Winery guide / Worth the drive
Robert Clay Vineyards
Father-son, farmer-run estate in Mason's Hickory Sands making about 400 cases a year of small-lot estate wines.
About the winery
Paul and Nancy Buist planted the vineyard in Mason in 1996, including Texas's first Touriga Nacional. Dan McLaughlin restored the neglected vines starting in 2012 and now runs the estate with his son. In James Suckling's 2025 Texas report, six wines scored 91–95.
Working estate vineyard and farm in the Hickory Sands area of Mason, Texas, on sandy loam soils at about 1,780 feet.
Best for: serious wine lovers wanting an intimate winemaker visit
Known for
Small-lot, estate-grown wines with native yeast, long aging and unfiltered bottlings; Hickory Sands Chardonnay, MTR Grand Reserve, Merlot and Touriga Nacional.
Experiences
Private 2–3 hour tasting hosted by the grower-winemakers with a sparkling welcome pour and charcuterie ($100/person, waived per three bottles purchased); allocation-only wine membership.
Plan your visit
Visiting info
- Hours
- By appointment only, Monday–Sunday; closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day.
- Address
- Mason, TX (street address not listed)
- Tastings
- $100 per person, one fee waived per 3 bottles purchased
- Reservations
- Required, by appointment only
- Groups
- One party at a time, up to 8 guests total. Reservations required by phone or email.
- Food
- Charcuterie selection included with every tasting.
- Phone
- (325) 261-0075
Fast facts
Good to know
- Founded
- 1996
- People
- Dan McLaughlin and son (father-son grower/winemakers, since 2012); founded by Paul and Nancy Buist
- Vineyard
- 15 acres originally planted on a 50-acre property, plus 5 acres added in 2016
- Grapes & wines
- Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Merlot
- Awards
- RCV Estate named #21 on Cristaldi & Co. Top 100 Wines of 2025 (highest-ranked Texas white); James Suckling Texas 2025 report scores of 91-95
- Events
- Private hosted estate tastings by appointment (2-3 hours, with sparkling welcome pour and charcuterie)
Wine club
Robert Clay Vineyards wine club
- Club
- The Allocation (waitlist)
- Perks
- Priority access to small-lot releases, occasional library bottles, wines not sold elsewhere
Visit with Absolute Charm
Skip the driving and the reservations
Private tour guests can add this winery to their day. Pickup from your lodging, every stop reserved, and a local guide. Add the Tasting Pass, order a glass, or use your member perks here.
Robert Clay Vineyards FAQ
Are kids allowed at Robert Clay Vineyards?
The winery doesn't publish a policy for children, so please call ahead before bringing kids.
Is Robert Clay Vineyards dog friendly?
The winery doesn't publish a pet policy, so please call ahead before bringing a dog.
What are Robert Clay Vineyards's hours?
By appointment only, Monday–Sunday; closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Do I need a reservation?
Required, by appointment only
How much is a tasting?
$100 per person, one fee waived per 3 bottles purchased
How many people can attend a tasting?
Tastings host one party at a time, up to eight people total.
Can Absolute Charm take me to Robert Clay Vineyards?
Yes. Private tour guests choose their wineries from our list, and we reserve each stop and drive you there. Our Classic tour visits a rotating set of favorites.
Information checked October 2026 from Robert Clay Vineyards's own website. Hours, prices and policies change, so please confirm directly with the winery.
