Winery guide / Fredericksburg · Hwy 290
Slate Theory
Family-owned winery with art-filled spaces and a barrel cave, making 100% Texas-grown wines and supporting mental-health advocacy.
About the winery
Family-owned: the Jones family (seven siblings and their parents) acquired the former Torre di Pietra property in 2018 and opened the Slate Theory tasting room in November 2021. Winemaker Tyler Wolz has been with the team since early 2020. The winery partners with NAMI to encourage conversations about mental health.
Hill Country property on US-290 east of Fredericksburg with art-infused tasting spaces, a patio and an underground wine cave/active cellar.
Best for: adventurous sippers who want a cave tasting
Known for
Creative, experimental wines from 100% Texas-grown fruit (estate and regional growers); winemaker favorites include Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Souzão.
Experiences
Tasting room flights (white $25, mixed $30, red $35); Slate Theory Tour of production and cellar ($45); seated Cave Tasting ($50); Friday Library Tasting of rare wines ($85).
Plan your visit
Visiting info
- Hours
- Sun–Thu 12–5 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–6 pm. Last tasting 30 minutes before close.
- Address
- E 10915 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Tastings
- Tasting room $25 white / $30 mixed / $35 red; Tour $45; Cave Tasting $50; Library Tasting $85
- Reservations
- Tasting room is first come, first served; tours and cave tastings require reservations (book 1-2 weeks ahead)
- Groups
- Walk-in tasting room (first come, first served); tours and cave tastings are by limited appointment, book 1–2 weeks ahead. Library Tasting capped at 8 seats per slot.
- Kids
- Supervised minors allowed in the tasting room, but not on production tours or in the cave.
- Dogs
- Pets allowed on the outdoor patio only; ADA service animals only inside the tasting room and production areas.
- Food
- On-site kitchen (closes 30 minutes before closing). No outside food or drinks.
- Phone
- (830) 998-8306
Fast facts
Good to know
- Founded
- 2021 (tasting room opened November 2021; family acquired the former Torre di Pietra property in 2018)
- People
- Jones family; winemakers Tyler Wolz (since 2020) and David Newitt
- Grapes & wines
- Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Souzao
- Events
- Wine club pickup parties and member events, VIP Soiree, members-only Member Lounge with a library of past vintages; production tours, cave tastings and Friday library tastings by reservation
Wine club
Slate Theory wine club
- Club
- The ID Club, The EGO Club, The Super-Ego Club
- Shipments
- 4x/year (Feb, May, Sep, Dec)
- Bottles
- 4 (ID), 6 (EGO), 12 member-choice (Super-Ego)
- Perks
- Free tasting or glass for member + 1 guest each visit; member discounts on wine, merch and experiences (% not listed); pickup parties and member events; Member Lounge; VIP Soiree for Super-Ego/long-term members
- Cost
- Not listed; 4-shipment commitment, $100 early-exit fee
Visit with Absolute Charm
Skip the driving and the reservations
This winery is part of our Classic tour rotation. Pickup from your lodging, every stop reserved, and a local guide. Add the Tasting Pass, order a glass, or use your member perks here.
Slate Theory FAQ
Are kids allowed at Slate Theory?
Supervised minors allowed in the tasting room, but not on production tours or in the cave.
Is Slate Theory dog friendly?
Pets allowed on the outdoor patio only; ADA service animals only inside the tasting room and production areas.
What are Slate Theory's hours?
Sun–Thu 12–5 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–6 pm. Last tasting 30 minutes before close.
Do I need a reservation?
Tasting room is first come, first served; tours and cave tastings require reservations (book 1-2 weeks ahead)
How much is a tasting?
Tasting room $25 white / $30 mixed / $35 red; Tour $45; Cave Tasting $50; Library Tasting $85
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
No. Outside food and drinks (alcoholic or not) are not allowed. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before closing. Hours are Sun-Thu 12-5 and Fri-Sat 11-6.
Can Absolute Charm take me to Slate Theory?
Yes! Slate Theory is part of our Classic tour rotation, and Private tour guests can choose it too.
Information checked October 2026 from Slate Theory's own website. Hours, prices and policies change, so please confirm directly with the winery.
Wineries nearby
Signor Vineyards
couples and small groups who love bold estate reds
Grape Creek Vineyards
couples wanting a polished, Tuscan-style estate visit
Heath Sparkling Wines
bubbly lovers and celebrations for small groups