What makes William Windlow with Cooley Bay Winery and Brewery a good neighbor?
We talk with William Windlow from Cooley Bay Winery and Brewery, a North Texas tasting room built around approachable craft beer, wine, cider, and mead in a relaxed, welcoming environment. He shares how his path started long before opening the business, beginning with home brewing, constant experimentation, and years of refining recipes before ever serving the public.
William breaks down what it really takes to move from hobbyist to brewery owner, including the unglamorous years of trial, repetition, and learning what makes a recipe consistently good. He explains how those early experiences shaped his standards today, especially the moment he tastes a finished batch and evaluates whether it truly meets the balance of aroma, flavor, and structure he is aiming for.
We also explore his vision for Cooley Bay in Van Alstyne, where the goal is to create a laid-back, judgment-free space where both newcomers and craft enthusiasts feel comfortable exploring beer and wine. From fruit wines and ciders to meads and house-brewed beers, the focus is on variety, education, and enjoyment rather than intimidation. He also highlights the space itself, including a dog-friendly patio, free Wi-Fi, and a setting designed for both social time and casual work sessions.
If you enjoy stories about building something from the ground up and creating community-centered spaces around craft beverages, this conversation brings it all together.
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Guest Info: Cooley Bay Winery and Brewery | https://cooliebay.com | 903-375-1701
