Texas is a great example of how wine affects many sectors of the economy from vine to glass. In terms of the number of wineries, the Lone Star State ranks fifth, but it’s second in terms of wine’s total impact from wine, after California (of course). Why? Population and consumption, as opposed to production. In fact, in the Direct Impact section of our economic impact study, wineries account for 1,985 jobs, while wholesalers are at 6,931, and retailers at 58,231. It’s a vivid reminder that wine’s economic benefits go way beyond the vineyard and cellar.
Texas has a long history in grapes and wine, starting in the 1650s when Spanish missionaries planted vines near El Paso. As elsewhere, the industry grew steadily until Prohibition wiped it out. The modern day industry began in the 1970s, and now Texas is the fifth largest wine producing state in the country. There are numerous AVAs around the large state: Bell Mountain, Escondido Valley, Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Mesilla Valley, Texas Davis Mountains, Texas High Plains, Texas Hill Country, and Texoma. Due to the hot climate, harvest typically begins in July, two months before California and three months before most other regions.
In recent years, Texas has also become increasingly involved in industry groups like WineAmerica. Our State and Regional Associations Advisory Council (SRAAC) includes the Texas Department of Agriculture (Texas Wine), the Texas Winery & Grape Grower Association, Texas Hill Country Wineries, and Texas Wine Growers. In addition, a good number of Texas wineries are WineAmerica members, and Chris Brundrett, Co-Founder and CEO of William Chris Vineyards, is our current Treasurer. We are grateful to our Texas friends for that strong support.
Grape Creek Vineyards was purchased in 2006 by Brian and Jennifer Heath, and has grown into a collection of Heath Family Brands which also includes Heath Sparkling Wines, Invention Vineyards, and Kohlman Estate. Each has its own operating vineyard and winery, and there are six tasting rooms across Texas Hill Country. The company is exclusively Direct-to-Consumer, farms 68 acres of vineyards, purchases another 700 tons of Texas fruit from other growers, produces 150,000 gallons, employs 150 people, and hosts 200,000 members and guests annually. Grape Creek Vineyards also includes a popular Stout’s Signature restaurant, Tuscan-inspired tasting rooms, and beautifully landscaped patios, fountains and terraces.
William Chris Vineyards, in Hye near Fredericksburg, is a collaboration of two winemakers: William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett. “We are pleased to share a piece of our world” is the message of every bottle, reflecting their philosophy that wine reflects its origins, and is also meant to be shared by friends. They use only Texas-grown grapes from Texas AVA’s, are active in the Wine Origins Initiative, and William Chris Vineyards has been rated among the “Top 100 World’s Vineyards” for three years.
Great Grapes: Petit Verdot
Mostly commonly associated with the St. Emilion sub district of Bordeaux, Petit Verdot was traditionally used for blending, but in recent years has emerged as a delightful red wine on its own.