The newest wine bar in Fort Worth is now open in one of Fort Worth’s oldest homes: Called Saddlerock Wine + Beer Co., it's a winery that originated in Malibu, California, and has debuted in the historic Chapman Bennett home at 731 Samuels Ave.
The Italian-style, two-story house, originally built for a Fort Worth National Bank VP in the 1870s, previously served as a residence before being purchased by Rom Semler, owner of Malibu Wines and Saddlerock Ranch, two years ago.
“His mother used to live in Fort Worth,” says Saddlerock general manager Francesca Lawrence, who oversaw construction of the project. “After he lost part of his property and tasting rooms in California because of the Woolsey fires in 2018, he decided to leave L.A. and come back to his roots, and found this beautiful property.”
Madison Semler, one of Ron Semler's children, says her family has "fallen in love" with history-rich properties. After the 2018 wildfires in California, they also purchased a historic California mission in West Hills to relocate their Malibu tasting room.
"The home at 731 Samuels speaks for itself in terms of beauty," says Semler. "The house and the land it's on are so beautiful and make us feel like we're not in the middle of the city."
Saddlerock Wine + Beer Co.
Saddlerock Wine + Beer Co. is now open in one of Fort Worth's oldest homes.
Grapes are still grown on the Semler family’s Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, with some grapes outsourced to wineries in Northern California to create estate wines. On the Saddlerock menu in Fort Worth, patrons will find both.
Whites include sauvignon blanc, Riesling, chardonnay, Moscato, and the hard-to-find pinot blanc. “It’s on the lighter side,” Lawrence says. “Not many people have heard of it and it’s not in many stores.”
There are several roses, including a sparkling, and reds ranging from malbec to cabernet sauvignon, including their highly recommended 2014 Semler Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wines by the glass range from $10-$15, while bottles span from $35 to $61. Lawrence expects to launch wine flights imminently, after the arrival of custom tasting boards. Saddlerock also sells more than a dozen local beers on tap.
Their conversion of the 2,500-square-foot home for commercial use required the installation of a fire suppression system, the most challenging aspect. But much of the home adheres to its original aesthetic with regard to flooring, millwork, and historical details.
In its new life as a wine bar, the home boasts multiple rooms for sitting and sipping. The original living room serves as a main seating area with a few two-top tables. A formal dining room is now a tasting room with a small interior bar and community table.
While much of the second floor is reserved for employee use and storage, the master bedroom allows for more seating, but will soon transform into a space exclusively for wine club members.
There’s also a separate carriage house outside, where guests can reserve the upstairs space for private parties, and a secret garden that extends to the Trinity River.
Guests will find historic memorabilia on the walls from the home’s lineage, including framed photos of the Fenelon family who owned the home for more than 100 years. (A great-great niece attended a pre-opening event, says Lawrence.)
Outside are lush nooks for sitting, with modern touches like umbrella-topped patio tables, string lights, and even lawn games like cornhole. While there is no food menu, guests are welcome to bring their own picnic or purchase from the occasional food truck parked on-site.
Saddlerock Wine + Beer Co. is currently open Wednesday-Saturday from 1-9 pm and Sunday 11 am-9 pm, with plans to extend their hours in the coming weeks.
