Wine enthusiasts visiting San Antonio now have a new reason to raise a glass. (Images courtesy of JW Marriott San Antonio)
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa announced that its signature steakhouse, 18 Oaks, now features the largest wine selection in San Antonio. The expansive collection includes 697 labels representing 14 countries and nearly 7,000 bottles. As a result, it has transformed the restaurant into one of Texas’ premier wine destinations.
The growth of the wine program marks a significant milestone for the resort. Furthermore, it reflects the increasing interest in wine tourism throughout the Texas Hill Country.
Leading the transformation is Bo Donnelly, General Manager of 18 Oaks, who spent months researching wine programs, consulting distributors and sommeliers, and studying trends throughout the hospitality industry. When Donnelly assumed responsibility for the wine program 18 months ago, the restaurant offered just 96 wines. Nearly all selections came from California. Today, the collection spans the globe. It features wines from some of the world’s most respected wine-producing regions.
“Our goal is to bring a sense of adventure to wine,” Donnelly said. “We want guests to discover something new, to feel comfortable exploring, and to have access to wines that they may have never seen before or never had access to. No matter what brings you to the resort, there is something on this list for every palate, every moment, and every level of curiosity. Wine should feel approachable. It should inspire.”
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa SATJW
While Napa Valley reds remain a favorite among guests, the expanded collection now showcases a strong selection of Old World wines, particularly from France. The enhanced offerings give visitors opportunities to experience varietals and producers that are rarely found on traditional Texas steakhouse wine lists.
The program’s evolution has also been influenced by the resort’s connection to the TPC San Antonio golf community. Frequent guests and collectors increasingly sought more diverse and globally inspired selections. In response, this helped shape the direction of the collection.
To accommodate the growing inventory, JW Marriott San Antonio invested in four new wine refrigerators, an additional cellar, and specialized temperature- and humidity-controlled storage systems designed to preserve every bottle under ideal conditions.
Education has become another cornerstone of the program’s success. Staff members participate in weekly wine tastings and training sessions that often include distributors and visiting winemakers. Additionally, Donnelly also conducts ongoing daily education for servers, bartenders, and assistant managers pursuing sommelier certifications.
Bo Donnelly, General Manager of 18 Oak
Donnelly brings nearly two decades of wine and hospitality experience to the role. His career began in Walla Walla, Washington, one of the nation’s most acclaimed wine regions, where he worked in vineyards and tasting rooms before studying culinary arts and wine at Walla Walla Community College. He also holds certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (Level II).
Since joining JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa two years ago as Assistant Manager of 18 Oaks, Donnelly has helped elevate the restaurant’s wine and dining experience into one of the most ambitious resort wine programs in Texas.
Designed to appeal to both casual wine drinkers and seasoned collectors, the collection offers a broad range of price points. Best-selling bottles typically range from $120 to $180. Meanwhile, the full list spans from approximately $60 to $6,000. This offers guests the opportunity to enjoy everything from approachable selections to rare, highly allocated wines.
Beyond the wine list itself, 18 Oaks continues expanding immersive culinary experiences through chef-curated wine dinners, private tastings, winemaker events, and educational programming for guests of all experience levels.
As one of Texas’ premier resort destinations, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa continues to enhance its hospitality offerings. These include destination dining, championship golf, luxury accommodations, and now the largest wine selection in San Antonio.
Guests interested in experiencing the collection can reserve a stay. They can also learn more by visiting JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.
