Smack Dab In The Middle of Texas Hill Country

Article was orignaly published on June 27, 2010 20:24 – By: Jeremybanas on UpTake.

Texas is a big place. I know.. you are shocked. So would it be any surprise to find that their is a little town tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, known as Wimberley? I thought not. Although Wimberley, Texas was home to many Native American tribes over the last several thousand years, it wasn’t until the mid 1800’s after Texas won it’s independence and received statehood in 1845 that we first see a written record. Wimberley has remained small over the last 150 years or so and certainly not lost it’s Hill Country charm. Located within a two hour drive of both San Antonio and Austin, Texas, it has quite a lot to see and enjoy. For the spring and summer, you can enjoy their market days; head over to nearby Cypress Swimming Hole in Woodcreek. Much of the area remains unchanged over the years from its humble origins.

A sign of the times however is the recent addition of the Wimberley Brewing Company. The self proclaimed smallest micro-brewery in Texas has a down home feel, hand-crafted ales and pure Texas hospitality.

The Wimberly Brewing Co

I was on my way to to a nearby camping area when I happened to drive through Wimberley. As I drove through this very small town, I saw the new location for the Wimberley Brewing Company. This was always a place I’d wanted to visit and just never had the chance. With an hour to spare, I decided to stop in. What’s interesting, is that the last time I drove by, it was all alone. A stand alone production brewery. This time around, I found it inside Brewster’s Pizza. Needless to say, I was intrigued. As I approached the building I saw the writing on the window “Home of the Wimberley Brewing Company”.

The writing is on the 'Window'

I walked in and was greeted by a nice young lady who quickly told me I was in the right place. After inquiring about a tour, she explained that I was looking at the tour! The inside is small enough, that they would fill up quickly with only a few small groups coming in. She did however introduce me to owner and brewmaster Bruce Collie. Bruce walked up right away and introduced himself. said he’d be glad to sit and talk for a bit. I ordered a flight of their beers and grabbed a table in this very quaint brewpub.

A few minutes later, the server brought me my flight. A selection of seven of their ales. As I looked around the place, I noticed empty pizza boxes stacked up waiting to be filled. I asked Bruce what was up. He explained that when they first opened, it was as a brewery only. They closed for a short period in order to make new accommodations and re-opened as a brewpub. Specializing in hand-crafted pizzas, this seemed a perfect combination. Pizza and craft beer.

Just the right size for good times.

I asked Bruce how he got his start. He stated that unlike many commercial and craft brewers, he didn’t start out as a homebrewer. he’d had the restaurant already, but had always wanted to brew. So, his foray into craft beer was with commercial brewing. As a brewer myself (albeit a homebrewer), we quickly struck up a conversation about different brewing methods, beer styles and pizza. Let me tell you, when you have place where the owner is also the brewer, the chef and the host, you’ve got something. I love places where the cook or brewer take the time to sit with you and get to know YOU.

After consuming my flight, I talked with Bruce a little more. He even invited me back to brew with him outside next month, as he always does the first Saturday of each month. I do believe I will take him up on that offer.

Wimberley, Texas and the Wimberley Brewing Company are must stops, whether you from out of state or would like a day trip if you live near by.