A Texas bootmaker is preparing to open a new wine cellar and showroom in the Hill Country, with a grand opening scheduled for May 1 in Johnson City, near Fredericksburg.
Republic Boot Co., a Houston-based custom boot brand known for using exotic leathers, purchased a 10-acre property in January 2025 that includes a castle-style building, hotel and vineyard. The company plans to turn the site into a visitor destination that blends retail with wine tastings and events.
Founder Chris Conrad said the space will feature wines from his Conrad Family Wines label alongside the company’s boots and custom hats. The concept builds on the brand’s existing retail approach, which has included experiential elements at its Houston showroom.
He also outlined plans for events that reflect the Hill Country’s heritage, including a German-style Christmas market and music festivals. Part of the property will be set aside for a laid-back honky-tonk dance hall, modeled after venues like Gruene Hall in New Braunfels.
Conrad, who studied winemaking in Italy, told MySA he has been working on the Hill Country project for the last five years.
“I’ve always been into the wine aspects of things, way back, even before I was doing the boots. I was designing and building; I was making wine,” he told MySA. “I think it’s just the combination of a lot of things coming together at the same time.”
The property, previously owned by another winery, has been under renovation for several months. Conrad said the interior has been redone while keeping some of its medieval design elements, alongside a more Western aesthetic.
“It’s like walking into John Dutton’s house — rustic, but with an elegant Texas feel,” Conrad said.
The “Yellowstone” comparison is a familiar one for the brand. Actors Ryan Bingham and Hassie Harrison, who appeared on the show, were married in custom Republic Boots, according to a 2024 Vogue feature.
Founded in 2011, the company has also drawn a following among celebrities, including rappers Paul Wall and Drake. Last year, it partnered with the Houston Texans, outfitting the team’s cheerleaders with its boots.
Find it: 101 Durango, Johnson City, TX 78636.
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