{"id":267677,"date":"2026-04-27T01:27:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T01:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/267677\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T01:27:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T01:27:08","slug":"luxury-texas-bootmaker-opens-hill-country-castle-winery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/267677\/","title":{"rendered":"Luxury Texas bootmaker opens Hill Country castle winery"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Texas\u00a0bootmaker is preparing to open a new wine cellar and showroom in the Hill Country, with a grand opening scheduled for May 1 in Johnson City<\/a>, near Fredericksburg<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Republic Boot Co.<\/a>, a Houston-based custom boot brand known for using exotic leathers, purchased a 10-acre property in January 2025 that includes a castle-style building, hotel and vineyard. The company plans to turn the site into a visitor destination that blends retail with wine tastings and events.<\/p>\n

Founder Chris Conrad said the space will feature wines from his Conrad Family Wines<\/a> label alongside the company\u2019s boots and custom hats. The concept builds on the brand\u2019s existing retail approach, which has included experiential elements<\/a> at its Houston showroom.<\/p>\n

He also outlined plans for events that reflect the Hill Country\u2019s heritage, including a German-style Christmas market and music festivals. Part of the property will be set aside for a laid-back honky-tonk dance hall, modeled after venues like Gruene Hall in New Braunfels.<\/p>\n

Conrad, who studied winemaking in Italy, told MySA he has been working on the Hill Country project for the last five years.<\/p>\n

“I’ve always been into the wine aspects of things, way back, even before I was doing the boots. I was designing and building; I was making wine,” he told MySA.\u00a0“I think it’s just the combination of a lot of things coming together at the same time.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

The property, previously owned by another winery, has been under renovation for several months. Conrad said the interior has been redone while keeping some of its medieval design elements, alongside a more Western aesthetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like walking into John Dutton\u2019s house \u2014 rustic, but with an elegant Texas feel,\u201d Conrad said.<\/p>\n

The \u201cYellowstone\u201d comparison is a familiar one for the brand. Actors Ryan Bingham and Hassie Harrison, who appeared on the show, were married in custom Republic Boots, according to a 2024 Vogue feature<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Founded in 2011, the company has also drawn a following among celebrities, including rappers Paul Wall and Drake<\/a>. Last year, it partnered with the Houston Texans<\/a>, outfitting the team\u2019s cheerleaders with its boots.<\/p>\n

Find it: 101 Durango, Johnson City, TX 78636.<\/p>\n