Winston — our iconic red double-decker bus — rolled onto the property one spring morning in 2018. The bus itself was free, but hauling it here cost $700, which felt about right for a 1951 London Transport veteran retiring in the Texas Hill Country.

Built in 1951, Winston spent nearly two decades carrying London commuters before moving into county service and eventually being repainted red for one last run. After retiring from the fleet in 1975, he made his way to Scotland, then somehow to Austin, where he spent years working the food-truck scene as a Fish & Chips counter and an unbeatable selfie backdrop.

By the time Winston reached Hye, he had stories layered into his paint. We briefly entertained ideas — a bar inside, rooftop seating, maybe even getting him road-ready again — but ultimately decided he’d earned a peaceful retirement. Today, Winston stands proudly on our grounds as the most photographed “member” of the Hye Cider team.

Visitors love him. And if you’ve ever tried to move a double-decker bus with a tractor and a couple of determined friends, you’ll appreciate that Winston can still roll — slowly, but with dignity.

Now he serves as our landmark, our unofficial mascot, and the easiest way to find us on the 290 Wine Trail.

Every double-decker deserves a good retirement. We’re glad Winston chose ours.