The Rambling Gypsy

• From Family Moonshine to Craft Cocktails: Elk Store Winery & Distillery

  There's something remarkable about a family legacy that survives across generations, transformation, and even prohibition. In this captivating conversation with Todd from Elk Store in Fredericksburg, Texas, we uncover the extraordinary journey that began when his 14-year-old great-grandfather arrived alone from Moravia in 1895, speaking no English, and eventually established the original Elk Store.Todd reveals how his family's history during prohibition inspired his own venture into distilling after decades in the wine industry. Having witnessed Fredericksburg's evolution from a sleepy town with just two wineries in the early 1990s to a destination attracting millions of visitors annually, Todd has intentionally preserved something increasingly rare – a business built on craftsmanship rather than scale.Unlike most distilleries that focus on a signature product, Elk Store embraces the speakeasy concept by producing everything from whiskey and vodka to their famous pecan pie moonshine (based on Todd's grandmother's recipe). Their exquisite cocktail program, featuring house-squeezed juices, handmade syrups, and spectacular presentation, has created a following that keeps visitors returning time after time.Beyond spirits, Todd continues his négociant winemaking, collaborating with small family producers in France, Italy, Argentina, and California. His stories of working with vintners who step off tractors to unlock their wineries capture the authentic connections he values – a stark contrast to corporate wine experiences.As Fredericksburg faces increasing corporate development, Elk Store stands as a reminder of what makes small towns special: businesses where owners know your name, remember your favorite drink, and sometimes even receive your mail. Visit Elk Store to experience this unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and community that can only be found in Fredericksburg, where Todd and his team are preserving the art of hospitality one meticulously crafted cocktail at a time.https://elkstore1895.net/https://www.facebook.com/elkstore1895/#https://www.instagram.com/elkstore1895fbgThe Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.Links:http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsyhttps://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

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• Butterflies and Bold Reds: Inside Heath Family Brands @ Grape Creek Vineyards

  Sipping wine on the patio at Grape Creek Vineyard feels like coming home. In this captivating conversation with Richard from Heath Family Brands, we uncover the remarkable transformation of a modest Texas Hill Country winery into a powerhouse producing 85,000 cases annually across 65+ different wines.The journey begins with memories of a simple gravel parking lot and traces through Grape Creek's evolution after Brian and Jennifer Heath acquired the property. What's especially fascinating is how they've maintained quality throughout massive expansion—from establishing Heath Sparkling Wines with its food pairings to acquiring Kuhlman Estates and launching their premium JenBlossom line with distinctive butterfly labels.Richard shares insider stories about their winemaking philosophy, including their commitment to the direct-to-consumer model rather than wide distribution. We learn about their dedicated winemaker and the team's attention to detail in everything from climate-controlled shipping to the subtle design elements on their labels. The conversation takes delightful twists through marketing strategies, Texas weather challenges, and even how wine club memberships have fostered lasting friendships between strangers meeting on their patios.Whether you're planning your first visit to Texas wine country or seeking your next premium bottle, this episode offers a glimpse into what makes Grape Creek special—exceptional wines paired with experiences that create memories and connections far beyond what's in your glass. Next time you're near Fredericksburg, make time to visit and taste for yourself why their wines consistently sell out year after year.https://grapecreek.com/https://www.instagram.com/grapecreekvineyards/https://www.facebook.com/GrapeCreekVineyardsThe Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.Links:http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsyhttps://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

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• From Ice Buckets to Ownership: The Journey to The Top

  A dream realized through perseverance and perfect timing—that's the story behind The Top, Fredericksburg's newest gem nestled on four beautiful acres just minutes from Main Street. Owner Curtis Montalbo shares his remarkable journey from bar backing at Billy's Ice in New Braunfels nearly 20 years ago to creating his own hill country haven.What makes The Top special isn't just its stunning setting with oak trees and open spaces, but its genuine commitment to comfort and consistency. This isn't your typical tourist trap—it's a place where locals gather regularly and visitors feel instantly at home. The fully fenced cattle yard provides a safe space where children play cornhole while parents enjoy craft cocktails on the patio. Dogs are welcome, families are embraced, and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between lively and relaxing.Curtis's creativity behind the bar shines through unique creations like the El Jefe (muddled jalapeños, pineapple juice, reposado tequila, and ginger beer) and his mysterious espresso margarita. Live music flows Thursday through Sunday, featuring talented artists like Austin Gillam, Manzy Lowry, and the JJ Garrett Band—many of whom Curtis built relationships with during his bartending days.The Top represents something increasingly rare—a business born from passion rather than pure profit motive. As Curtis explains their measured approach to growth, you can feel his commitment to doing things the right way. He envisions The Top eventually becoming one of Texas' premier music venues while preserving the intimate, authentic experience that makes it special.Whether you're a Fredericksburg local or planning your next hill country getaway, don't miss this hidden treasure where Texas hospitality meets craft cocktails and live music. Find us three miles west of Main Street on 290—we're open seven days a week, making us one of the few alcohol-serving establishments in town that never takes a day off!The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.Links:http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsyhttps://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

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• The Art of Being Unapologetically You with Jungle Part 2

  From rattlesnakes to beaches, aging perspectives to the merits of novellas, our candid conversation with author George Midla dives deep into the creative process behind three published books.We explore Midla's personal favorite stories from his collections, including the emotional "Black Roads" inspired by a loss in Afghanistan, and "The Wish" - a potential children's book about a man and a mermaid that examines our tendency to overlook what we already possess. Midla's lifelong connection to the ocean permeates everything he writes, leading to a fascinating discussion about how environments shape storytelling.When Midla reads his short piece "Anne's Feet," it sparks a thoughtful examination of health versus beauty and societal expectations. This seamlessly flows into one of the most compelling segments where Midla shares his theory about fundamental differences between men and women - likening women to "onions with multiple layers" who approach situations from various perspectives, while men tend to see everything as "nails to be hammered." His observation that men soften emotionally with age reveals how time transforms our worldviews.The conversation concludes with exciting news about Midla's third book, "A Texas Treasure Tale," a novella that garnered impressive download numbers. Already three chapters into his next project, Midla reflects on how reading "some garbage" books motivated him to start writing again. Whether you're fascinated by creative processes, human psychology, or just enjoy authentic conversation that feels like eavesdropping on old friends, this episode delivers unexpected wisdom with Midla's signature ocean-deep perspective.• "Black Roads" made Midla cry while writing it and is dedicated to someone who lost their life in Afghanistan• "The Wish" is about a mermaid and explores how we wish for things we don't have instead of appreciating what we already possess• Midla's extensive experience with the ocean (surfing, sailing, scuba diving) naturally flows into his writing settings and themes• "Saltwater cures everything, whether it's tears, sweat or the sea" serves as a personal mantra• Reading of "Anne's Feet," a short story examining the difference between health and beauty through a woman's contemplation of her feet• Discussion on how men and women perceive the world differently – women as "multi-layered onions" viewing situations through different perspectives• How aging changes men: "When we get older, we soften up, we get more emotional"• Announcement of Midla's third book, "A Texas Treasure Tale," a novella that garnered 2,700 downloads in one day• Three chapters already written for a follow-up to his latest novellaThe Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.Links:http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsyhttps://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

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• The Art of Being Unapologetically You with Jungle

  What does it mean to be truly, unapologetically yourself? Our conversation begins with a Christmas card that raised eyebrows—featuring our guest flipping double middle fingers—and evolves into a profound exploration of authentic self-expression.We dive deep into the creative process behind "From Love to War," a collection of short stories that blends autobiography with fiction. Unlike conventional writing approaches, these stories emerged from raw emotional terrain. "I spent a lot of time weeping over the freaking keyboard hammering out those stories," our guest reveals, offering a glimpse into the vulnerability required for meaningful creative work.The heart of our discussion centers around relationships and how we connect with others. Love, according to our guest, serves as "the great equalizer"—a force that transcends circumstance and social standing. Whether you're in a luxury hotel or a humble dwelling, that moment of genuine connection exists outside time and space. This refreshing perspective cuts through commercial Valentine's Day narratives and speaks to something more fundamental about human connection.Perhaps the most moving revelation comes when we discover parallel life philosophies. While our host lives by "leave a trail that everyone wants to follow," our guest writes, "I want to make a trail with words, a path no one has ever walked." This beautiful convergence highlights how we all seek to leave our unique mark on the world while creating something that resonates universally.Join us for this honest, sometimes irreverent conversation about creativity, relationships, mortality, and the space between birth and death that one guest describes simply as "magic and mayhem." What trail are you leaving behind?In this candid conversation, we explore authenticity in both creative expression and personal relationships, from unconventional Christmas cards to the emotional journey of writing deeply personal stories.• Discussion of a controversial Christmas card featuring middle finger gestures that perfectly captured authentic self-expression• Exploration of our guest's second book "From Love to War," a collection of short stories blending autobiography with fiction• Deep dive into the emotional vulnerability required in creative writing, with our guest admitting to "weeping over the keyboard"• Philosophical conversation about love as "the great equalizer" that transcends socioeconomic boundaries• Discovery of parallel life philosophies: "leave a trail everyone wants to follow" and "make a trail with words"• Thoughtful reflections on mortality, legacy, and how we want to be remembered• Honest discussion about failure, resilience, and sharing life lessons with younger generationsThe Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.Links:http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsyhttps://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

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