they brought out water bowls for them. We will be back!

Visited a couple of weeks ago for a mother/daughter weekend. First time visiting but I will be back. The Rose' is wonderful...the cheese boards are amazing and the views are spectacular

Must go for the view and wine! It's beautiful with the view of surrounding area! Wine was great and view was even better!

Delicious wines and wonderful atmosphere. We absolutely loved Cristia, she was incredibly friendly and extremely knowledgeable. She made the visit perfect.

If you are familiar with Ben Calais and his inspired 290 projects (Hye Rum & Calais Winery) then you will not want to miss out on his newest endeavor with partners Sheri and Pat Patillo, and tasting room manager Victoria Gimino. This team breathed new life into the property formerly owned by Compass Rose Cellars. They also continue to run the three cabins that you can rent out and spend the night in. Just hanging out with Sheri and Victoria is worth a visit! Some of my favorite 290 wine peeps. As the winemaker for French Connection, Ben gets to focus on making Rhone-style wines. He has sourced typical Rhone varietals from the Texas high plains; such as Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier. Don't worry you will still be able to taste the bold Bordeaux/Burgundy style wines that we all know and love at Calais Winery. French Connection seems like the more approachable, less serious, and light-hearted sister of Calais winery. The wines were all well structured. The tasting walks you through two Rose' wines, one white blend, and two red wines. You can also enjoy one of the incredible meat and cheese plates (large or small). I think it would win the award for the best meat and cheese plate on the 290. They also have tasty French sweets from New Jersey - macarons and eclairs. The tasting room is spacious and opens up on to a beautiful patio overlooking the hill country. Where you can enjoy a game of corn hole with friends. The only downside is that the septic system, at the time of our visit, seemed to be having issues - there was a slight scent of sulfur/rotten eggs lingering throughout the tasting room. I will definitely be back for another visit. Until then, as they say at French Connection, Sante Y'all.

These wines are all fabulous!! My husband & I are very much wine snobs & we are more than ecstatic to fine a GREAT Texas wine. The people are wonderful, gorgeous view, and the wines are all terrific!

Highly recommend this winery! Sally was our wine expert, and she was extremely knowledgeable about wines. Honestly the best wines we have tasted so far in Texas. And that's saying a lot since we have enjoyed wines from all over the world. Beautiful view from their patio, just go and enjoy !!

I highly recommend French Connection. Beautiful setting, excellent wines, knowledgeable staff and superb service. We were sitting outside and the evening turned chilly. The staff came around and passed out blankets to all their customers.

The wines here are phenomenal. All of the wines are on the dry, French side and are still able to accomplish a wide variety of smooth, buttery flavors as well as with nutty, caramelly notes. 10/10 would go back. Plus staff are knowledgeable, passionate and friendly.

Nestled on top of one of the best views of the Pedernales Valley is an emerging top-notch Rhone style winery. Yes, a very top-notch one at that! Is this believable....yes. Can you go everyday....not yet. Will you need a bigger wine budget...most likely, but just think how happy your wine cellar will be! Sheri and Pat Pattillo have teamed up with Ben Calais (Calais Winery) and Victoria Gimino to bring this newest shining star of Texas wineries to the Texas Hill Country. The wines are the only thing that exceeds the view that you get here, so let's get right down to it. There are seven wines to choose from for tasting. Many Calais fans will remember the Cinsault Rose' Ben first made. This FCW 2018 release builds on that top quality rich and dry Rose' that is sure to sell out quickly. Their other 2018 Rose' is Mourvedre based and is full of color and bit more bold than the Cinsault one. Yes, their dry whites are absolutely wonderful, and you will be fully immersed in the 2018 La Connection White. It's a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier. This unique white blend was both barrel fermented AND barrel aged and shows absolute pleasant aromas and flavors. The 2015 Roussanne Reserve was barrel fermented and aged for not 2, nor 3, but....yes, 4 years!! It's amazing how Ben can do his magic. The color and texture balance out quite well for a rich a full tasting experience. You will be equally pleased with their reds. For starters, the 2017 La Connection Red is a 50/50 blend of Syrah and Mourvedre. Aged for two years in French oak, it has a great full mouth feel and beautiful lasting finish that just might make you fall in love with this and only this wine. The 2017 Syrah is sourced from Newsome vineyards from their older low yielding vines. You can definitely tell the richness and flavor that is packed into every sip. Not to be outdone by the dry 2015 Roussanne, but there is also a 2015 port-style version. Fortified and aged for four years, the golden color plus the pleasant linger after-taste is full bliss in of itself! Not to be outdone by their fine wines, but they also have delicious French eclairs and some superb camembert cheese plates to compliment your visit. Greatness, right? Have fun and thoroughly enjoy this place on your next Texas Hill Country trip. Santé!

A great place and definitely worth the trip. They have the best charcuterie board I've ever had, without exception. The wines are great, the views are great and the staff are wonderful. If you're travel to Fredericksburg, make sure you stop by and try it out, you won't be disappointed.