Driftwood Estate Winery

Driftwood, TX · $$

A California native and U.S. Army veteran, Gary Elliott brought his love of wine, craftsmanship, and adventure to Texas in the early 90s, after marrying his wife, Kathy, a proud Texas native. Over the years, he worked as a firefighter, commercial pilot, ski instructor, and even studied law — experiences that shaped the hard work he would later pour into building something of his own. Together, Gary and Kathy planted roots in the Texas Hill Country and built Driftwood Estate Winery from the ground up, transforming a stretch of family land —owned for over 75 years — into one of the most beloved wineries in Texas. Gary planted the first vines in 1998, built the winery in 2002, and opened the tasting room the following year. His hands-on approach and deep respect for the land continue to guide Driftwood today, shaping it into a true Hill Country landmark — known for its sweeping views, authentic character, and award-winning wines that consistently exceed expectations. Beyond the vineyard, Gary has played an instrumental role in shaping the Texas wine industry. As one of the early advocates for Texas wineries, he worked alongside legislators to help modernize restrictive laws — helping make it possible for wineries to sell directly to guests, ship wine across the state, operate more freely in areas that were once considered “dry.”, and made it possible for wineries to be recognized on Texas highway signage. He worked to protect Texas vineyards by advancing solutions to combat Pierce’s disease — efforts that helped pave the way for the thriving wine industry we know today. From vineyard to bottle, Gary remains closely involved in every aspect of production, crafting wines that reflect both the rugged beauty and generous spirit of Texas. When you visit, you’ll be welcomed by our tasting room team — a group of warm, knowledgeable hosts who bring a genuine love of wine and people to every experience. Many have backgrounds in education, hospitality, and service, and are known for making guests feel instantly at home while guiding you through our wines with ease, humor, and care; the kind of experience that feels approachable, not intimidating. Whether you’re here for a tasting, a glass on the patio, or a whole bottle, we’re so glad you found your way to us!