Republic Wine Castle Opens in Johnson City on May 1

The medieval-style winery and boot shop aims to become a new Hill Country destination.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:42pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a single cowboy boot repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the iconic Texas lifestyle and craftsmanship that will be on display at the new Republic Wine Castle.The grand opening of Republic Wine Castle will showcase the brand's handcrafted cowboy boots alongside its new Texas-made wines, blending luxury hospitality with iconic Lone Star State style.Houston Today

Republic Boot Co. is opening a new winery, hotel, and boot shop called Republic Wine Castle in Johnson City, Texas. The grand opening weekend is scheduled for May 1-3, featuring wine tastings, live music, and custom boot fittings. The property includes a tasting room, private seating, a cigar lounge, a commercial kitchen, and an on-site boutique hotel, all set on 10-12 acres along the 290 Wine Trail.

Why it matters

The opening of Republic Wine Castle is part of a broader trend of higher-end hospitality, retail, and experiential destinations emerging in the Texas Hill Country. This mash-up of Texas craftsmanship and hospitality aims to draw more weekend visitors to the 290 corridor, which is reshaping into more of a luxury playground.

The details

Republic Wine Castle will operate as both a working winery, producing Texas-made wine from local Johnson City fruit, and a new brick-and-mortar location for Republic Boot Company's handcrafted cowboy boots. The property, long known as the 290 Wine Castle, includes a tasting room, private turret seating, a cigar lounge, a commercial kitchen, and an on-site boutique hotel.

  • Republic Wine Castle is set to open on May 1, 2026.
  • The grand opening weekend is scheduled for May 1-3, 2026.

The players

Republic Boot Company

A Houston-based company that specializes in handcrafted cowboy boots and is opening the new Republic Wine Castle property in Johnson City.

Chris Conrad

The CEO of Republic Boot Company, who stated that the new venture is about "preserving the soul of Texas" through a mix of Texas craftsmanship and hospitality.

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What they’re saying

“We've always said that Republic isn't just about making boots; it's about preserving the soul of Texas.”

— Chris Conrad, CEO, Republic Boot Company

What’s next

Reservations and booking details for Republic Wine Castle are available on the property's website, where visitors can view current tasting hours and membership perks. The venue will remain open during an ongoing renovation that is expected to continue into early summer.

The takeaway

The opening of Republic Wine Castle represents the continued evolution of the Texas Hill Country into a luxury weekend destination, with a mix of high-end hospitality, retail, and experiential offerings drawing visitors from nearby cities like Austin and San Antonio. This unique blend of a working winery, boutique hotel, and cowboy boot shop aims to become a new landmark along the 290 Wine Trail.