Kfire Winery Vineyard - Burnet County

This hidden gem on the western side of US HWY 183 in Bertram is worth your wine trekking travel stop. Owners Gail and Kenny Fowler opened their tasting room five years ago. Long time Texas wine fans might remember them from the Lakeway Winery at the Oasis. Retired firefighter, Kenny, developed the theme for the winery and the décor with firefighter paraphernalia such has a fire hydrant out front, and interior walls decorated with fire patches, helmets and even some firehoses curled up on the floor. Not to mention that many of the wines' names are firefighter related. Their grapes and juice are sourced from the Texas High Plains as well as from other areas across the state. There is an A to Z selection from white, rosé, red, and sweet wines. On this visit, we started off with the two whites on the menu, both of which will help quench a very hot Texas summer thirst. The Viognier is dry and crisp with a bit of oak on the nose. The 2019 Engine 12 is a Rhone style blend of Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne. It is very well balanced and floral with some citrus notes and a bit of oak on the finish. The Rescue Rosé is Cinsault based and will fill your palate with fresh ripe strawberry and black currant flavors a wine great to sip or pair with a variety of food options. For the reds, we started with the Engine 39. This red beast is a Barbera with rich cherry and blackberry notes and a hint of vanilla. The wine had good tannins and acids (should pair nicely with meaty pasta dishes). We tried the Cabernet Franc called The Specialist. Cherry and plums dominated this red gem. Most everyone knows how dominant Tempranillo is in Texas wineries and the 2019 Ignite is their take on this Texas varietal. It is quite bold, with firm tannins, bright acids, and plum aromas with a bit of nut on the finish. Bring on your best ribeye with that monster! For the sweet wines, check out the Cadet. It has a rhubarb flavor with strawberry bouquet and makes a light sweet summer sipper. For port lovers, they save the best for last with the Extinguisher. Twelve years in the making (part barrel and bottle aged), this crown jewel is rich in pecan, caramel, and dried fruit. On the horizon, they should be releasing a Sangiovese in the future. With a very nice quiet setting in the country overlooking the vineyard, this is a good spot for chilling and sipping. Check them out when in the area or planning a wine outing and be on the lookout for their food wine dinners. Always a treat to find new wineries and tasting rooms, so explore and enjoy!

Wow! Outstanding Texas wines! We found this winery after following the GPS outside of Bertram.... It may not look like much on the outside, but the warm reception and fantastic wines were well worth the drive... I bought 3 bottles and even joined the wine club! I'm

Awesome small winery. Wine is good and the owners are very hospitable. Highly recommend you pay them a visit!

I wasn't a wine drinker at all until I discovered KFire. You definitely need to check this place out. It has a cozy, small business vibe but offers world-class flavors! Plus, they host fun activities throughout the year. We've become members because we love it so much!

The grapes and juices used in the wines are sourced from the Texas High Plains and various regions across the state, offering a comprehensive selection that includes whites, rosés, reds, and sweet wines. On our visit, we started with the two white wines on the menu, both perfect for quenching thirst on a hot Texas summer day. The Viognier is dry and crisp with a subtle oak aroma, while the 2019 Engine 12 presents a Rhône-style blend of Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne, showcasing excellent balance with floral notes, citrus flavors, and a touch of oak on the finish. For rosé, we tried the Rescue Rosé, made from Cinsault, which offers vibrant ripe strawberry and black currant flavors—a delightful wine to sip on its own or with a variety of dishes. Moving on to reds, we began with Engine 39, a Barbera with rich cherry and blackberry notes complemented by a hint of vanilla, boasting good tannins and acidity—ideal for pairing with hearty pasta dishes. We also sampled The Specialist, a Cabernet Franc featuring predominant cherry and plum flavors. Texas wineries are well-known for their Tempranillo, and the 2019 Ignite is their bold interpretation of this varietal. It has firm tannins, bright acidity, and aromas of plum, finishing with a hint of nuttiness—perfectly matched with a juicy ribeye. For those who prefer sweet wines, the Cadet offers a refreshing light sweetness with rhubarb and strawberry notes, making it an excellent summer sipper. Lastly, for port aficionados, the Extinguisher is the crowning glory—a rich blend aged for twelve years that marries flavors of pecan, caramel, and dried fruit beautifully. With a serene setting overlooking the vineyard, this winery is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy their offerings. Be sure to visit if you're in the area or planning a wine tour, and keep an eye out for their special food and wine dinners. It's always a pleasure to discover new wineries and tasting rooms—so get out there and savor the experience!