Our Story
Sanctuary Cellars is more than just a winery—it’s where the art of winemaking meets a deep commitment to wildlife preservation and sustainable practices. Owned and operated by John and Terri Ellen LeBas, the estate is home to a diverse array of animals, exemplifying their devotion to the habitat conservation and responsible stewardship of the land.
Visitors are welcomed into this peaceful sanctuary, where every glass of wine reflects the character of the land and the thoughtful care that goes into its cultivation. Beyond crafting exceptional wines, Sanctuary Cellars stands as a steward of nature’s beauty, inviting guests to reconnect with the environment.
With a focus on sustainable land management, Sanctuary Cellars serves as a model of how winemaking and conservation can thrive together. Their wines embody the unique terroir of the Texas High Plains, while the winery remains committed to protecting this natural haven for generations to come.
Sourcing grapes from the renowned Texas High Plains AVA—where more than 80% of the state’s grapes are grown—the winery benefits from the region’s high elevation, dry climate, and ideal sandy loam soils, resulting in wines of unparalleled quality and distinction.
THE WINES
At Sanctuary Cellars, each wine is a reflection of the land’s distinct personality and the
vineyard’s unwavering commitment to quality. The Sangiovese offers bright minerality, capturing the crisp, clean essence of its environment, while the Primitivo reveals the rich, layered complexity of the soil from which it is born. Every varietal is meticulously crafted to highlight the unique terroir, allowing each sip to unfold the vineyard’s story, steeped in its history and heritage.
Winemaking at Sanctuary Cellars is a balance of precision and passion. Every bottle embodies the perfect marriage of nature’s bounty and human artistry, resulting in wines that are not only distinctive but also deeply enjoyable. Whether at home or savoring a glass at the vineyard, each taste is a celebration of the region’s authenticity and craftsmanship.
THE VINES
At Sanctuary Cellars, the journey to exceptional wines begins in the Texas High Plains AVA, where the vineyards thrive in a unique terroir shaped by a dry climate, high elevation, and consistent sunshine. These conditions foster the development of intense, well-structured flavors in the grapes, creating wines that embody the very essence of this region.
The land itself plays a crucial role in each vintage, with its rich soils and arid environment producing grapes with remarkable depth and character. Sanctuary Cellars’ commitment to honoring this terroir is evident in every bottle, ensuring that their wines reflect not only the distinct qualities of the region but also a deep respect for the land.
THE Sanctuary
The Santuary is a peaceful haven for both wildlife and visitors. As you explore the grounds, you might spot deer grazing in the open fields, or hear the songs of native birds like the golden-cheek warbler. Turtles sun themselves near the ponds, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of foxes or other wildlife that call this place home.
Our sanctuary is more than just a tranquil setting for enjoying a beautiful glass of wine—it’s a space dedicated to preserving the natural environment and providing a safe refuge for animals.
We invite you to connect with nature and appreciate the diverse wildlife that thrives here.
Watch Us Grow
Sanctuary Cellars is on an exciting journey. As our winery develops, we’re excited to share both our baby-steps and major milestones with you.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or discovering us for the first time, we invite you to come along for the ride! From new wine releases to building terraces on the winery site, there’s always something exciting happening at Sanctuary Cellars.
Won’t you join us? We can’t wait to share our progress!