Full disclosure, this post on Texas Wine Regions is one that’s near and dear to my heart. Only 3 short years ago in 2021, I served as the Executive Director of the North Texas Winery Association promoting Texas wineries encompassing 700 square miles around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

I have worked closely with folks in all of the wine regions here. I am taking y’all on a virtual trip to the Lone Star State to explore its diverse and exciting wine regions. Yep, you read that right—Texas isn’t just about BBQ and cowboy boots; it’s also a fantastic destination for wine enthusiasts. So grab a glass, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of Texas wine.

Location, Location, Location!

Texas is a massive state with a wine scene that’s just as big and bold. There are eight official American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Texas, but we’ll focus on the big players:

1. Texas Hill Country: Located smack dab in the center of the state, this region is a short drive from Austin and San Antonio.
2. Texas High Plains: Up in the northwest part of Texas, near Lubbock.
3. Texoma: Bordering Oklahoma, this region is north of Dallas.

Climate and Terroir: A Texas Two-Step

When it comes to growing grapes, Texas is like a buffet of different climates and soils. Each region brings something unique to the table, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and styles. Let’s break it down:

Texas Hill Country

 

Climate: Think Mediterranean vibes—hot summers, mild winters, and just enough rainfall to keep things interesting. This area is perfect for growing a variety of grapes, including Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Viognier.

Terroir: The Hill Country is blessed with limestone and granite soils. These well-draining soils are ideal for grapevines, helping to produce wines with great structure and minerality. Plus, the rolling hills and scenic landscapes make it a picturesque spot for a vineyard visit.

Texas High Plains

Climate: This region gets plenty of sun and has a significant diurnal temperature variation (that’s a fancy way of saying hot days and cool nights). It’s almost like a desert up here, but with just enough irrigation, the grapes thrive.

Terroir: The soil is predominantly sandy loam, which drains well and retains heat. This is prime real estate for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The high altitude (around 3,000-4,000 feet) also means fewer pests and diseases, which is a win for the winemakers.

Texoma

Climate: Warm and temperate with decent rainfall. Summers can be pretty toasty, but the winters are mild, which helps protect the vines from frost damage.

Terroir: The soils here are mostly sandy and clay loam, providing good drainage and a solid foundation for grapevines. This region is known for its bold reds like Syrah and Chardonnay.

Grape Varietals, Wine Styles and Terminology by Wine Region

What to Sip – Because It Grows Well in Texas…

Now that you have the scoop on the locations and climates, let’s talk about the fun part—what to drink! Texas wines are as diverse as the state itself, offering something for every palate. Here are a few must-try varieties:

• Tempranillo: This Spanish grape thrives in the Texas heat, producing wines that are fruity, spicy, and perfect for BBQ.
• Viognier: A fragrant and floral white wine that pairs beautifully with seafood and light dishes.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich, bold, and perfect for those who love a classic red.
• Sangiovese: Light and lively, this Italian grape makes for a perfect summer sipper.

In case you are interested in a single AVA (American Viticultural Area) or wine region in particular, here are some details by location:

Hill Country: The Heart of Texas Wine

Location: Nestled in central Texas, Hill Country is the heart and soul of Texas wine country. This picturesque region is known for its rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and charming small towns.

Grape Varietals: Hill Country boasts a diverse range of grapes. You’ll find both international favorites and varieties that thrive in Texas’s unique climate. Key varietals include Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Viognier, and Mourvèdre. Texas wineries have also embraced some lesser-known grapes like Tannat and Aglianico.

Wine Styles: The warm climate and varied terroir allow for a wide array of wine styles. Expect bold, robust reds with rich fruit flavors and smooth tannins. Whites are often crisp and aromatic, with Viognier being a standout for its floral and stone fruit notes.

Unique Terminology: One term you’ll hear a lot is “Texas terroir.” This refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that gives Texas wines their distinct character. Hill Country’s limestone-rich soils add a distinctive minerality to the wines, giving them a special Lone Star touch.

High Plains: The Grape Basket of Texas

Location: Situated in the Panhandle, the High Plains region is the largest grape-growing area in Texas, responsible for the majority of the state’s wine production.

Grape Varietals: The High Plains’ high elevation and cooler temperatures make it ideal for growing a variety of grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec are popular reds, while Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc are among the favorite whites.

Wine Styles: Wines from the High Plains often exhibit bright acidity and intense fruit flavors, thanks to the cooler nights and long growing season. The reds are structured and complex, while the whites are vibrant and refreshing.

Unique Terminology: Keep an ear out for “diurnal shift,” a term referring to the significant temperature difference between day and night in this region. This shift helps to preserve acidity in the grapes, contributing to the balance and freshness of the wines.

North Texas: Emerging Excellence

Location: Just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, North Texas is an up-and-coming wine region that’s starting to gain recognition.

Grape Varietals: The warm climate here supports a mix of traditional and hybrid grapes. Varietals like Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Blanc du Bois are common.

Wine Styles: North Texas wines are often fruit-forward and approachable, with a good balance of acidity and tannins. The region is known for producing easy-drinking reds and aromatic whites.

Unique Terminology: You might hear winemakers talk about “Texas Twang,” a playful term that captures the unique character and charm of wines from this area. It’s all about the vibrant, expressive flavors that reflect the region’s sunny disposition.

Texas Man Saves the Vineyards of France

Thomas Volney (TV) Munson (1843–1913) became one of the leading experts in native American grape species, and his studies were instrumental in saving the European grape and wine industry from disaster during the late nineteenth century.

He declared the direction of his career when he stated the grape “the most beautiful, most wholesome and nutritious, most certain and profitable fruit that can be grown.”

Munson moved to Denison, Texas, in April 1876. He quickly realized the enormous biodiversity of Texas and soon began to conduct wide-ranging collection trips. For the rest of his life he traveled extensively throughout Texas and forty other states, as well as Mexico, covering more than 50,000 miles by rail and hundreds of miles on horseback and by foot.

Munson’s work enabled him to help save the European grape and wine industry from devastating fungus and insect attacks. In the 1840s European vineyards had been ravaged by the fungus parasite oidium. During that time France suffered losses of nearly 80 percent of its vines.

The European wine industry imported native labrusca rootstock from the United States, but these cuttings brought in phylloxera, a plant louse, which attacked the slowly recovering vineyards. In 1868 phylloxera was discovered in southern France; more than 6 million acres of vineyards were destroyed in France, Germany, and other regions of Europe.

Knowing of Munson’s expertise, the French wine industry requested that he send some of the grape hybrid rootstock that he had developed during his studies at Denison. He shipped phylloxera-resistant rootstock to France, where it was grafted with varieties of European vinifera.

Munson’s work and that of another horticulturist, Hermann Jaeger, a Swiss gentleman from Missouri, helped save the European wine industry from total devastation.

Because of Munson’s role, the French government in 1888 sent a delegation to Denison to confer on him the French Legion of Honor Chevalier du Mérite Agricole.

Munson continued to live in Denison with his wife and seven children until he died, on January 21, 1913. Around 1975 Grayson College in the Sherman-Denison area established a Thomas Volney Munson Memorial Vineyard to recognize Munson’s contribution to horticulture and to cultivate and preserve many of the Munson grape varieties. In 1988 the T. V. Munson Viticulture and Enology Center opened next to the vineyard. Several statues honoring Munson have been erected in France.

Why Texas Wines Deserve Your Attention

So, why should you give Texas wines a try? For starters, the diversity is incredible. From bold reds to aromatic whites and sweet dessert wines, there’s something for every palate. The unique climate and terroir of each region impart distinct characteristics to the wines, making each sip a new adventure.

Exploring Texas wine country also means you get to experience some genuine Southern hospitality and stunning scenery. Whether you’re touring the wineries of Hill Country, tasting your way through the High Plains, or discovering new favorites in North Texas, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Click Here for a List of Wine Trails

Next time you’re on the lookout for something new to sip, don’t overlook the Lone Star State. Texas wines are ready to surprise and delight you with their bold flavors and rich heritage. Cheers to new discoveries and the vibrant world of Texas wine!

Cover Photo: Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery, Denison, Texas