Lost Draw Cellars

From Gas to Grapes, these roots run deep

By Lorelei Helmke

n the heart of Fredericksburg, just behind H-E-B, there is a plot of land the Ottmers family has operated a business on since 1936, when Walter Ottmers purchased a Gulf Distribution company.

Just over 50 years later, in 1987, grandson Troy took over the Gulf station. He was in charge until 2009 when the business was sold, but not the property.

Today this plot of land is the home of Lost Draw Cellars. Born of an unlikely partnership between Troy Ottmers and Andy Timmons, a farmer from a long line of farmers, Lost Draw Cellars began a new business opportunity for a new generation. They began construction of a winery on premise. 

Winemaker Ben Buckelew creates classic-styled, complex wines in this eclectic winery surrounded by old gasoline pumps and Gulf memorabilia.

Today, Ottmers oversees a cherished business that brings friends and families together, a place where connections are made, and history is not forgotten. The tasting room is comfortable, inviting and the people are fabulously fun.

Lost Draw Cellars has secured a future for a Fredericksburg family rooted here for nine generations. 

Troy told me when he sold the Gulf distributorship, he thought the legacy had ended, but it had only just begun. 


2019 Albariño

Texas High Plains

Hand-harvested

A traditional Spanish white produced beautifully in Texas. A rich, hay color and a heady perfume are the first clues this one is special. Orange blossoms, Meyer lemon and lilies create complexity. A lush acidity adds to the long finish.

Pair with Manchego cheese and dried sausage.


2019 Counoise Rosé

Farmhouse Vineyard

Texas High Plains

Twelve hours of skin contact create a light salmon color. Bright strawberry aromas leap from the glass, and hints of apricot add depth. A well-rounded rosé with a perfect balance of acidity.

Sip this one all by itself or make up a plate of fresh melon wrapped with Prosciutto.  


2020 Pinot Meunier

Sparkling Wine

Texas High Plains

This fun, Bubble Yum colored, fizzy wine is bursting with roses and raspberries. One hundred percent Pinot Meunier (the other grape Champagne can be made of) makes a delightful sparkler with bright acidity and fresh flavors. 

Perfect with oysters on the half shell.


2018 Zinfandel

Timmons Estate

Texas High Plains

A limited bottling produced from one acre grown near “Andy’s house.” A lighter styled Zinfandel that makes a perfect summer red, even standing up to a slight chill for those Texas hot days. An intriguing complexity of brambly anise, cherry and blackberry with structured tannins and lasting acidity.

Serve this with grilled hamburgers and Bratwursts. 


2018 Syrah

Alta Loma Vineyard

Texas High Plains

A classic-styled Syrah with a rich ruby color. Attractive aromas of smoke, plums, red cherry and flavors of ripe Poteet strawberries blend beautifully together. Elegant with mouthwatering acidity and soft tannin structure.

Great with lamb or Osso Bucco. 


2018 Malbec 

Krick Hill Vineyards 

Texas High Plains

A powerful, rich red aged 20 months in half new French Oak and half neutral oak, shows a dark ruby color in the glass. A bouquet of blackberry, red plum, anise, red roses with a backbone of cigar box. A full-bodied wine with a long finish and silky tannins.

Enjoy with steak al carbon and dark chocolate.