Us Texans are proud of our culture and wine has been part of our culture since the time when the Spanish flag flew over Texas. As in many other countries conquered by the Spaniards,wine was needed for catholic masses and planting it where it was needed was practical and essential. The first records of wine planting in Texas date back to 1650.
Texas is home to 42 members of the Vitis grape family and as such has more varietals growing within its borders than any other region of the world. However since wine only occupies 4500 acres, it is a dwarf in wine growing terms.
Prohibition at the beginning of the 20th century killed the wine industry in Texas though, and it was not till 1970 when the first wineries reopened in the Texas High Plains. Llano Estacado and Pheasant Ridge are still working wineries at this time.
Today, Texas has 8 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas)and close to 400 wineries, with more than 80% of the wine grapes being grown in the Texas High Plains AVA in 4000 Acres.
The Texas Hill Country AVA is the second largest in the whole United States with 9 million acres, but only 800 acres are planted with grape vines.
If you ever want to visit Texas wineries on your own, here is a list compiled by our owner, that is the result of five years working with Texas wine. A lot of smaller, non competing wineries are not on this list, but it could give a newbie to Texas wine a good orientation. Texas Wine List