The original plan was cattle. Maybe some olive trees. A weekend escape. Back in 2014, when Kurt and Dr. Michelle Lyn bought the property in Washington, Texas, wine wasn’t part of the picture. Not really. They planted a few vines—just for fun—alongside 300 olive trees, figuring the ranch would be a quiet break from their fast-paced lives in Houston. Then came the freeze. “We lost all our olive trees during a winter storm, but the grapevines were dormant at the time and came through unscathed,” Kurt recalls. Sometimes, nature makes the call for you. Ten years later, those early rows of Blanc du Bois have grown into Chapelton Vineyards: a 45-acre estate producing award-winning wines, framed by a spectacular landscape that stops people mid-sentence. Now celebrating their third anniversary of welcoming guests, Chapelton draws visitors from across the country—people looking not just to sip and stroll, but to stay awhile. To slow down, and experience something thoughtfully crafted and quietly extraordinary.

"THE HARDER YOU WORK, THE LUCKIER YOU GET"

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The Wine Club tells its own story about guest loyalty. Fueled by enthusiasm and returning guests, the Club has grown faster than expected. “Our rapid Wine Club growth is probably the best reflection that Chapelton offers something truly unique,” Kurt says. From harvest parties to hands-on classes and small, fireside dinners, the Club gives members a closer link to the vineyard—and the people who make it what it is. Membership comes with monthly tastings, preferred pricing on bottles and cases, and first dibs on limited releases. But the real draw is invitations to events and activities, like the annual gala, vineyard yoga, educational classes, or a fun run through the vines—plus the chance to get to know the winemaking team at exclusive gatherings. It’s become less like a subscription and more like what the Lyns hoped for—a community of friends who keep finding reasons to come back.

"My dining experience was unmatched in the best way possible, I will definitely return."

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Just Down the Road, but A World Away: Chapelton’s Rise in Texas Wine Country

By Monica Vanover June 26, 2025

Chapelton didn’t begin with blueprints or a business plan. It began with brush. The land that would become the vineyard was covered in huisache—a thorny, invasive tree so dense it nearly hid the views. Clearing it was a chore. But seeing what lay underneath changed everything. “Once we cleared it, we were stunned,” Dr. Lyn remembers. “The views were breathtaking, and to this day, guests tell us it reminds them of Napa or parts of Italy.” What started as a weekend escape suddenly felt like something worth building around. Even then, the Lyns didn’t rush. Grapevines take time. From planting to bottling, there’s years of waiting, weathering, and work—with nature holding all the cards. In 2024, Chapelton lost nearly 90% of its crop after the Lyns decided not to spray for disease pressure—a deliberate strategy, grounded in their commitment to sustainable practices. It was a difficult decision, but one emblematic of the Lyns’ integrity. “There is simply no shortcut and no way around it,” Dr. Lyn says. “Farming is not for the faint of heart—but if you love it, you keep going. You adapt, you learn, and you grow—just like the vines.” Three years after opening to the public, the Lyns know that setbacks happen. But so do breakthroughs. At Chapelton, patience isn’t just part of farming—it’s part of building something that lasts.

BUILDING A BOUTIQUE VINEYARD, ONE ROW AT A TIME

It started with Blanc du Bois—a crisp, citrus-forward white varietal grown on the property that quickly set the tone for everything to follow. Within three years, Chapelton had earned 26 prestigious wine awards and found a place on the shelves of Total Wine, Central Market, and more than 35 top restaurants across Texas. The Lyns attribute that success to a simple philosophy inherited from Kurt’s mother: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” From the outset, they made thoughtful choices—starting with a national search for the right winemaker and a willingness to give them the space to experiment and lead. Their portfolio blends estate-grown Texas grapes with carefully selected fruit from across the US and abroad. From California’s coast to the foothills of the Andes in Argentina, Chapelton’s collection is a mix of homegrown roots and global perspective, producing wines that strike a chord with oenophiles and casual sippers. The current lineup features a gold medal–winning Merlot with notes of plum, blackberry, and cocoa; a richly structured Cabernet Sauvignon layered with red currant and violet; and a bright, coastal Albariño that carries hints of lemon zest, honeydew, and sea spray.

INSIDE CHAPELTON'S AWARD- WINNING WINE PROGRAM

Chapelton isn’t just a place to taste wine—it’s an immersive experience designed to slow you down and pull you in. “Just down the road, but a world away,” is how the Lyns describe their location—only an hour from Houston’s Galleria, yet the property feels untethered from city life. Wide skies, vineyard rows, and quiet mornings where deer graze at the edge of the brush. Guests can make a day of it or settle into one of the elegant villas, each with a chef’s kitchen, fireplace, and 14 acres of vineyard views from the patio. “To us, Chapelton is more than just a place to enjoy wine; it’s an escape,” Dr. Lyn says. “A retreat from the fast pace of city life.” That philosophy shows up everywhere, from curated tastings that move through the vineyard and production facility to chef-led pairings on the second-floor patio. Their Wine School offers hands-on learning about winemaking and tasting techniques—instruction rooted in experience, not just information. The same care extends to private events, from boutique weddings to corporate retreats, each one tailored with the detail and hospitality that defines the Chapelton experience.

A BOUTIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE IN THE TEXAS COUNTRYSIDE

A GROWING COMMUNITY OF WINE LOVERS

As Chapelton marks its third anniversary, it isn’t coasting. It’s calibrating—refining what works, expanding what’s possible, and deepening its roots in Texas winemaking. “We head into year four with a lot of confidence,” Kurt says. “And our core vision remains the same.” That vision is simple: craft approachable, expressive wines, right here in Washington, Texas. A modern take on traditional winemaking—small-batch, creative, and unbound by convention. A vineyard. A weekend. A memory waiting to be made. Whether you’re sipping on-site, staying overnight, or discovering your new favorite bottle from home, Chapelton Vineyards offers something worth slowing down for. Book a tasting, browse the wines, or explore the Wine Club at ChapeltonVineyards.com.

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