David Kuhlken is co-founder, President, and Winemaker of Pedernales Cellars in Texas Hill Country. He is a sixth-generation Texan and a graduate of Rice University and the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. He studied oenology and viticulture at the University of California at Davis. His involvement in the Texas wine industry goes back to the early 1990s, when he and his family first planted the vineyard carrying his family name, Kuhlken Vineyards. Media Inquiries: Sally Edenfield sally@saymynamepr.com | https://www.pedernalescellars.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
I think we can fairly say we are the most sustainability-focused winery in Texas and the first in the state to achieve organic certification for our production. From the beginning, our family has been deeply committed to sustainability, introducing innovations such as geothermal cooling, rainwater collection systems, and one of the largest underground cellars in the industry at the time. These efforts are not just technical advancements; they reflect our dedication to preserving our environment and creating wines that truly reflect our values.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
Our ultimate dream would be to bring our winery and network of vineyards to a level of net-zero energy consumption. For us, this is not just about achieving sustainability for our own operations but creating a blueprint for others in our region to follow. Texas has a strong heritage of conservation, with farmers and ranchers adapting to unpredictable conditions by doing more with less. As a relatively new farming tradition in this region, the Texas wine industry still needs a roadmap for achieving sustainability. With the right resources, we would love to lead the way and demonstrate what is possible in creating a sustainable future for Texas winemaking.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Without a doubt, it has to be Tempranillo. The journey to becoming one of Texas’s leading producers of Tempranillo perfectly aligns with our identity and this region. When we began, we planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, much like many other wineries in Texas, with the goal of offering popular varieties. However, those varietals struggled against our region’s heat and unpredictable weather. It was only when we observed how our test blocks of Tempranillo thrived—enduring droughts, late-summer monsoons, and spring freezes—that we realized its potential. For the past 20 years, Tempranillo has not only proven resilient but has allowed us to craft exceptional wines, embodying the spirit of adaptability and sustainability. For us, sustainability is about more than just environmental responsibility; it’s about channeling our energy into the varietals best suited for this region. For Pedernales Cellars and Texas, that varietal is Tempranillo. Read the 2021 Tempranillo Reserve wine review.
Bonus Question: Why Winemaking?
This question can be approached in many ways, but I want to emphasize the tangible value of winemaking for the wine drinker. Movements like “low intervention” and “natural wine” have been incredibly positive in shining a light on transparency and the methods behind winemaking. However, one unintended consequence has been the misconception that the less a winemaker does, the closer a wine is to its ideal, “natural” state. Winemaking is a tradition built on thousands of years of knowledge and wisdom, enabling us to elevate grapes to their fullest potential. Some of the world’s greatest wines involve extensive artistry and technical skill in their creation. While we should strive for transparency in winemaking, we must also celebrate the craftsmanship and expertise that make extraordinary wines possible. The wine world doesn’t need less winemaking—it needs thoughtful, transparent, and intentional winemaking.