By Angelica Ariza
Devine News Intern
A small, family-owned winery in South Texas is gaining recognition after earning multiple awards at a statewide competition just weeks after opening to the public. Mil Veranos Estate Ranch & Vineyard, owned by Virginia Rodriguez Lopez, submitted three wines to the 2026 Austin Rodeo Texas International Wine Competition and all three brought home medals. The winery’s Lily Picpoul Blanc earned a gold medal, while the Cha Cha Rosé received silver and the Medina Red took home bronze.
For Rodriguez Lopez, the winery is more than just a business, it’s a reflection of her family’s story.
“When my husband asked me to marry him, he promised me a thousand summers,” she said. “So Mil Veranos comes from that promise. We’ve been together for decades, we have five children, and Mil Veranos just embodies all of the love in our family.”
The winery officially opened to the public on Jan. 3, 2026, but the property has long been a gathering place in the community. Before becoming a winery, the location was rented out for weddings and special events. Rodriguez Lopez said transforming the space into a winery felt like a natural next step.
“It was the next logical step, being able to make our wines and see people enjoy them,” she said. “It makes us a part of their happiness, and that’s something you really can’t measure.”
Located along U.S. Highway 90 in D’Hanis, Mil Veranos is currently the only winery operating on that stretch of road between Uvalde and Castroville, making it a unique stop for travelers in South Texas. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, including purchasing wine on site and relaxing with a glass paired with a charcuterie board. The winery is also working to expand its reach through upcoming online sales.
In addition, Mil Veranos offers a wine club designed for regular customers. Members receive their wine at a discounted rate and commit to quarterly allocations, with the option to choose the number of bottles they would like to receive each cycle.
“We’ve put a lot of intention into growing our grapes and making our wines, it’s a passion and a labor of love for me,” Rodriguez Lopez said.
The winery currently produces about 8,000 bottles per year, a strong start for a small operation that recently opened its doors. Mil Veranos welcomes guests of all ages. Children who visit are given juice boxes and can enjoy lawn games while adults sample wines, creating an inclusive atmosphere for families.
For more information about the winery, contact Mil Veranos Estate Ranch & Vineyard by phone at 210-776-8459, or visit them at 861 County Road 411 in D’Hanis.
As Mil Veranos continues to grow, its early success signals a promising future rooted in family, tradition and, as its name suggests, a thousand summers.
