Texas

Fig 1 Supporting local farmers in Texas strengthens communities by promoting sustainable agriculture, preserving farmland, and ensuring access to fresh, nutritious produce, including grapes. It fosters economic growth, reduces environmental impact, and builds a deeper connection to people and sources of the agricultural products.

I always have fun visiting Texas for art festivals, football games, and especially drinking wine produced in the state. And while Texas wines have historically flown under the radar, the state is earning recognition for its quality and innovation. And, many are surprised to learn that the Texas wine industry contributes, over 20.35 billion dollars to the state's economy, supporting more than 141,000 full-time jobs and attracting approximately 2 million tourists annually. I think much of that is because local wineries are committed to showcasing Texas' unique terroir, with wines that often rival those from more famous regions. The diversity of styles - ranging from bold reds to elegant whites and even some outstanding roses - makes Texas a key player in the future of American winemaking.

Fig 2 Member pickup party at Landon Tasting Room in McKinney, Texas. My father-in-law was the kind of gentleman that could savor fine wine and weave stories that left me captivated. Having spent chapters of his life in South Africa, South Korea, Australia, and Dallas, Texas, his tales were filled with adventure, culture, and humor. Yet, his greatest pride wasn't in the places he's been but in the family he cherished, leading with love and a legacy of warmth and wisdom.

We have always enjoyed the Texas food and wine scene, specifically in Houston and Dallas for many years now. The eight AVAs in Texas provide soils and climate for growing exceptional structural wines. Texas offers a wide array of grapes from warmer climate Mediterranean varieties to cooler climate grapes that thrive in the state's higher elevations. Although producing less that 1% of the country's wine, Texas is home to the third largest American Viticultural Area in the United States (Texas Hill Country). Most of the grapes in Texas, however, are grown in the AVA of the Texas High Plains with its limestone, granite, and sandstone soils, rich red sand and clay over caliche, and elevations over 4,000 feet. At one time, agriculturists asserted that all Texas was a hot and humid climate, suitable for only producing table wine. However, some of the cooler and more crisp areas, such as Blue Mountain, have developed Texas into what has become an award winning, multi-billion dollar agribusiness (over 20 billion annually). It is the fifth largest wine producing state with over 1,000 wineries, and opening more and more wineries with a new flourishing wine scene. The sunny and dry climate that exists in parts of the state grow grape varietals that have been compared to Portuguese wines.

The history of Texas winemaking is fascinating, going back to 1598, when Spanish explorer, Don Juan de Oñate introduced European viticulture to the Americas to produce sacramental wine. The state's first vineyards were established along the Rio Grande by Franciscan priests. Over time, European settlers, particularly Germans and Italians, brought their winemaking traditions to Texas, further diversifying the industry.

Of historical significance, it was Texan, Thomas Munson, with experimental vineyards located in Denison, Texas, where he studied and cultivated native American grape species in the 1870’s.  His work in developing phylloxera-resistant rootstocks saved the European wine industry.  The phylloxera epidemic, which originated in the mid-1800’s, devastated European vineyards.  By the early 1880’s, Munson began collaborating with French viticulturists, leveraging his knowledge of American grape species and their resistance to the pest.  He is celebrated with his ground-breaking contributions to the wine world today with the T.V. Munson Memorial Vineyard and Grayson College Viticulture and Enology Program. 

Three Key Wine Regions in Texas

Texas Hill Country AVA: Most prominent and picturesque wine region in the state. Known for rolling hills, limestone-rich soils, and warm days balanced by cooler nights.

Texas High Plains AVA: Located in the Panhandle, this region produces most of the state's grapes. It's high elevation, sandy soils, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings create excellent growing conditions.

Mesilla Valley AVA: Spanning parts of west Texas and southern New Mexico, this region benefits from a warm, dry climate ideal for Rhone and Spanish varietals.

Fig 3 The Landon Winery in McKinney, Texas, provides an amazing setting to explore and savor quality Texas wine. A diverse selection of over 30 wines, including dry whites, dry reds, and dessert wines.

The Landon Winery Tasting Room holds fun afternoon member wine pickup parties. The winery itself, Landon Winery, is the ninth largest vintner is Texas. One of my favorite wines is the 2020 Landon 17 Anniversary Reserve. It is an exquisite blend of Syrah (37%), Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), and Merlot (31%). Robust to elegant, this dry red wine displays classic characteristics of bright cherry, red currant, blackberry, and dark, ripe plums. Exuberant aromas and flavors lean toward an earthy finish and rounded tannins. This bottle approaches high alcohol at 14.7% abv. The square in McKinney exudes a vibrant charm, blending historic architecture with modern energy. Lined with locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes, every time I visit, the McKinney Square always buzzes with life. The square's timeless character and welcoming atmosphere create of hub of community spirit and culture and is fun to visit.

Fig 4 Eight 11 Place, Frisco, Texas, offers an intimate, rustic-chic setting for a cozy, wine-tasting experience. Sitting a window table, you'd likely feel the charm of the warm, inviting ambiance- dim lighting, a mix of wood and brick accents, and a soft hum of conversation. A great place to study while in town for the FCS Football Championship Game, Montana vs. South Dakota State University, January, 2024.

Fig 5 A perfect place to meet friends. A charming blend of Texas hospitality and award-winning wines in the heart of historic downtown Grapevine, Texas. A great spot sip, savor, and celebrate local winemaking.

The Messina Hof Grapevine Winery is in the Wallis Hotel, a beautifully restored building that dates to 1891. It offers a cozy, welcoming space to enjoy some of Texas' most celebrated wines. The winery has been owned and operated by the Bonarrigo Family since 1977. Messina Hof wine was served in the White House in 1989 at George Bush's inauguration. The winery has an extremely diverse portfolio with over 90 different wines. Specific varietals include Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Viognier, Tannat, and Muscat Canelli.

One of my favorite wines, the Messina Hof 2020 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the High Plains AVA. It is exemplified by bold notes of blueberry, vanilla, blackberry, pepper, and seasonal spices like cinnamon and eucalyptus. Extended oak barrel aging helps to craft additional depth and refinement into this full-bodied varietal. The whole tasting experience in Grapevine is outstanding. Main Street Grapevine has a lively, yet relaxed energy that is ideal for strolling, sipping wine, and enjoying small-town charm with modern amenities.

Further study in Texas (Fig. 6) is needed. Fredericksburg, located in the Hill Country, is an excellent base for wine tourism with all of its tasting rooms and vineyards. The Texas Wine Month Passport (October) and GrapeFest in Grapevine celebrates the region's wine culture with tasting, tours, and live music. The bold flavors of Texas wines complement the state's cuisine, including smoked brisket, Tex-Mex dishes, and spicy barbecue. It is a place I definitely want to explore more wine tastings.

Fig 6 Map of Texas Wine Regions - history, elevation, and soil types