18 Oaks, JW Marriott San Antonio’s Signature Steakhouse, is Home to Largest Wine Collection in SA
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa announces that its signature steakhouse, 18 Oaks, now holds the largest wine selection in San Antonio, featuring 697 labels representing 14 countries and nearly 7,000 total bottles. The expanded collection reflects a major evolution of the resort’s wine program, blending regional wine culture, sommelier-driven curation, and immersive guest experiences.
General Manager of 18 Oaks – Bo Donnelly
The transformation was spearheaded by Bo Donnelly, General Manager of 18 Oaks, who spent months consulting distributors, sommeliers, and wine industry experts while researching competing wine programs across the region. When Donnelly first took over the wine program 18 months ago, the restaurant featured just 96 wines on its list, 94 of which were from California. Today, the collection spans 697 labels across 14 countries and nearly 7,000 bottles.
Driving Demand
The transformation has been driven by evolving guest demand, growing interest in Old World wines, and the Texas Hill Country’s emergence as a leading wine destination.
While Napa Valley reds remain a cornerstone of the collection due to strong guest demand, the restaurant has significantly expanded its Old World offerings, particularly French wines, introducing guests to varietals and producers not commonly found on traditional steakhouse wine lists in Texas. The program’s growth has also been influenced by the resort’s connection to the TPC San Antonio golf community, where collectors and longtime guests increasingly expressed interest in a more globally driven wine experience.
“Our goal is to bring a sense of adventure to wine,” said Bo Donnelly, General Manager of 18 Oaks. “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.”
To support the rapidly growing collection, the resort invested in four new wine refrigerators, an additional cellar, and specialized temperature- and humidity-controlled storage designed to preserve each bottle under optimal conditions as the program continues to expand.
To further elevate the guest experience, 18 Oaks hosts weekly wine education and tasting sessions for staff, often bringing in distributors and winemakers for hands-on training. Donnelly also leads ongoing daily education with servers, bartenders, and assistant managers pursuing sommelier certifications.
Donnelly’s 18-year career in the wine and hospitality industry began in Walla Walla, Washington, one of the nation’s most respected wine-producing regions. He began his career working in vineyards and tasting rooms before studying culinary arts and wine at Walla Walla Community College. His credentials include certifications through the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level II. After joining JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa as Assistant Manager of 18 Oaks two years ago, he quickly took over the restaurant’s wine program, and his leadership has helped transform the wine and dining experience at 18 Oaks into one of the most ambitious resort wine programs in Texas.
Wines that are Approachable & Aspirational
Designed to feel both approachable and aspirational, the collection welcomes a broad range of guests, from casual wine drinkers exploring new varietals to seasoned enthusiasts seeking rare and highly allocated bottles. Price points are intentionally inclusive, with best-selling bottles ranging from $120–$180, and a full list that spans $60 to $6,000. This wide range ensures both accessibility and luxury within the program.
Wine-Events for Beginners & Experienced Enthusiasts
Beyond the collection itself, 18 Oaks continues expanding immersive wine-focused experiences with chef-curated dinners, private tastings, winemaker events, and educational programming designed for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
JW Marriott San Antonio a Premier Getaway Destination
As one of the premier getaway destinations in Texas, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa elevates the Texas Hill Country hospitality experience through destination dining, now highlighted by the largest wine selection in San Antonio at 18 Oaks. Guests planning their next retreat are encouraged to reserve their stay and indulge in the resort’s destination dining, championship golf, luxury accommodations, and immersive culinary programming. To reserve your stay, please visit www.JWSanAntonio.com.
About JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Welcome to a San Antonio resort truly worthy of the Lone Star State. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has firmly established itself as the city’s premier luxury destination and the most renowned resort in the magnificent Texas Hill Country. Rated 4-Diamonds by AAA and just 12 miles north of San Antonio International Airport, the resort features two 18-hole TPC San Antonio golf courses, Lantana Spa, the 9-acre River Bluff Water Experience, seven distinctive restaurants, 265,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space, free Wi-Fi in the lobby and more than 1,000 custom-designed guest rooms. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a proud participant of various environmental, energy conservation and waste reduction initiatives. The San Antonio resort hotel is sure to make any visit an unforgettable experience, and it all comes with JW Marriott’s impeccable service and lavish amenities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful respite, productive meeting or exciting and fun-filled family vacation, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is designed not just to exceed expectations but redefine them. For information, call 1-210-276-2500 or visit the resort online, and on Instagram and Facebook.
