Connect over a wholehearted 100% Texas wine and live music at Austoria Wines in Victoria!
Jun 08, 2023 09:06PM ● By Dave Snell
https://www.austoriawines.com/
About Austoria Wines
"Austoria Wines is the culmination of years of collaboration and hard work. Founders Rachel Wunsch, and Steven Stoltz are both native Texans.
During the Covid pandemic Rachel enrolled in a winemaking certificate program and started developing a foundation of knowledge while simultaneously networking and engaging with likeminded professionals in the wine industry. The experience would later serve her well in creating Austoria Wines. Steven’s prior experience with establishing a nonprofit and small corporation for his medical business offered skill sets in business management and entrepreneurship. After much consideration, research, and planning the two decided that they wanted to create their own wine label and produce Texas wines they could share with friends and family. That vision grew into reaching all wine lovers in Austin, Victoria, and every place in between…Austoria.
Rachel and Steven strive to create a place for all people to come together with their unique perspectives while finding common ground over a glass of 100% Texas wine. Austoria Wines is a tribute to their origins in Austin and Victoria, from which they came to unite and find their happy place. Join them in the tasting room for a glass or take a bottle with you to be enjoyed wherever you find your Austoria!"
Rachel Wunsch
"As a native Victorian I have been able to witness its growth over the years while maintaining the small-town charm. Victoria has been a great place to make a living and raise my son who is now grown and attending college. Most of my adult life has been working in the healthcare industry as a family nurse practitioner. I began my nursing education at Victoria College which served as the foundation for obtaining a Master’s Degree in Nursing in 2005 and subsequently a terminal degree of Doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2010. I have had the opportunity to serve the Victoria Community working for a local nonprofit hospice for the past 16 ½ years.
During the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020 I began to contemplate pursuing my passion for the wine industry. I believe it was a time that most of us began to view the world through a different lens, becoming acutely aware of the fragility of life, but also, and most importantly the spirit of strength and perseverance we have within us. The prolonged social distancing provided a stillness that seemed to encourage self-reflection and introspection. My new found understanding gave life to what had only been a dream of owning a winery and making Texas wines.
I enrolled in the Texas Tech University at Fredericksburg Winemaking Certificate program and immediately realized that the endeavor would blossom into much more. The program provided the fundamentals for implementing and developing a winery and the winemaking process. It also provided great networking opportunities with fellow winemakers. I was introduced to John Rivenburgh who runs a wine incubator at his Kerrville Hills Winery. Collaboration with the incubator program has provided a wealth of knowledge and experience. It has better positioned me as Austoria Wines’ winemaker to produce quality Texas wines from inception.
Transitioning my career path from healthcare to the wine industry certainly is a leap of faith, but I am so excited to take you on this journey with me. After much preparation and a successful Harvest 2022 in the books, Austoria Wines tasting room will open in early 2023. I look forward to seeing you in the tasting room!"
To new beginnings…Cheers!
Rachel Wunsch
