Today we’d like to introduce you to David Love.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Dave Love began his journey in the music industry as a teenager, fueled by ambition and a deep love for sound. After honing his craft at North Texas State University, founded his own recording studio, management company, and booking agency in Flower Mound.
In 1988, he launched Heads Up International, a record label that would become a powerhouse in contemporary jazz and world music. Over his career, Love recorded, produced, and executive produced more than 250 albums, earning 36 Grammy nominations and 9 Grammy wins with artists including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Spyro Gyra, Yellowjackets, Taj Mahal, Najee, Take 6, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, and Esperanza Spalding.
Driven by a lifelong passion for global music, Love forged a profound connection with South Africa, co-curating the Cape Town Jazz Festival for 18 years and showcasing the region’s top musical talent to the world.
Following the sale of Heads Up International to television visionary Norman Lear, Love transitioned into artist management, guiding the careers of the Buena Vista Social Club, renowned jazz luminaries, and Grammy-winning artist Esperanza Spalding.
Dave Love’s career stands as a testament to vision, innovation, and an unrelenting belief in the power of music to transcend borders.
Love and his wife Ruth continued their creative journey beyond music, relocating first to Seattle, Washington, and later to Cleveland, Ohio. Yet, their hearts remained in Texas, and they eventually felt the pull to return—this time to the scenic Texas Hill Country.
While searching for property, they discovered a new opportunity: the rapidly emerging world of wine and whiskey tourism along the famous 290 Wine Road. “We actually started during COVID,” Love recalled. “As music, concerts, and tours were shutting down across the globe, our little wine tour business began to take off.”
Their pivot from global music stages to the rolling vineyards of Texas reflects the same entrepreneurial spirit and passion that defined Love’s music career—transforming challenge into opportunity and creating something extraordinary once again.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“We’ve always believed that when one door closes, another opens—and that God had a plan for us during those challenging days of 2020,” Love reflected.
By mid-2020, people were restless and ready to reconnect. Major cities had fallen silent, transformed into ghost towns, yet the human spirit yearned for community and open spaces. Amidst strict social distancing measures, the Texas Wine Road offered just that—a safe and breathtaking escape where people could experience world-class wines, sweeping hill country views, and welcoming tasting rooms.
For the Loves, it was more than a business opportunity—it was a calling to help people rediscover joy, connection, and the beauty of gathering again.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Love’s expertise in orchestrating global tours for internationally acclaimed artists provided the perfect foundation for his new venture. Managing tours that often moved 10 to 25 people across continents, he became adept at coordinating every detail—from contracts, publicity, and promotions to flights, hotels, ground transportation, backline, and technical gear. Every element had to flow seamlessly, with precision and professionalism.
That same mastery of logistics and hospitality translated naturally into curating custom day outings throughout the Texas Hill Country. Whether organizing intimate wine tastings or large group excursions, Love applied the same creativity, care, and attention to detail that once powered world tours—now giving guests from across Central Texas unforgettable experiences among the vineyards and rolling hills.
What does success mean to you?
“We define success by the smiles, hugs, and handshakes we share at the end of each day,” Love said. “For us, it’s about more than a tour—it’s about creating memories that last.”
Their mission extends beyond the guests themselves. The Loves are equally committed to supporting their partners across the 290 Wine Road—the vineyards, tasting rooms, and distilleries that make the region so special. By connecting visitors with these local artisans, they aim to foster lasting relationships where guests become lifelong fans of the wines, spirits, and hospitality that define the Texas Hill Country experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HillCountryWineTours.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texashillcountrywinetours/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEXASHILLCOUNTRYWINETOURS
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HillCountryWineTours
- Other: www.HillCountryGuestHouses.com
