Wine comes in a host of varietals and from nearly every corner of the globe. Each varietal maintains its own characteristics, which differentiate it from the others.
But it is also important to note that the region that produces the grapes imparts a great deal of individual characteristics to the wine. Qualities such as weather and soil condition impact vineyards more than any other agricultural pursuit.
Wine lovers have found suitable regions for vineyards all over the world. And in case you were looking for one more reason to love the Lone Star State, it happens to be home to one of the new world’s fastest-growing wine producing regions.
According to the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, wine production in Texas has grown to nearly three million gallons, ranking Texas behind only California, Washington, New York and Oregon.
Additionally, the number of wineries in the state of Texas has grown from 40 to 220 in the last decade.
Wine business has contributed significantly to the economic might of Texas with a fiscal impact of $3.8 billion. More than 10,000 people can attribute their employment to the Texas wine industry, a particularly important statistic in these increasingly unstable economic times.
Texas has been producing wine for hundreds of years, with ever-growing amounts of success. By most accounts, the first people to produce wine in Texas were Spanish missionaries, who were growing grapes near modern-day El Paso as early as the 1600s.
By the 1800s, the practice had spread to Southern and Eastern Texas. The state’s first bonded winery was founded in 1883 at Del Rio. The Val Verde winery remains in operation today.
This proliferation had a truly incredible effect on viticultural history. It attracted Thomas Munson to Texas; Munson would go on to develop a phylloxera-resistant rootstock. This was very important because at that time, the disease was decimating grapes in France.
Munson’s rootstock quite literally saved the French winemaking industry. In honor of this work, the French government named him Chevalier du Merite Agricole of the French Legion of Honor.
Moving forward through the years, Texas winemaking continued to develop.
Any burgeoning industry, however, is going to have its fair share of ups and downs. In the 1960s, you couldn’t give away California wine because it was considered inferior quality. Today, California produces some of the best wines the world has to offer.
Likewise, Texas wines are experiencing an enormous quality enhancement compared to the old preconception. For example, Messina Hof port has earned the designation as one of the top 20 ports in the world, and Guyot recently recognized Messina Hof Sophia Marie Rose as a Top 10 Thanksgiving wine – great indications of the quality strides the Texas wine industry has made.
Texas boasts many events and festivals, which have assisted in the drastic increase in per capita consumption of all wine in general over the recent past. Both Houston and San Antonio boast a Livestock Show and Rodeo wine competition which showcases wine in a place like never before.
Other festivities such as GrapeFest in Grapevine and Wine Fest on the Kemah Boardwalk near Houston exist to celebrate wine. And incredible venues like the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa proudly promote Texas wines to their awestruck guests from all over the world.
Perhaps the biggest factor aiding the Texas wine industry that cannot be overlooked is the ever-growing popularity of the Fredericksburg wine trail. Did you know Fredericksburg is the second most visited wine destination in the United States behind only Napa Valley? Until recently, neither did I.
The proliferation of tasting rooms and wineries along the trail has inspired many to make the easy, 70-mile trip to the beautiful town founded 150 years ago by German families. The Old World charm is the perfect setting for a day trip or even an extended stay at one of the many B&Bs that line this enchanting stretch of the Hill Country.
Spending some time there enjoying the succulent cuisine, the idyllic views and of course, the wine, is a romantic and entertaining excursion.
So whether you are enjoying wine with a meal or just simply unwinding with friends, you are part of the explosion in an emerging and dynamic Texas industry that will surely continue to grow and develop.
Who knows where this road will take us years from now? I would not be surprised if that destination is as big as Texas itself. Salute!
For additional information, please go to www.sessiwine.com.
