Here at Slate Theory winery we take pride in our uniqueness. This pride extends from our uncommon, artistic styling, to our impressive underground cellar, and includes our one of a kind wine making philosophy.
Tyler Wolz is a seasoned professional in the world of winemaking, bringing his expertise to the Slate team since early 2020. He played an instrumental role in laying the foundation for the wine program at Slate Theory, originally within the Slate Mill Wine Collective, before ushering in a new era when Slate Theory opened its doors to the public in November 2021.
Prior to his tenure at Slate, Tyler embarked on his winemaking journey in 2013 within the picturesque landscapes of the Texas Hill Country, starting at William Chris Vineyards. His dedication and passion for the craft were evident as he began as a cellar hand, steadily advancing to the position of assistant winemaker.
Tyler’s unwavering commitment in the winery is centered around the pursuit of crafting wines of the highest quality. He finds joy in the delicate interplay of chemistry and artistry that defines the winemaking process. With a discerning palate, Tyler’s personal affinity leans towards wines characterized by their depth, boldness, and rich complexity. Among his favorites are varietals such as Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, and Souzao.
As an integral part of the Slate team, Tyler Wolz continues to be a driving force in the creation of exceptional wines, consistently pushing the boundaries of the winemaking craft while embracing the artistic elements that make it truly exceptional.
David Newitt is a dedicated member of the Slate team, bringing his wealth of experience to the world of winemaking since 2018. His journey within the Slate family has seen him contribute significantly to 1851 Vineyards, then the Slate Mill Wine Collective, and currently, Slate Theory Winery.
Before joining Slate, David’s path was marked by a remarkable transition. After concluding a distinguished 32-year career in the corporate realm of marketing and advertising, he redirected his focus towards the Texas wine industry. David embarked on an entrepreneurial venture, establishing a mobile bottling service with a keen emphasis on serving small boutique wineries in the Lone Star State.
David’s deep-rooted passion for wine led him to further pursuits, including the cultivation of his own vineyard in Mason County. His dedication to the craft extended to his academic journey, culminating in the attainment of a winemaking certificate from Texas Tech University.
A true connoisseur, David Newitt’s palate is graced by an appreciation for Left Bank Bordeaux and Italian varietals. His winemaking philosophy mirrors his reverence for the intricacies of the Texas terroir, utilizing a harmonious blend of new French oak and neutral oak to reveal the unique character of Texas-grown grapes.
EAST, 10915, US-290,
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
info@SlateTheory.com
Sun-Thurs 12-5, Fri-Sat 11-7
The Texas High Plains AVA is an American Viticultural Area located on the Llano Estacado region of Texas.[3] The appellation is the second largest American Viticultural Area in Texas, and covers an area of over 270,000 acres (422 sq mi). Most of the vineyards are on flat terrain at elevations between 3,000 feet (914 m) and 4,000 feet (1,219 m) above sea level. The Texas plains can be extremely dry, so most vineyards are irrigated with water from the Ogallala Aquifer.
Randall, the patriarch of the Jones family, dedicated the majority of his life to the oil fields of West Texas. His journey in the industry commenced in the 1980s when he entered the saltwater disposal sector alongside his father. Witnessing the sale of this legacy business and mindful of the expanding nature of his growing family, Randall, along with his wife Carroll, made a pivotal decision to transition the family legacy into an industry of greater stability—the wine industry in the Texas Hill Country.
The inception of their new legacy involved the strategic acquisition of land to establish the foundation for their estate vineyard. Through unwavering dedication, the Jones family, with Randall and Carroll at the helm, nurtured their vineyards with the collective essence of blood, sweat, and tears, effectively serving as the fertile grounds for the growth of their generational legacy in the wine industry.
Cody, the eldest son and second oldest child of the Jones family, initially embarked on a path toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology, coming a semester shy of completion before recognizing that his true talents lay in the realm of art. Following this realization, he pursued and obtained a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in studio art, subsequently embarking on a global journey to satiate his wanderlust.
Upon returning home to the oilfields of West Texas, Cody seamlessly integrated into the family business, working alongside his brothers. The expansive oilfields served as a profound incubator for a sense of existentialism that now pervades his artistic creations. Currently serving as the Creative Director of Slate Theory, Cody’s unique perspective and artistic prowess contribute significantly to the brand’s identity and creative endeavors. His journey from academia to the vast landscapes of West Texas has shaped the profound and thought-provoking nature of the art he provides.
Chase, having pursued a career in collegiate pole vaulting before joining his brothers in the family’s oil field business, transitioned to managing Slate Theory’s vineyards. A brief stint in ranching equipped him with the necessary skills for farming and operating heavy machinery, proving indispensable in his role as Estate Manager.
In the vineyards, Chase met Emily, his wife and a highly qualified professional with a degree in viticulture. Emily, as the Vineyard Manager, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Slate Theory. Their shared passion for viticulture blossomed into a connection that originated in the scenic vineyards of the Texas Hill Country. Together, Chase and Emily contribute significantly to the cultivation and management of our vineyards, ensuring the continued success and quality of our estate-grown grapes.
After pursuing a collegiate soccer scholarship, Erika seamlessly transitioned into the family oilfield business, where she collaborated with her sister, Justine, to oversee the day-to-day operations. Her dedication and strategic acumen played a pivotal role in the business’s success. Presently, Erika serves as the driving force behind Slate Theory’s merchandise line, leveraging her skills to elevate our brand and enhance the overall customer experience. With a background rooted in both athletics and business, Erika brings a unique perspective and dynamic leadership to our organization.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education, Justine embarked on a fulfilling career as a teacher. Subsequently, she made a strategic transition to the family’s oilfield business, where she assumed the role of an office manager, collaborating closely with her sister, Erika. Presently, Justine is actively engaged in the management of La Bonne Vie Ranch, a distinguished wedding venue that boasts the largest volume of Slate Theory’s estate-grown grapes. Her diverse experiences and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our operations. Outside of her professional endeavors, Justine possesses a keen appreciation for the intricacies of viticulture, contributing to the success of our vineyard.
