USA, TX: Driftwood's Vista Brewing to open on Friday, April 20

Vista Brewing, a hospitality destination located on a 21-acre historic property in Driftwood, Texas, will open on Friday, April 20, Brewbound reported on April 11.

The beer program, led by award-winning brewmaster, Josh Watterson, features traditional beer styles that pay homage to European origins, while honoring the Texas Hill Country. Watterson, who came to Vista from Brasserie Saint James in Reno, NV, will feature beer styles such as Dark Skies Black Pilsner and Merriwether Foraged Brett IPA, a seasonal collaboration with Foraging Texas using wood sorrel, agarita and dewberry blossoms. Watterson has already launched an extensive barrel program, with 50 barrels from neighboring wineries aging to perfection, including their Commencement Barrel-Aged Brett Ale, using Bending Branch Winery barrels that will be available on opening day, and two unique Belgian-style lambics, which will age in barrels up to 18 months. All beers are made with water sourced directly from the limestone-filtered water well on property, offering a true taste of Texas’ environment. In addition to the Vista beers on tap, the tasting room menu boasts a curated wine list and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a retail shop with items from local artisans.

Vista will also offer an integrated culinary program created by Chef Andrew Stiver, with operations under the direction of Charlie Skipsey, and beverage and service managed by Nathan T. Prater. The nose-to-hoof menu features modern Texas-American fare and is based on seasonably grown vegetables from the Vista farm, locally sourced proteins and well-balanced plates to pair with Vista brews. The heart of the weekly changing menu is a wood-fired grill with hot and cold smokers, where guests can craft their own casual meal or picnic experience with a mix of small plates and larger platters. Vista also comes equipped with an on-site catering team that allows guests to design custom event experiences.

The concept was inspired by founders Kent and Karen Killough’s time living abroad, where they spent their weekends exploring pubs in the English countryside. Refreshing beer coupled with leisurely dining experiences and stunning views were abundant in England and became the husband and wife’s favorite activity. Given “vista” translates to view in Spanish, the Killough’s sought to build a destination brewery to showcase the Texas Hill Country’s natural beauty and history in the most sustainable way possible. Vista sits in the center of the original 1830’s land grant belonging to founding father of Texas, William Barrett Travis. One of the most notable aspects of the property is an 1840’s era dry-stacked limestone wall which the Vista team worked hard to preserve during construction.

“We built Vista out of love for the Texas Hill Country and as a place where we could bring our family,” says Kent Killough. “With Vista, we are striving to create a place where both locals and visitors can connect with the beautiful world around us, while drinking some of the best beer folks have ever tasted.”

As the burgeoning Central Texas Wine Trail continues to flourish, Vista Brewing offers an all-in-one oasis for beer, wine and food lovers alike. Vista Brewing will open Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Visitors can enjoy an abundancy of parking with enough space for large parties and events.

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