Wine And Food Festival Preview: Austinist Interviews Lynn Zeller of Mandola Estates Winery

Back in early 2006, foodies were abuzz about the pizzas and Italian food products on offer at Mandola's Market on 47th Street. The shop fast became a neighborhood mainstay and maintains a loyal following. When we recently became aware that they were also planning a combination winery and restaurant venture in Driftwood (home of The Salt Lick), we contacted Mandola Estates hospitality head Lynn Zeller to find out more. The upshot of our talk: the Italian varietal-based winery is already open for tastings, and an Italian restaurant is on the way this summer. Read our conversation with Lynn to find out more, and to see where the winery will be pouring samples at this week's Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival.

Mandola Estates is the same team of people involved in Mandola's Market, correct? How did the winery come about?
Damian Mandola, co-founder of Carrabba's Italian Grill, and wife Trina opened Mandola's Italian Market in The Triangle at Lamar Boulevard and West 47th Street in Austin over a year ago. The winery, which is located in Driftwood, was founded by Drs. Stan and Lisa Duchman and Damian and Trina Mandola, and is managed by winemaker Mark Penna. The estate includes a 22-acre vineyard and a 26,500 square foot winery with a lovely tasting room. A restaurant is slated to open in early summer.

How long has Mandola Estates been open to the public? Is there a tasting fee?
We officially opened in August 2006. The winery offers complimentary tastings seven days a week. We are also available for luncheons, dinners, and special events. The winery is modeled after the wineries and tasting rooms of Tuscany. We are just above Onion Creek, where the vineyard is exposed to a warm, dry climate similar to that of southern Italy and Sicily.

What wines are available to try, and what is still growing for future release?
We are currently tasting Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Syrah, and a red blend called Canto Felice. The winery is focusing on grape varieties grown in central and southern Italy such as the well known Montepulciano, Moscato, Barbera, Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese, and the less known Vermentino, Nero d'Avola and Aglianico.

Which varietals seem to be growing best in Texas right now?
Varieties from Spain, Portugal, and southern France and, of course, Italy have a great potential in Texas. We are most excited about Montepulciano, Nero d'Avola, Aglianico and Vermentino. Texas wineries have also produced some very good Sangiovese.

How is Mandola's participating in the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival this year?
Mandola Estate Winery is hosting an already sold out "Savor the Hill Country" luncheon as part of the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival. The luncheon will feature Chef Damian Mandola's Italian food along with two other guest chefs. Lunch courses will be paired with wines from Driftwood Vineyards, Mandola Estate Winery, and Messina Hof Winery. We will also participate in: The Stars Across Texas Tasting, Three Sommeliers Take on Texas, and The Sunday Fair.

What will you be pouring at the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival events?
At Savor The Texas Hill Country - Sangiovese and Syrah.
At Stars Across Texas - Sangiovese, Syrah, Montepulciano, and Viognier.
At Three Sommeliers Take on Texas - Syrah.
At The Sunday Fair - Sangiovese, Syrah, Pinot Grigio and Viognier.

Do you have distribution in the Austin area (at the market or elsewhere)?
Our wines are currently available at Mandola's Italian Market, the Salt Lick 360, Orgeron's in Dripping Springs and at the winery.

Is it true that a restaurant may open on the vineyard property at some point?
Yes. Our restaurant construction is coming along nicely and is scheduled to open in July. Trattoria Lisina will be open for dinner only Tuesday through Friday, open for lunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday (closed on Mondays). It will be a beautifully decorated Tuscan-style restaurant with an indoor rock fireplace and seating for 80. Additional outdoor patio seating will hold about 40.

Mandola Estates Winery
13308 FM 150 W
Driftwood, TX (25 miles from Austin) [map]
Open 10am-5pm daily.

Image via Mandola Estates Winery.