The pioneering spirit of Texas is especially apparent in Texan vintners. From the area around Dallas in the northeast to the Western Plains and the Hill Country of the south, growers and vintners are dedicated to the cultivation and production of high-quality grapes and wines. The efforts of these pioneering winegrowers have made the Texas wine industry the fifth largest in the United States.
Winemaking in Texas dates back to the 1650s when Franciscan priests began producing sacramental wines from local grape varieties. The quality of their wines convinced others to plant vineyards, and the Texas wine region was born. During the second half of the 19th century, German immigrants in the Hill Country discovered the mustang grape, still produced today and ushered in the golden era of Texas winemaking, which ended with Prohibition. It was not until the 1970s and ’80s that the modern Texas industry was born. Today, it is thriving, with over 200 commercial vineyards and nearly 50 wineries in six defined viticultural areas producing nearly 1.5 million gallons of wine annually.
The leading varieties in Texas are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc, but high-quality Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Viognier are also produced. Because Texas wine regions enjoy generally warm climates and alkaline soils, Texas wines have the rich fruit flavors reminiscent of California wines balanced by the acidity and structure typical of French wines.
Texas Wine Tours
Texans have embraced their homegrown wineries and consume the vast majority of their production. So, a visit to Texas wine country is essential for an authentic introduction to Lone Star wine.
You can drive from winery to winery, or take advantage of several Fredericksburg, Texas wine tours and travel safely between stops!