Slate Mill Wine Collective evolved from 1851 Vineyards, which was a family operated winery established in 2016.  The 1851 brand is a celebration of the maverick spirit for which Texas is known.  Produced by Winemaker, Joshua Fritsche, and the Slate Mill cellar team, 1851 remains our featured in-house brand.

Josh Fritsche began working in the Texas wine industry nearly a decade ago.  Josh worked his way through the ranks: from cellar rat, to assistant winemaker, and finally to winemaker. He joined the Slate Mill team in April of 2019.  His personal label, Tatum Cellars, was named for his daughter. Tatum launched to extraordinary critical and consumer acclaim, and continues to establish itself as a leader in the Texas wine industry.

Winemaker and Sommelier, Rae Wilson, began her career working in the cellar with several Texas wineries. She established Wine for the People, and produces wines under the names ‘The Grower Project’ and ‘Dandy Wines’. Rae realized the vast potential of the Texas terroir, and began her education as a grape grower and winemaker. Along with winemaker Randy Hester, Rae now runs a tasting room of her own in Dripping Springs, Texas. You can find more about her products at: Wineforthepeople.com

Randy Hester, a Texas native, began his wine making education in Napa Valley.   His label, ‘C.L. Butaud’, pays homage to his grandfather, and uses 100% Texas grown grapes. Randy Hester and Rae Wilson now also operate their own tasting room in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Learn more at: CLbutaud.com