October is Texas Wine Month, a celebration of the wineries, grower families and wine enthusiasts who make up the Texas wine industry. To mark the occasion, we’re answering some of the questions we hear most often.
What should I know about the Texas wine industry?
Texas is no longer considered an emerging wine region. It’s an established one, with wineries and wines earning national and international acclaim.
This year, for the first time, the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards awarded four golds to Texas wines including Spicewood Vineyards’ Las Montañas. A total of 12 Texas wines received 94+ points at the Decanter competition – including Duchman’s 2019 Aglianico and 2023 Vermentino – a significant recognition of Texas quality.
Other recent honors:
- In 2026, USA Today 10Best named Duchman Family Winery the #3 winery tasting room in the United States for its welcoming hospitality and commitment to the estate’s celebrated Italian varieties.
- Wine Business Monthly named Bending Branch Winery a Top 10 Hot Brand for 2024 for its innovation and quality. The winery also appears in “The Swirled Cup,” a new docuseries by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson that explores terroir – the wine, food, history and culture of wine – with a close-up look at Bending Branch’s pioneering use of Texas white oak for its aging program.
- Pedernales Cellars was among the first Texas wineries to introduce wines made with organic grapes – adding to its portfolio of award-winning Tempranillos and other wines.
Together, these honors give you good reason to trust that these wineries are setting the standard for quality in Texas.
What wines is Texas known for?
While Napa might be known for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Oregon for Pinot Noir – Texas does not have a signature grape. Texas offers remarkable diversity, which makes it easy to find a wine that everyone will enjoy.
Check out our ‘Wines of Discovery’ story for unexpected and delightful wines to try from our four wineries.
What are the best Texas white and red grapes?
Texas makes beautiful Roussanne, Picpoul Blanc, Vermentino, Clairette Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. These grapes are usually grown in higher-elevation vineyards across the state, which help preserve acidity. Great examples include the Duchman Family Winery Vermentino and the Spicewood Vineyards Estate Sauvignon Blanc.
For reds, look for Tempranillo, Tannat, Aglianico, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Mourvèdre, Souzão, Sagrantino, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and many others. Texas offers so many great red wine choices that pair well with our cuisine. Great examples include the Pedernales Cellars Tempranillo Reserve and the Bending Branch Winery Tannat, Tallent Vineyards.
What are your tips for pairing Texas wines with Texas foods?
We follow the mantra “what grows together goes together” like pairing Spain’s Manchego cheese with Tempranillo or Argentina’s asado with bold Malbecs. The same holds true for Texas cuisine.
Our dedicated pairing page covers barbecue, iconic Texas dishes like pork carnitas and strip steak, as well as Gulf seafood and Texas cheeses. We also include some great recipes from Duchman Family Winery Chef Antonio Ruiz.
When is the best time to visit Texas Wine Country?
It’s always a good time to visit Texas Wine Country where you can expect everything from elaborate tasting rooms with kitchens offering food to outdoor decks with stunning views that pair perfectly with great wine. Of course, Texas’ wildflower season makes spring a great choice to visit Texas Wine Country and October celebrates Texas Wine Month, where you can find lots of fun experiences like the Texas Fine Wine Annual Dinner.
October also kicks off the international campaign ‘Come Over October’ – that Texas has playfully coined ‘Come On Over Y’all’ – that encourages people to invite family and friends to come together to share wine, memories and friendship. Check out the Uncork Texas Wines page for a list of Come Over October activities.
How can I tell if a wine is made with Texas grapes?
Most Texas wineries use only Texas grapes. To know for sure:
- Check the label. Starting with the 2022 vintage, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) (i.e., Texas Hill Country or Texas High Plains), a vineyard (i.e. Dell Valley Vineyards), or a county all point to a wine made with 100% Texas fruit.
- Visit the winery’s website. The ‘About Us’ page often explains a winery’s philosophy on grape sourcing, how it grows their grapes, and its winemaking practices.
- Ask your server. Tasting room staff can tell you about the grapes and where they come from. Plenty of wineries only use Texas fruit so you have many options.
How do I find wineries that use organic or sustainable practices?
Organic grape growing can be difficult in Texas given the disease pressures we face from rain and humidity. A few Texas High Plains vineyards are certified organic, and some Texas Hill Country vineyards are moving in that direction.
Several wineries make wines from organic grapes – including Pedernales Cellars and Bending Branch Winery – and many share their sustainability practices on their websites. This article offers more details.
Where can I find Texas wines?
You can find some Texas wines in local retail stores like HEB, Central Market, Total Wine and Spec’s, smaller wine shops, and on some restaurant lists throughout the state. For the biggest selection, plan a trip to wine country. Wineries often have special releases and Wine Club-first wines available only at the winery.
Do most wineries offer sweet and dry wines?
Most Texas wineries offer a range of dry white and red wines along with a few off-dry to sweet dessert wines to try. Keep in mind that fruit-forward but dry wines are often perceived as sweet and will often satisfy wine drinkers who want a hint of sweetness. Ask your server for guidance.
Do most wineries allow children and dogs/pets?
Many wineries welcome children and dogs/pets (often on leash), though policies vary, so check ahead. The Texas Wine Lover app includes a filter to find family- and pet-friendly wineries.
This Texas Wine Month, raise a glass to Texas wine. Visit Bending Branch Winery, Duchman Family Winery, Pedernales Cellars and Spicewood Vineyards for a first-hand look and taste at what sets Texas wines apart.