Five area chambers of commerce gathered for the ribbon cutting of the new tasting room facility of Lost Creek Winery near Sunrise Beach.

“I can see it as a central location for bringing events for the whole Central Texas area to the community,” said Lynda Shroyer, president of the Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce.

The chambers of commerce of Llano, Buchanan Dam, Marble Falls and Burnet joined in the celebration also.

It was July 4, 2004 that the winery owned by Larry Brinkman was celebrating the selection of Lost Creek Vineyard and Winery as “The Best New Winery” by the Wine Society of Texas.

That celebration was in the popular rustic tasting room down by the creek that runs through the vineyard. Its centerpiece was the lovingly restored nineteenth century original Brunswick-Balke-Collendar back bar.

The antique was all but destroyed last year when a flash flood swept away more than 1,000 cases of wine, the winery’s trademark swans, and the work of more than seven years.

“People still find bottles of wine in the creek,” said Brinkman’s wife Valerie.

The new facility features an expansive tasting room of more than 7,800 square feet with a Mediterranean flair that overlooks the lush vines of Lost Creek. Outside a 3,000 seat amphitheater offers a shady view of a stage for music and events.

Inside the remains of the Brunswick bar have been restored by Robert Madrid with Brinkman’s help. The length has been expanded from 16 feet to 55 feet of mirrored service space where the Brinkmans and their staff serve the winery’s list of local creations.

Upstairs, waiting for completion, are 10 bedrooms.

With the addition of a tapas menu and live music, Lost Creek is poised to become, as Shroyer envisions, an elegant center for meetings and receptions and events of all kinds.

Lost Creek Vineyard and Winery is located at 1129 RR 2233, Sunrise Beach. It is accessible from SH 71 at the Kingsland - Sunrise Beach exit, or from RR 2900 in Kingsland which connects to RR 1431 and highways 29 and 280.