Meet The Winemaker: Blue Lotus Winery
Located In the Texas Hill Country, atop a hilltop sits Blue Lotus Winery. Their wine barrel-shaped tasting room has all the charm of the hill country and impeccable views for miles. Blue Lotus Winery is the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping on Texas wine and playing board games, puzzles, a life-sized chess set, and a giant Jenga set. We spoke with Michael Poole, the winemaker of Blue Lotus Winery, to learn more about what inspires their winemaking process.
What led you to become a winemaker?
My love of science and craftmanship led me to being a winemaker.
What has surprised you about being a winemaker?
Vintage wines, the difference a year can make on grapes from the same vineyard.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a winemaker, and how have you overcome them?
As a Texas winemaker, overcoming people’s ideas about what Texas wine should be like has been challenging.
What goals in winemaking are you still working to achieve?
Working with new hybrid varieties of grapes to make great wine is a goal of mine.
What is one of your favorite varietals to work with, and why?
I love to work with Petite Syrah. It is an absolutely wonderful grape with lots of flavor, color, tannin, and (of course) sugar for the yeast to make alcohol.
Which wine that you’ve made is your favorite?
Our Left Bank is my favorite red wine. It is a beautiful Bordeaux blend.
Who do you most admire in the world of Texas wine, and why?
The growing diversity and knowledge that is shared between winemakers is fantastic.
What do you hope for the future of Texas Wine?
Proper recognition, worldwide, about the quality of Texas wines.
Any tips for future generations of winemakers?
Find a good mentor.
Stop by Blue Lotus Winery Thursday through Sunday! All patrons are welcome to consume wine on the beautiful property with the purchase of a food item. If you would like to schedule a wine tasting, please book through their website. We’d love to see your visit to Blue Lotus Winery; share your picture with us by tagging us on Facebook at @TexasHillCountryWineries and Instagram at @texashillcountrywine.
