Grab family or friends to explore local favorites

Throughout this holiday season, consider supporting your local small businesses to contribute to the vibrancy of our community! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.

SHOP: Texas Hill Country Olive Co.

Texas Hill Country Olive Co. has been bringing the tradition of olive oil production to the Hill Country since 2008. Cara Gambini owns and operates the business with her dad, John Gambini. It includes an onsite store with a variety of gifts, as well as a bistro.

“We were inspired by a love for Mediterranean culture, good food, and sustainable farming,” Gambini said. “Beyond producing award-winning olive oils, we craft an entire experience - from tasting tours to farm-to-table dining in our bistro.”

Gambini said that they have remained committed to U.S. production, even after a hard freeze damaged their orchards. A customer favorite is Texas Miller’s Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil - which Gambini describes as robust, peppery, and perfect for dipping or drizzling. Those looking for something bolder can try infused oils like Blood Orange or Jalapeño.

DINE: Crepe Crazy

One of the busiest places in Dripping Springs on a Saturday morning is Crepe Crazy, a small eaterie near the high school that serves up delectable paninis, croissants, bagels, salads… and of course, crepes!

The family business, which is deaf owned and operated, was founded by Vladimir and Inna Giterman. The Dripping Springs location was their first brick-and-mortar. It is now operated by their children, Michelle and Sergei Giterman.

“We’re proud to be a showcase for the Deaf community, proving that food is a universal language,” Michelle Giterman said.

Visitors who know American Sign Language can use their skills to order at the restaurant. But knowing ASL isn’t required - pointing to the menu item is how most customers make their requests.

Crepe Crazy has another location in Austin, and recently, has opened up shop in Baltimore and in Washington, DC. All locations are deaf owned and operated.

UNWIND: Hawk Shadow Winery

If you have family in town for the holidays, show them the beauty of the Hill Country with a drive out to Hawk Shadow Winery.

“We have about a 22-mile view from where our tasting room is,” owner Doug Reed said. “And we’re off the beaten path enough to be extremely quiet. People comment on that all the time.”

Reed and his family started the vineyard back in 2005 and bottled their first wine in 2011. They have now produced 14 vintages.

“Everything we do is 100% Texas grapes. That’s one of our big selling points, is that it’s all made here,” Reed said. “We have about 7 acres of vineyard, and we do make about 20% of our wine from grapes that are grown on site.”

They focus on Bordeaux-style reds, and they also make some Spanish Tempranillo from the estate. Hawk Shadow barrel ages their wines 3 to 5 years on a regular basis, with a goal of producing world-class wines.

Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010, is dedicated to promoting small businesses across the country. For every $1 spent locally, $0.67 stays within the community. The Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce proudly serves as a Neighborhood Champion for the American Express Shop Small movement. Visit the Chamber’s website at dstxchamber.com to find hundreds of small businesses to support and to discover special deals for Small Business Season.