‘Busting’ With Pride at Carmine Winery

In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling does a Q & A with local business leaders about what inspires them. This month’s spotlight is on Sherrie Cooke of Busted Oak Cellars in Carmine.

What is your business?

We are a winery.

How did you get started?

We planted our vineyard in January of 2013 and we opened the winery on February of 2020.

How long have you been in business?

Busted Oak Cellars is a family run operation. Patrick is the Vineyard and Wine Manager, Sherrie is the food and events person, and Kevin is the Tasting Room Manager. We have been open for two years.

What are the products you sell?

We sell Busted Oak Cellars Wine and food.

Tell us something unique about your product.

All of our wines are Texas Wines. We grow Blanc du Bois and we make four wines from our vineyard. We purchase grapes from around Texas and make our wines.

What is your background?

Patrick is in oil and gas. Sherrie has owned three businesses over 35 years and Kevin was in the banking business for three years. As a family, we lived overseas for 11 years. We had the wonderful to opportunity to taste wine and experience different customs and cultures that have enriched our lives.

What do you suggest to others who want to venture out and take a leap of action in the future of their career?

Find something you love to do and take that leap of faith. Its even better if you bring others along that you can share the adventure with on a daily basis. When working with others, play off each other’s strengths.

Do you believe in college, trade schools or any training?

Success has everything to do with resilience. It doesn’t matter what path you take. Get the training you need and find a mentor.

What makes you laugh?

People bring such joy. We love sharing the special moments in life.