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The 5 Secrets Behind Pontotoc Vineyard's Picnic Table: Award-Winning Wine And The Famous Spread

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As of late 2025, the Pontotoc Vineyard Picnic Table remains one of the most unique and highly-rated stops along the Texas Wine Trail, offering a distinct "roadside park" atmosphere that separates it from the polished tasting rooms of Fredericksburg. This family-owned establishment, located in the tiny community of Hye, Texas, is not just a place to sample 100% Texas Hill Country wines; it is an authentic culinary and viticultural experience built around a simple, yet brilliant concept: a perfect wine-and-picnic pairing. The establishment’s recent Double Gold win at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for their 'Spy Rock' blend has cemented its status as a must-visit destination for those seeking genuine, high-quality Texas wine.

The vision for the Pontotoc Vineyard Picnic Table was to create a destination with a difference, moving beyond the traditional tasting room model. It is a relaxed, family-friendly setting where the focus is on enjoying high-quality, estate-grown wine alongside a curated selection of homemade, local foods—a true taste of the Texas terroir and hospitality. The entire experience is a testament to the passion of its owners, Carl and Frances Money, whose combined expertise in farming, law, and culinary arts has cultivated a truly special spot on US Highway 290.

The Founders and The Philosophy: Carl and Frances Money

The success of Pontotoc Vineyard and its Picnic Table concept is rooted in the history and passion of its founders, Carl and Frances Money. Their story is a blend of Texas heritage, legal acumen, and classical culinary training, creating a powerful foundation for a world-class winery.

  • Carl Money: A fifth-generation Texas farmer and a practicing attorney, Carl's connection to the land is deep and hereditary. He is the driving force behind the vineyard's viticultural philosophy, which focuses exclusively on making vintage wines of exceptional quality from grapes grown solely in the Texas Hill Country. The original vineyard is located in the small town of Pontotoc in Mason County, where the family purchased a historic German property in 2003.
  • Frances Money: Frances is a classically trained pastry chef and the creative mind behind the critically acclaimed food offerings, including the signature "Picnic Table Spread." Her expertise elevates the simple picnic concept into a gourmet experience, perfectly complementing the estate wines.
  • Family Endeavor: Pontotoc Vineyard is truly a family business, with Carl and Frances owning and operating the vineyard alongside their four young children. This familial atmosphere is intentionally reflected in the welcoming, relaxed environment of the Hye location.

The Money's philosophy is simple: celebrate the Texas terroir. They aim to produce wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the region, naming their blends after historic locations and geological formations, such as the award-winning Spy Rock.

The Star of the Show: The Pontotoc Picnic Table Spread

While the wine draws visitors, the food keeps them coming back. The "Picnic Table Spread," curated by Frances Money, is the signature culinary offering at the Hye location, transforming a simple wine tasting into a full, satisfying meal. This spread is a deliberate departure from the standard cheese and charcuterie board, focusing instead on fresh, seasonal, and homemade ingredients.

The menu is designed to pair seamlessly with Pontotoc's 100% Texas Hill Country wines, offering a delightful mix of savory and sweet elements. The experience is intentionally casual, served in a "roadside park" setting that encourages lingering and conversation.

What’s on the Spread? (Key Menu Entities)

The exact offerings change seasonally to ensure peak freshness, but the core elements of the Picnic Table Spread often include:

  • Homemade Savories: Items like deviled egg salad served with saltines, pesto chicken, and assorted sandwiches are frequently featured.
  • Pkhali: A unique and popular offering is the vegetable and walnut spread known as Pkhali, showcasing Frances Money's culinary creativity and providing a rich, savory counterpoint to the wines.
  • Seasonal Produce: Depending on the time of year, the spread features fresh, local fruits like peaches and watermelons, highlighting the agricultural bounty of the Texas region.
  • Picnic Sweets: As a classically trained pastry chef, Frances always ensures a selection of homemade pastries and desserts to round out the meal.

For visitors, the best part is the simplicity: no formal reservations are required for groups under 10 people, making it a perfect, spontaneous stop on a Texas Hill Country wine tour.

Award-Winning Wines: The Spy Rock Triumph (2025 Update)

The quality of the wine at Pontotoc Vineyard is undeniable, and recent accolades have brought significant attention to the Picnic Table location in Hye. The winery’s commitment to 100% Texas Hill Country fruit has paid off handsomely, particularly with their flagship red blend.

The 2025 Double Gold Winner

The 2021 Spy Rock Red Blend recently achieved the prestigious Double Gold award at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This high-profile win confirms Pontotoc’s position among the elite wineries in the state and is a major draw for wine enthusiasts in 2025.

The Spy Rock blend is a rich, complex red that typically features a combination of classic Texas varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, and Alicante Bouschet. This blend is a perfect example of how Texas winemakers are crafting world-class wines that express the unique qualities of the region.

Other Notable Varietals and Entities

Beyond the celebrated red, Pontotoc Vineyard also produces a range of other notable wines available at the Picnic Table, including the crisp Valley Spring Dry Rosé, which has also earned recognition in major competitions like the 2024 Houston Rodeo International Wine Competition. The winery’s focus on vintage Texas wines ensures that every bottle tells the story of that specific year’s growing conditions and terroir.

How the Hye Picnic Table Differs from the Fredericksburg Weingarten

It is important for visitors to understand that Pontotoc Vineyard operates two distinct, yet complementary, experiences, each with its own unique atmosphere and intention.

  • Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten (Fredericksburg, TX): Located in a historic, quaint cottage with an authentic weinkeller in downtown Fredericksburg, the Weingarten offers a more traditional European-style tasting experience. It is an intimate, stone-walled courtyard setting, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick stop while shopping on Main Street.
  • Pontotoc Vineyard Picnic Table (Hye, TX): Situated directly on US Highway 290, the Hye location is the true "roadside park" concept. It is designed for a longer, more relaxed stay, centered around the Picnic Table Spread and the vineyard experience. This location is ideal for families, large groups, and anyone looking for a casual, outdoor, and authentic Texas Hill Country atmosphere.

While both locations offer the full portfolio of Pontotoc Vineyard wines, the Hye location is the home of the unique culinary program driven by Frances Money, providing a more rustic and immersive experience that truly lives up to the name Picnic Table.

The Pontotoc Vineyard Picnic Table is more than just a stop on the wine trail; it is a destination that embodies the spirit of Texas ingenuity and hospitality. By combining estate-grown, award-winning Texas wines with the gourmet, homemade Picnic Table Spread, Carl and Frances Money have created a fresh, authentic, and memorable experience for every visitor in 2025.

The 5 Secrets Behind Pontotoc Vineyard's Picnic Table: Award-Winning Wine and The Famous Spread
pontotoc vineyard picnic table
pontotoc vineyard picnic table

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