Ron Yates has always been a proud native Texan, but it was only after traveling to other wine-producing regions, and countries, that he realized the full potential of being a winemaker in his own home state.
Ron Yates
Owner
Seven generations of Texas ranchers taught Ron Yates to read the land. Spain’s Rioja region taught him to speak its language through wine. Combining his family’s deep-rooted understanding of Texas soil with old-world winemaking wisdom, Ron discovered that great vineyards, like great ranches, thrive on tradition, grit, a good joke, and a little bit of maverick spirit.
Owner and President, Ron Yates, has been at the helm since 2007. He oversees day-to-day operations, vineyard management, and works closely with the winemaker.
Joshua Fritsche
Winemaker
Reagan Sivadon
Chief Problem Solver
Vineyard Manager & Winemaker
Reagan Sivadon’s path into wine began quite literally from the ground up. A lifelong friend of Spicewood Vineyards owner Ron Yates, Reagan first became involved with the winery as a volunteer before leaving a career in construction management and building restoration to join Spicewood full-time in 2012.
He started in the vineyard, helping build trellises and irrigation systems and learning firsthand that great wine begins long before the grapes reach the cellar. As his interest in winemaking grew, Reagan began spending more time in the winery, learning the craft through hands-on experience and working his way from the vineyard and cellar into winemaking.
Today, Reagan oversees vineyard management and wine production for Spicewood Vineyards, working with fruit grown both on the estate and across Texas. His approach remains rooted in the connection between farming and winemaking—understanding the vineyard, adapting to each growing season, and making thoughtful decisions in the cellar that allow the fruit and its Texas origins to show through.
Hilary Coniglione
Event Manager
Hilary started as a 2017 Spicewood Vineyard’s bride who quickly became a Wine Club member and soon after began assisting with event management at the vineyard. Hilary has been managing weddings and events with us since 2020 and has been in the event planning industry for over a decade. She is detail oriented, communicative, energetic, thoughtful and dedicated to each of our clients and to the events she plans for guests of the vineyard too. Hilary ensures everyone has a great time when they step foot onto our property.