Who we are

Rio Neches Estate is a family-owned and operated vineyard dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that capture the unique character of East Texas. From our vines to your glass, we pour our passion into every bottle, and each vintage reflects a commitment to sustainable farming and modern winemaking.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, relaxing with friends, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, our estate provides the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled afternoon. At Rio Neches Estate, you’re not just a guest—you’re part of our story. We can’t wait to host you!

Meet the Team

Get to know the names and faces of the people behind the operations and serving you at our tasting room!


  • Owner/Operator

    Known affectionately as La Jefa ("the boss" in Spanish), Sydney brings a unique blend of passion, science, and grit to Rio Neches Winery. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Sydney holds a B.S. in Kinesiology with a minor in Entrepreneurship and a certification in Enology. She recently earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch, but her heart has always been in the vineyard.

    Sydney honed her craft over two formative summers at Kiepersol Winery, where she gained hands-on experience and deepened her love for winemaking. Today, she serves as the lead decision-maker and head winemaker at Rio Neches, where she’s turning her lifelong dream into a reality—one bottle at a time.

    Whether she's perfecting a new vintage or welcoming guests to the winery, Sydney is excited to share this journey with you.

  • Mason Dacus brings a sharp mind and deep curiosity to the vineyard at Rio Neches Winery. With a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University and a Master's from Harvard, Mason approaches viticulture with the precision of a scientist and the heart of a grower. Though new to hands-on vineyard management, he’s poured countless hours into researching best practices and recently completed an Enology Certification from Cornell.

    As the vineyard manager, Mason is dedicated to nurturing the vines from the ground up—often with the loyal company of the vineyard mascot, Ellie Mae. Passionate, driven, and endlessly inquisitive, Mason is excited to bring you along on this new journey in winemaking.

Contact us

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