Texas Hill Country Named the No. 3 Wine Region in America for 2026

If you still think great wine only comes from California, it may be time to reconsider.

The Texas Hill Country has officially been named the No. 3 wine region in the United States in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. That’s a remarkable jump from its No. 9 ranking just one year ago and a sign that Texas wine is continuing to earn national recognition.

For those of us who have spent time exploring the winding roads between Fredericksburg, Stonewall, and Johnson City, the news may not come as much of a surprise. The combination of rolling hills, scenic vineyards, welcoming tasting rooms, and a growing collection of award-winning wines has transformed the Hill Country into one of America’s most exciting wine destinations.

A Big Win for Texas Wine

The USA Today 10Best rankings begin with nominations from wine and travel experts before readers across the country cast their votes.

The 2026 results placed Texas Hill Country in impressive company:

1. Rogue Valley, Oregon
2. West Elks, Colorado
3. Texas Hill Country

Perhaps most notably, Texas finished ahead of several well-known California wine destinations, including Paso Robles and Temecula Valley.

That’s a significant achievement for a region that, not long ago, was still considered an emerging wine area.

What Makes Texas Hill Country Special?

Unlike many wine regions that focus on a single grape variety, Texas Hill Country has embraced experimentation and innovation.

The region’s warm climate and diverse soils support a wide range of grape varieties, particularly Mediterranean grapes that thrive in Texas heat. Visitors can discover everything from Tempranillo and Mourvèdre to Viognier and Albariño.

Beyond the wine itself, the region offers:

• Scenic drives through rolling hills and vineyards
• More than 60 wineries and tasting rooms
• Charming small towns such as Fredericksburg and Stonewall
• Live music, local cuisine, and Texas hospitality
• Beautiful tasting patios and vineyard views

It’s the kind of place where a wine tasting can easily turn into an entire weekend getaway.

Another Reason to Celebrate: Grape Creek Vineyards

The accolades didn’t stop with the regional ranking.

Fredericksburg’s renowned Grape Creek Vineyards earned the No. 5 spot on USA Today’s list of the Best Winery Tours in America.

Known for its Tuscan-inspired architecture, estate vineyards, and immersive tasting experiences, Grape Creek has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts traveling through the Hill Country.

Its national recognition further highlights the quality and sophistication that Texas wineries are bringing to the industry.

Why This Matters

For years, Texas wine lovers have known the secret: you don’t have to travel to Napa or Sonoma for an exceptional wine experience.

This latest ranking confirms what many visitors discover after their first trip to the Hill Country. Texas is no longer simply an up-and-coming wine region—it is firmly established among the nation’s best.

As more travelers seek authentic experiences, beautiful landscapes, and outstanding wines without the crowds and prices of some larger wine destinations, Texas Hill Country is perfectly positioned to continue its rise.

Raise a Glass to Texas

The next time someone mentions America’s great wine regions, Texas deserves to be part of the conversation.

Whether you’re planning a weekend in Fredericksburg, exploring the wineries around Stonewall, or simply enjoying a bottle of Texas-grown wine on your porch, there’s never been a better time to celebrate what the Lone Star State is bringing to the wine world.

Texas Hill Country’s climb to No. 3 isn’t just a ranking—it’s recognition that Texas wine has arrived.

The Southside Renaissance: Why the Vida Aspire Road MPCD is San Antonio’s Newest Investor Magnet

By Beth Cybulski | MyWinespill

Decanting San Antonio’s densest zoning data into high-proof insights for real estate investors and local pros.

Reading Time: 4 minutes > Data Source: City of San Antonio Planning Commission Agenda (Feb 11, 2026)

Vida San Antonio

For a long time, San Antonio’s investment narrative was dominated by the Northside and the Hill Country. But the tides have officially shifted. On February 11, 2026, the City of San Antonio Planning Commission moved to approve the Vida Aspire Road MPCD (Master Planned Community District) subdivision—a move that signals the next massive phase of growth for the city’s Southside.

If you are a real estate investor or developer, this isn't just another plat filing. It is a cornerstone of the Vida master-planned development, and it sits at the epicenter of a "perfect storm" of economic drivers. 

The Catalyst: The "University Effect"

The Vida Aspire Road project is strategically located northeast of the intersection of Jaguar Parkway and University Way. For those unfamiliar with the area, this is the front door to Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMU-SA).

Historically, the land surrounding universities provides some of the most resilient ROI in real estate. TAMU-SA is one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. The Vida development is designed to be the "college town" that the Southside has lacked, offering a mix of:

• High-Density Residential: Targeted at students, faculty, and young professionals.

• Retail & Amenities: Essential services for a population that previously had to drive 15+ minutes for a grocery store or a sit-down restaurant. 

The Project Profile: Vida Aspire Road

Developed by Southstar at Verano Investment, LLC, this MPCD subdivision is part of a broader 600-acre vision. The Aspire Road phase specifically focuses on creating the connectivity necessary to link the university campus with the growing residential pods. 

Why this is a high-signal move for investors:

• Master-Planned Stability: Unlike "wildcat" developments, MPCDs offer a controlled environment where zoning, landscaping, and infrastructure are unified. This protects property values and ensures a cohesive community feel.

• Infrastructure Lead-In: Southstar has already secured the heavy-lifting infrastructure—roads, water, and power—making the surrounding tracts "plug-and-play" for sub-developers and commercial tenants.

• Strategic Proximity: Beyond the university, the site is minutes away from the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant and the TJX Distribution Center, providing a massive, stable workforce looking for nearby housing. 

The Multiplier Effect: The Southside’s "Last Frontier" Status

San Antonio is currently land-constrained in many directions. The Southside remains the only direction where large-scale, integrated communities can still be built within the city limits with direct access to major loops (I-410 and Loop 1604).

The approval of the Vida Aspire Road plat is a green light for ancillary services. When a project of this scale gets the "Staff Recommendation for Approval," it’s a signal to:

1. Retail Developers: To scout the hard corners of Jaguar Parkway.

2. Multifamily REITs: To begin land-acquisition phases for student-centric housing.

3. Speculative Land Investors: To look at the "halo" properties surrounding the MPCD boundary. 

Opportunities to Invest

The "Verano" land (now Vida) was once considered a sleeping giant. With the approval of the Aspire Road subdivision, the giant is wide awake. For investors, the opportunity lies in the transition from raw land to integrated community.

As San Antonio continues to grow southward, the Vida Aspire Road MPCD isn't just a road—it’s the spine of a new economic engine.

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Bachelorette Weekend in Fredericksburg, Texas

In the heart of Fredericksburg, TX, friends embarked on a bachelorette weekend that blended elegance with rustic charm. Follow their itinerary through this charming Texas Hill Country locale, rich in German heritage, farm-style boutiques, and exquisite dining, offering a distinctive twist to the typical celebration. Fredericksburg's reputation as the unofficial epicenter for food and wine in the Hill Country made it an irresistible choice. Here, they explored its inviting wineries, enjoyed outdoor dining, reveled in live music, and immersed themselves in local attractions. With a treasure trove of hidden gems awaiting discovery, planning the perfect itinerary was a breeze.

Food Highlights

• Exquisite winery picnics
• Farm-to-table dining at local eateries
• German-inspired dishes at traditional restaurants

Atmosphere

• Quaint Southern town vibes
• Live music in cozy venues
• Charming farm chic shopping

From savoring winery picnics to indulging in farm-to-table delights and tasting authentic German cuisine, the food experiences were exceptional. The delightful Southern town atmosphere, coupled with live music and farm chic shopping, provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable bachelorette weekend in Fredericksburg, TX.

Why you should choose a Fredericksburg bachelorette party.

Fredericksburg is the ideal destination for brides seeking a fun, relaxed, classy, and cool bachelorette party experience. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all location, so here are some key indicators to determine if this charming spot aligns with your bride's preferences.

A Fredericksburg bachelorette trip is best for brides who:

• Have a fondness for quality wine - Fredericksburg stands at the pinnacle of choices for brides who savor exceptional wine.
• Delight in live music - Here, you can two-step to classic country tunes at an authentic dance hall.
• Desire to explore the Texas Hill Country - From hiking and shopping to dancing and dining, your group can fully immerse themselves in the best the Texas Hill Country has to offer in Fredericksburg.

Where to stay for a bachelorette weekend

Fredericksburg Inn and Suites: This charming historic-style hotel offers everything required for an idyllic weekend in the Hill Country. What sets it apart is its perfect blend of scenic beauty and proximity to downtown Fredericksburg, just a quick 5-minute drive away.

The Lodge Above Town Creek: If a boutique bed and breakfast experience is on the agenda, The Lodge Above Town Creek is the top choice. This luxurious lodge in the heart of Hill Country seamlessly combines luxury and comfort, providing an unforgettable stay for guests.

Moreover, for those with a penchant for distinctive lodging experiences, Airbnb offers a variety of cool rental options in Fredericksburg. Whether you prefer the historic charm of a hotel, the luxury of a lodge, or the uniqueness of an Airbnb rental, Fredericksburg has something to suit every taste and preference.

The Bachelorette Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Country Drive and Dinner Downtown

• Local attendees can enjoy a scenic drive to Fredericksburg, while those traveling from afar can arrange private transportation from Austin Airport for the 1.5-hour journey.
• Check in at the chosen hotel, add personal party decor, and head downtown.
• Explore Main Street, indulge in some shopping, and savor dinner at Chase’s Place Cocktails and Kitchen, where the delicious meal is worth a potential wait.

Pro Tip: Since Fredericksburg relies less on services like Uber and Lyft, having your vehicle, renting one, or organizing private transportation is advisable for a seamless experience.

Day 2: Wine Tour, Dinner, and Dancing

• Begin the day with cappuccinos at the Instagram-worthy Caliche Coffee Bar & Roastery, ensuring you're energized for a day filled with wine adventures.
• Dive into the Fredericksburg wine culture with Tipsy Tours, or opt for the 290 Wine Shuttle for more flexibility.
• Recommended wineries to explore include Pedernales Cellars, Becker Vineyards, Grape Creek, and Heath Sparkling, while Wildseed Farms offers a picturesque winery and wildflower experience.
• Return to the hotel for relaxation and refreshment.
• Glam up for a sophisticated dinner at Hill & Vine, and consider reserving a spot on the waitlist in advance.
• Cap off the night with drinks and live music at Hondo’s on Main, perfect for testing your line dancing skills.

Day 3: Coffee, Hiking and Luckenbach

• Start the day with breakfast and coffee at Java Ranch Espresso Bar and Cafe.
• Embark on a Hill Country adventure with a hike at Enchanted Rock, a short drive away, or enjoy a leisurely morning.
• Recharge with lunch at Eaker BBQ, known for its Texas Toast, before returning to the hotel to rest and freshen up.
• Capture group memories and journey to the iconic Luckenbach, Texas for dinner, drinks, and a show at the Luckenbach Dance Hall and Bar, just a quick 10 miles from Fredericksburg.

Day 4: German Brunch and Goodbye

• Conclude the Fredericksburg food tour with Sunday Brunch at Otto’s German Bistro.
• Check out of the hotel, bid farewell to your fellow revelers, and cherish the memories created during this unforgettable bachelorette weekend.

Elevate Burger Night with Wild Rice and Texas Tempranillo

Calling all burger lovers! Are you tired of the same old routine – beef patty, bun, cheese, maybe some ketchup and mustard? It's time to ditch the ordinary and elevate your burger night with a taste sensation that's both hearty and sophisticated. Enter the dynamic duo of wild rice burgers and a glass of Texas Tempranillo wine.

The Wild Side of Burgers

Wild rice burgers are not your average backyard fare. This nutty, earthy grain adds a unique texture and depth of flavor that takes your burger experience to a whole new level. Mixing cooked wild rice with your ground beef creates a more robust patty, perfect for standing up to bolder flavors. Don't be afraid to experiment! For an extra crunch, throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans. For a touch of smokiness, add a teaspoon of chipotle powder.

Tempranillo ~ The Perfect Pairing

Now, let's talk about the wine. Tempranillo, a Spanish grape variety, is a fantastic match for our wild rice burger. This versatile wine offers a range of flavors depending on the region but generally boasts notes of cherry, plum, and spice. These fruity notes complement the earthiness of the wild rice beautifully, while the undertones of spice stand up to the savory elements of the burger. If you’re in Texas, try the Pedernales Tempranillo, it’s also sold at HEB.

Building Your Elevated Burger

Burger Basics: Start with high-quality ground beef (or go for ground bison). Combine with cooked wild rice (a 1:1 ratio is a good starting point), your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder), and any desired mix-ins like nuts or spices. Form into thick patties and cook to your desired doneness.

Topping Time: Don't skimp on the toppings! Get creative with cheeses like crumbled blue cheese or creamy goat cheese. Caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness. Roasted peppers offer a smoky depth. Add a peppery kick with a handful of arugula.

The Bun: Skip the flimsy hamburger bun. Opt for a health-conscious leaf of lettuce over a bun to save room for dessert.

CENTRAL TEXAS WINERIES and the [Ultimate Texas Guide]

Two Boutique Central Texas Wineries

You take back roads to get to Ab Astris Winery, yet it’s just off the main Hill Country wine trail, not more than two miles north of Highway 290. Check out our Texas wine trails maps to navigate to this central Texas winery that is just off the beaten path. Or follow the signs at every bend in the road, a road that gently rolls over every hill, and finally, you find yourself in a wide-open setting with a quaint tasting room and plenty of outdoor seating. The young vineyards encircle the property and the sound of birds fills the air. It’s windy today, just after heavy rains so the ground is wet, still walkable but you must tread lightly.

Central Texas wineries are here to stay and getting bigger and bigger; this small wine region is on the rise.
See the ultimate list of Texas Wineries here.

Ab Astris Winery

Ab Astris Winery is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, offering a wine-tasting experience that leaves a lasting impression. From the moment you step foot on the winery grounds, you are welcomed with warm hospitality and a serene ambiance that sets the tone for a memorable visit.

The wines at Ab Astris are a true reflection of the region's terroir and the winemaker's dedication to the craft. Each sip reveals a symphony of flavors, from the velvety smoothness of their Sangiovese to the refreshing notes of their Roussanne. The winery's commitment to producing small-batch, handcrafted wines is evident in the attention to detail and the exceptional quality of every bottle.

The tasting room exudes rustic elegance, inviting visitors to relax and savor the wines at their own pace. The knowledgeable staff is passionate about the wines and eager to share their insights, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

For wine enthusiasts seeking an intimate and authentic wine-tasting experience, Ab Astris Winery is a must-visit destination that promises to captivate the senses and create cherished memories.

The family works here, so each time someone comes to pour you a glass, you are charmed by a new member of the family. Ask them questions because they love to tell their story. I could relay it here, but what fun would that be for y’all? 

Ab Astris has been open since August 2018, the seven-acre vineyard was planted in May 2018 and this central Texas winery consists of three acres of Tannat, two acres of Souzao, and two acres of Clairette Blanche with plans of planting two acres of Petite Sirah, two acres of Montepulciano, and an additional acre of Tannat in 2019.

The Tasting Room

As you enter the tasting room, you’ll notice it is bustling with people, some young some old, there are groups for celebrations and groups of families, couples and friends. You feel like you are part of this community when welcomed by the family that owns this boutique winery. You purchase a tasting and meander outside to sit at one of the country tables on the property.

 

The Tannat grape

Originally grown in Southwest France, Tannat grapes are used in blending wine and usually grow in large bunches. The berries are small to medium in size, with very thick skins and up to five seeds compared with two to three in other grape varieties. This abundance of skin and seeds produces more tannins when crushed, releasing phenolic compounds and making the wine antioxidant-rich. So, it’s good for you, Ha!

Art of the blend

The art of blending wines can consist of 50 or more iterations year after year because of the variations from grape to grape and even between batches depending on the grapes of that particular year. The vintner will pull samples from a selection of barrels and start mixing these together, blending several different varieties or vintages to create a very complex masterpiece.

Tannat is a hardy grape with a bright future in the Texas Hill Country’s soil and climate. It competes with the big reds, like the cabs, when deciding what to serve with a Texan’s favorite steak dinner.

Narrow Path

Narrow Path Winery is a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, offering an array of exquisite wines that tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression. Among their standout selections is the bold and robust 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, boasting luscious dark fruit flavors and a velvety finish that wine enthusiasts will adore.

For white wine lovers, the 2020 Viognier steals the show with its aromatic bouquet of peach, apricot, and floral notes, leading to a beautifully balanced palate with a hint of citrus zest.

Narrow Path's 2019 Tempranillo is another star of the lineup, showcasing the winery's skillful use of Texas-grown grapes. This red beauty offers a symphony of flavors, including ripe blackberries and a touch of spice, culminating in a smooth and elegant finish.

For a unique and delightful experience, their 2020 Rosé, with its vibrant hue and lively notes of strawberries and watermelon, is a perfect choice for warm-weather sipping.

Each wine at Narrow Path Winery tells a story of passion and craftsmanship, making a visit to their tasting room an unforgettable journey through the captivating world of Texas wines.

We approached Narrow Path from the south as we were driving up to central Texas wineries from San Antonio. We almost passed right by on our way to the infamous 290 wine highway we swerved into the parking lot of this very modern building. A chic and modern tasting room where $15 is what you pay for a sampler. Our wine server was extremely friendly and told us so much about the wine we were drinking. My personal favorites were the Dreamchaser Blanc and Dreamchaser (Merlot), both were reasonably sweet but also fragrant and floral.

The Tasting Room

The tasting room displays sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows that draw in the outdoors and floods the inside with light but keep you cool in the sweltering South Texas summer months. We visited on a lovely day in the spring and I suggest going to their actual winery where the tasting room gives you the comfort of home in their beautiful country setting.

The Complete List of Central Texas Wineries

 

 

 

 

 

Choosing a Texas Wine for Thanksgiving Dinner

If you’re worried about drinking the right wine that goes well with turkey, look no further.  The hearty feast of turkey, gravy, stuffing and a variety of roasted winter vegetables can be celebrated with a bit of spice and red fruity flavors. The medium-bodied reds will be your go-to wines for serving with your Thanksgiving meal. 

Let’s talk about the medium-bodied reds in the Texas regions, many of which we can find in our local HEBs. It’s nice to have an isle for Texas wines at the grocery store, but you can also visit a tasting room to buy local wines that aren’t available yet to mass-produce. 

Determining the body type of a wine depends on the percentage of alcohol that it contains. A good medium-bodied wine will be between 12.5% and 13.5%. Pinot Noir is the classic medium-bodied wine, what you will find comparable in Texas is a versatile Sangiovese that can withstand the hot Texas climate.  Mourvedre is another heat-loving vine that takes to the terroir in the Texas high plains. This variety is also used in a blend known as the Texas GSM, which blends grenache and syrah with Mourvedre for a classic Rhone blend. You can always fall onto a Rosé, they are a versatile wine that is sure to enhance your turkey dinner.

The Texas Sangiovese

• Bent Oak Winery 2017, Texas High Plains
• Dry Comal Creek Vineyards 2017, Texas High Plains
• Red House Winery 2016, Texas Hill Country
• Ron Yates 2016, Texas Hill Country
• Signor Vineyards 2016
• Stoneledge Winery & Vineyard 2017, Texas

The Texas Mourvedre

Thank you to Texas Winelovers for collecting this list of Texas Mourvedre that they used for a tasting.

• Armadillo’s Leap Mourvèdre 2014, Texas
• Bar Z Winery Mourvèdre 2014, Martin’s Vineyards, Texas High Plains
• Bending Branch Winery Mourvèdre 2014, Reddy Vineyards, Texas High Plains
• Bingham Vineyards Mourvèdre 2014, Texas High Plains
• Brushy Creek Dry Mourvèdre 2015, Martin’s Vineyards, Texas High Plains
• Brushy Creek Reserve Mourvèdre 2014, Texas
• Lewis Wines Mourvèdre 2013, Lost Draw Vineyards, Texas High Plains
• Lewis Wines Mourvèdre 2013, Texas
• Llano Estacado Winery Mataró 2013, Mont Sec Vineyards, Texas
• Llano Estacado Winery Mourvèdre 2015, Mont Sec Vineyards, Texas
• Lost Draw Cellars Mourvèdre 2014, Texas High Plains
• Rivenburgh Wine Mourvèdre 2014, Reddy Vineyards, Texas High Plains
• Ron Yates Mourvèdre 2014, Bingham Family Vineyards, Texas High Plains
• William Chris Vineyards Mourvèdre 2014, Lost Draw Vineyards, Texas High Plains
• William Chris Vineyards Mourvèdre 2015, La Pradera Vineyards, Texas High Plains (94% La Pradera Mourvèdre, 6% La Pradera Petit Verdot)
• William Chris Vineyards Mourvèdre 2015, Lepard Vineyards (oak fermented), Texas High Plains
• William Chris Vineyards Mourvèdre 2015, Texas, (blend of Sprayberry Vineyards, Brennan Vineyards, Lepard Vineyards, and La Pradera Vineyard)

And if you are interested in how they scored after the tasting, following is their resulting top 10 list of Texas Mourvedre, here is a listing from 1-10:

1. William Chris Vineyards Mourvèdre 2015, Lepard Vineyards (oak fermented), Texas High Plains
2. Lost Draw Cellars Mourvèdre 2014, Texas High Plains
3. William Chris Vineyards Mourvèdre 2015, Texas, (blend of Sprayberry Vineyards, Brennan Vineyards, Lepard Vineyards, and La Pradera Vineyard)
4. Lewis Wines Mourvèdre 2013, Lost Draw Vineyards, Texas High Plains
5. William Chris Vineyards Mourvèdre 2014, Lost Draw Vineyards, Texas High Plains
6. Rivenburgh Wine Mourvèdre 2014, Reddy Vineyards, Texas High Plains
7. Lewis Wines Mourvèdre 2013, Texas
8. Ron Yates Mourvèdre 2014, Bingham Family Vineyards, Texas High Plains
9. Bingham Vineyards Mourvèdre 2014, Texas High Plains
10. Llano Estacado Winery Mataró 2013, Mont Sec Vineyards, Texas

The Texas Rosé

• Cicada Cellars 2017, Texas High Plains - Semi-Dry Rose (1.0 - 2.99& rs)
• Dry Comal Creek Vineyards 2017, Label: Dora Rosa from the Texas High Plains - Sweet Rose (3.0+% RS)
• Grape Creek Vineyards 2017, Label: Rose of Malbec from Texas - Dry Rose (0-0.99% RS)
• Kiepersol Enterprises 2017, Label: Rose from Texas - Dry Rose (0 - 0.99% rs)
• Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards 2018, Label: Rosato from Texas High Plains - Dry Rose (0-0.99% RS)
• Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, Label: Colibri' from Texas - Sweet Rose (3.0+% RS)
• Ron Yates 2017, Label: Sangiovese Rose from the Texas Hill Country - Dry Rose (0 - 0.99% rs)
• West Sandy Creek Winery 2018, Label: Pink Rosé of Texas from the Gulf States - Semi-Dry Rose (1.0-2.99% RS)
• White Fox Vineyards 2017, Label: Texas Rosé from Texas - Sweet Rose (3.0+% RS)
• William Chris Vineyards, Label: Yes We Can Wine from the Texas High Plains - Dry Rose (0 - 0.99% rs)

Texas Wine History

State of the wine industry in 2019

The United States wine industry has grown from just over $30 billion in 2002 to more than $60 billion today and the number of U.S. wineries has grown by 50% to nearly 10,000, but in the past year have been leveling off. This could be due to the millennial generation, as they haven’t embraced wine consumption as many had predicted. Their incapacity to manage money and financial assets is part of the problem, but they have more interest in spirits and beer consumption as well as cannabis since its legalization. 

The segment of people who purchase bottles of wine over $10 are expected to grow 4-8 percent in 2019, roughly flat from the 2018 sales growth estimate. Dollar sales from off-premise retail stores will grow between 0.5 to 2.5 percent, while volume sales will grow between -0.5 and 1.5 percent. Both ending in lower volume and dollar sales than in 2018. The mergers and acquisitions of wineries will be coming to a natural end in popularity based on the major purchasers will need to focus on earlier bought ventures. Bottled imports will take a piece of the market share from US producers and an oversupply of grapes fueled by a high-yielding crop in 2018 will contribute to slowing wine sales. Grape growers, faced with an unprecedented challenge, are scrambling to find buyers, with many resorting to selling for rock-bottom prices before the grapes begin to rot on the vine. 

Enter Texas

This proves to be an opportune moment for many wineries from areas of the country where the climate can be an issue. Enter the Texas wine growers region where the fluctuations in weather patterns are extreme. That being said, there is tremendous pride in Texas wineries to claim that they use 100% Texas grapes. They believe it's misleading to consumers if something that's not made from 100-percent Texas grapes is marketed as a Texas wine. It’s a battle between authenticity and being able to move product at rates boutique wineries have to charge.

Today, under current standards, 25 percent of the grapes that go into a Texas wine can come from out of state. The ability to blend less expensive, usually from California, grapes with Texas grapes allows them to produce wines at a price that can compete with wines from western states and South American producers. Texas is now ranking fifth in U.S. wine production and is second to California in wine tourism.  

Create an experience

Where there is tourism there must be a good experience awaiting them with top notch customer oriented employees. The wineries must be ready to give an experience to remember where visitors are already planning their next trip. To hire the right employees is the first step, you will then have to coach and empower employees with leadership qualities discussed in the book. As was discussed in chapter three as the substitute for leadership is the contingency leadership approach to substitute leadership with a standardized set of rules. If you can implement a timesaving-based model for determining an appropriate decision-making style you will decrease the amount of time needed to make autocratic decisions.

You will find in Texas wine history that there are seven wine regions in Texas, each with an abundance of wineries. Texas is a big state and to cover the entire viticultural area of wineries is a difficult undertaking. Start by choosing a region, research the wineries within them and pick as many as you can fit into a weekend road trip.

Listen to A 15 minute History of Texas Wine

The Unknown Winecaster tells us about Texas Wine History while visiting Austin, Texas. He explains the Lone Star State's wine culture and industry with an appreciation to the growers, winemakers, and wine lovers of Texas wine.

Latitude and Climate of Texas Wineries

Most Texas wineries lie between 35 and 29 degrees North latitude. Compare that to the European continent and North Africa, most of the Texas wine growing region would fall within the region of the Sahara Desert. All in all, Texas gets hot.

The Laws of Texas Only Wine

Be sure to get a true Texas wine that is made with at least three quarters of Texas grapes by finding "Texas" printed on the label. The laws are briefly touched on in this video.

https://youtu.be/OdJwdXG9QwY

A 15 minute History of Texas Wine ~ The Unknown Winecaster

Failed European Vines

The history of viticulture in Texas spans three centuries and precedes the introduction of wine grapes to California by almost a century. Franciscans in 1682 established a mission at Ysleta on the Rio Grande near El Paso and brought with them grapevines from Mexican missions. The El Paso valley and their productive vineyards were quite familiar with travelers of the day. Throughout the early 20th century this was a leading grape-growing and wine-producing area. With the influx of European immigrants from wine-producing countries brought a new interest in grape culture and wine-making. These immigrants settled in south central Texas and the Hill Country to plant quality vinifera vines from Europe. They didn't hold the knowledge of the agricultural experience in Texas, which caused most of these endeavors to fail. 

Texas Survived Prohibition by Selling Wine to Churches

European immigrants brought their own vines from Burgundy, France, to Texas in the mid 19th century, creating a unique wine country. In the 1870s Munson and a Missouri colleague were credited with saving the wine industry of Europe by shipping carloads of Phylloxera-resistant native rootstocks to France and other vineyard regions. Munson developed more than 300 varieties of grapes better suited to the environment of Texas and the Midwest. Subsequently, many of these were table grapes or intended for grape-juice production, though some were said to have merit for wine making. When the state legislature voted Texas legally dry in 1919, the last of the wineries closed. The owners of the Val Verde Winery survived the dry years by selling table grapes and shipping grapes for home wine making. The winery reopened after the Eighteenth Amendment was repealed in 1933, and for many years was the only winery operating in Texas. Today, tourists flock to Texas vineyards, and the state sells more wine every year. 

Texas Varietals

Texas boasts some outstanding Mediterranean-style wines thanks to the compositional makeup of our soil being similar. This is a list of wine varietals in our region.

Aglianico = Southern Italy

Albariño = Spain and Portugal

Alicante Bouschet = South of France

Black Spanish = American hybrid

Blanc du Bois  = Florida

Cabernet Franc = French

Cabernet Sauvignon = Texas

Chambourcin = French-American hybrid

Chardonnay = Burgundy wine region of eastern France, try a Texas Marsanne

Chenin Blanc = Texas

Cinsaut = resistant to drought, South Texas

Concord = Kosher wine or grape jelly

Dolcetto = Piedmont region of northwest Italy

Gewürztraminer = Germany

Graciano = Rioja, Spain

Grenache = Spain, Texas

Malvasia = Greece

Marsanne = Northern Rhône, Texas

Malbec = Loire Valley, likes it hot so another good one for Texas

Merlot =

Montepulciano = Italy

Mourvedre = Rhone region of France and in Spain, The Texas Hill Country

Muscadine = Southeastern and south-central United States from Florida to Delaware, west to eastern Texas and Oklahoma

Muscat Canelli = Greece

Mustang = Southern United States: Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma

Negroamaro = Puglia region in southern Italy

Norton = American hybrid 

Petite Sirah =

Petit Verdot = Bordeaux

Pinot Gris = “spicy”

Pinot Noir = Burgundy region of France

Riesling = Germany

Roussanne = Southern Rhone Valley

Ruby Cabernet = resistance to heat, blend with cab

Sangiovese = Italy, Texas Hill Country

Sauvignon Blanc = France

Sémillon = Bordeaux

Syrah = Greece

Tannat = South West France in the Madiran AOC

Tempranillo = Spain, The Texas Hill Country

Touriga Nacional = Portugal

Trebbiano =

Viognier = South of France, The Texas Hill Country

Zinfandel = Apulia (the “heel” of Italy)