September 15, 2016
article by Megan Winkler of Culturemap Austin.
Editor’s note: This is the inaugural year for CultureMap’s Top Texans Under 30, a program that celebrates the twentysomething power players making a difference in their industries and communities across the Lone Star State — and, in some cases, the world. The full list is here. For now, read all about Ross McLauchlan and Cooper Anderson.
Urban, funky, and snob-free, Austin Winery epitomizes Austin innovation. Founders Ross McLauchlan, 27, and Cooper Anderson, 29, have a love of community, a spirit of inclusiveness, and a dedication to bringing fine wine to Texans without the fluff of Napa.
CEO McLauchlan and head winemaker Anderson are hands-on, hitting the road to help harvest and crush their grapes from their eco-conscious and biodynamic vineyard partners across the United States. Everything else — from fermentation and filtration to bottling and serving — takes place in Austin, where age-old craftsmanship is always on the menu, but white tablecloths aren’t. The same attitude can be expected at their upcoming space at The Yard, located at St. Elmo and South Congress, which is set to open this fall.
Everything they do is as local and sustainable as possible, down to the recycled cork, locally made bottles, and artwork created by Texan artist Nic Mathis.
We recently chatted with the pair, who took a break from winemaking to let us in on a few secrets.
CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?
Ross McLauchlan: I’m inspired by the community of small business owners in Austin and the unifying power of wine. A soccer ball and a bottle of wine is the fastest way to find friends anywhere in the world.
Cooper Anderson: Every year is a different challenge, but I get to find creative expression within those confines.
CM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Texans trying to innovate in their industry?
RM: Be ready for delays. Navigating government compliance can be tougher than selling your products. Remember, if it were easy, someone would have done it by now.
CA: Attract people outside the typical demographic of your industry.
CM: Sum up Texas in three words:
RM: Gritty, groundbreaking, frontiersmen/women.
CA: Can do attitude.
CM: What’s one thing that people might not know about you?
RM: I meditate twice a day to calm my competitive nature and try and gain perspective.
CA: I’ve voted for my dog for president in the last three elections.
CM: Finish this sentence: “It’s a great day when … ”
RM: Our new space opens at St. Elmo and South Congress.
CA: I can finish my day of winemaking with beers and sandwiches.
September 06, 2016
Cooper Anderson, 29, and Ross McLauchlan, 27
Co-founders, Austin Winery
Cooper Anderson and Ross McLauchlan co-founded Austin Winery on the premise that it should be as relaxed and local as possible. The first of its kind within Austin city limits, the urban winery is distinctly Texan. Although the grapes are grown elsewhere, everything — from the fermentation and filtration to the bottling, serving, and enjoyment — takes place in town.
July 20, 2016
An article by: Molly McManus via Culture Map Austin:
Austin has an affinity for taking something old and making it new again, revitalizing struggling areas of the city and turning them into hot destinations. The latest of which is The Yard, a new mixed-use development for creative businesses.
The Yard is located near South Austin’s massive new public market Saint Elmo, a $120 million project sitting on over 10 acres of land off South Congress Avenue. Like Saint Elmo, The Yard is transforming a 150,000-square-foot complex into mixed-use buildings for creative local companies, a music venue, food truck court, festivals, and more.
Thoughtbarn and Delineate Studio and commercial real estate experts Scott Ungar, Adam Zimmerman, and Brian Schoenbaum developed the concept for The Yard in collaboration with Civilitude Engineering and the City of Austin. There's a heavy emphasis on design, food, and drink.
The Yard development team has thoughtfully curated its tenants. Businesses set to open in The Yard include St. Elmo Brewing Company, Vuka and Impact Hub Austin, SUP ATX, and The Austin Winery. Drophouse Design, wakaNine, Granite Recyclers of Austin, and Enabler have already opened at the revitalized warehouse campus.
“Every business at The Yard is a master of their craft, whether you’re a coffee roaster, distillery, fabrication shop, or brewery,” said Bryan Winslow of St. Elmo Brewing. “Because of that, joining this community felt right because we knew we’d be surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs in a collaborative, maker-friendly space. There are not many places in Austin, or the country, that will be like The Yard.”
The official grand opening is scheduled for winter 2016, and The Yard hopes to be a multifaceted spot for Austinites to come together, create, shop, eat, and drink. The Yard is also looking for more creative businesses to jump on board. See the full list of tenants here.
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