KEY Magazine Fort Worth

LightCatcher– A Texas Oasis
by Don Patterson

One of the best-kept secret venues is LightCatcher Winery and Bistro, nestled in the woodlands just minutes from downtown Fort Worth.

Owner, operator, and winemaker, Caris Palm Turpen, explains her vision for establishing the winery. "We want to be a destination winery unlike the myriad wineries found in California's Napa Valley. We want our winery to be more inviting, a sort of sanctuary where visitors can kick back, enjoy the countryside and all the other amenities we offer."

Amenities are numerous at the LightCatcher. Besides the traditional tasting area, the facility boasts a cozy barrel room surrounded by oak barrels, wine tanks, and an eye-catching display of local art. The terrace is decked out with umbrella-topped dining tables and comfortable chair arrangements. The winery serves lunch, light hors d'oeuvres, and a cornucopia of entertainment. On the 3rd Sunday of each month, The LightCatcher features a local jazz group.

Winemaking is a new career for Caris. She spent 25 years in the film industry as a cinematographer and even won an EMMY. Her award winning has spilled over into the LightCatcher's superb wines. Its spirits have won several awards, and in March 2004, a LightCatcher 2002 Merlot won three gold medals at the Texas' Best Wine Competition in Houston. "We are currently producing about 4000 cases of wine and we want to keep that production size to maintain continued fine quality," Caris says.

Caris' husband,Terry, is a vital part of the team. "I couldn't have done this without him. It takes two people to build a little business like this." I started winemaking as a hobby, but with Terry's support we turned it into a thriving business."

Caris explains, "Two years ago there were 40 Texas wineries and today there are almost 100. Texas is where Napa Valley was 20 years ago but we're climbing rapidly."

Move over California – Texas wines are coming up fast, and LightCatcher Winery is leading the field. 6925 Confederate Park Rd./FM 1886, Fort Worth, 817-237-2626, e-mail: lightcatch@aol.com.

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