Our Story
Formando Vineyards was founded by Ceci McBride and Henry Johnson, an aunt / nephew duo, with hopes of producing exceptional wine in the the Texas Hill Country.
Artwork: Formando by Charles Beckendorf
Built on Heritage
Since 2019, Formando Vineyards has grown grapes and produced wine along Willow Creek, near Fredericksburg, Texas. Family-owned and operated, Formando is dedicated to growing exceptional grapes and creating a singular Texas wine experience.
Formando is a term representing a legacy of six unbroken generations in Texas farming & ranching, a culture of hardworking tradition, and a commitment to land stewardship.
Our Formando vines are grown on our estate vineyards in Gillespie County, just north of Fredericksburg, where we tend to them with love and a singular attention to each varietal’s needs. Combining these grapes results in elegant, delightful wines showcasing the Texas terroir.
A practice originating in Mexico, vaqueros (cowboys) trained their horses to back up to a taut rope, standing attentively abreast while waiting to be selected, bridled, and saddled for a day’s work.
“Formando” refers to both the practice and the formation itself. Chaparrosa Ranch, the family homestead from 1959 to 1991, remains the only cattle ranch to have employed this daily tradition in the USA.
The vineyards at Formando were thoughtfully planned, planted and cultivated to create healthy, balanced vines. Varietals suitable to the area and Formando’s wine program are matched to appropriate soils and site.
The vines are given dedicated attention as they grow to ensure they can thrive in their new Texas environment. An emphasis on vineyard health and best practices has resulted in happy, well-rooted plants that can increasingly support themselves.
The fruit the vines produce is managed and cropped to ensure quality, and hand harvested to keep the fruit in optimal condition before being locally pressed.
Our reverence for land & legacy far precedes us, and continues to evoke a sense of place in our wines, both past and present.
There’s no stronger connection to land than working the one we live on. Here, the practice remains alive, and the generations ongoing. Formando Vineyards is honored to continue forming our history & traditions through the Texas wine experience we share with our patrons.
We look forward to serving you!
