As we enjoy longer days and warmer temperatures, it’s a great time to get out and explore Texas wineries. In case you didn’t know, Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing state and second largest in terms of economic impact. Wine tourism is huge given that Texas Wine Country sits squarely between Austin and San Antonio and only a several hours’ drive from Houston and Dallas.
Texas is known for its wide diversity of wines, with whites ranging from Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne to Picpoul Blanc and Albariño. Reds range the gamut from Tempranillo, Tannat, Aglianico, Montepulciano, Sagrantino and Grenache to big, bold red blends.
Here’s a run-down of great events to taste Texas wine and meet the big personalities of the Texas wine industry. Hope to see you there!
Texas Fine Wine Talk and Taste, Tuesday, March 21, 6-7 p.m. on Zoom
You can meet the winemakers and sip fabulous Texas wines without leaving your living room. Join this virtual tasting with the Texas Fine Wine group, which includes Bending Branch Winery, Duchman Family Winery, Pedernales Cellars and Spicewood Vineyards. We’ll talk about what’s happening in the Texas wine industry while tasting some new releases from each winery. Go here for details.
Texas Hill Country Wineries Austin Road Show, Monday, April 17, 6-8 p.m. at Q2 Stadium
Don’t miss this chance to experience 29 Texas Hill Country wineries during this this walk-around tasting in the Lexus Club at the new Q2 Stadium. Get your tickets before it sells out.
Wine and Food Foundation Toast of Texas, Sunday, April 23, 2:30 – 5 p.m. at Star Hill Ranch
This ‘sip and stroll’ features dozens of the best wineries in Texas – a great way to see and taste the diversity in Texas wines. There’s also a VIP Experience for Foundation members, led by Shelly Wilfong, host of “This is Texas Wine” podcast. She will moderate a panel and lead a tasting with five winemakers. Get your tickets early before it sells out.
(If you’re not a Wine and Food Foundation member, you should be! Details here.)
Texas Wine School Tasting in Houston, Tuesday, March 28, 7-9 p.m., Texas Wine School, Houston
Yours truly will lead a Texas wine class in Houston on Tuesday, March 28 with the Texas Fine Wine group, We will talk about the industry, popular grape varieties and taste through 8 or more fabulous wines. So tell your Houston friends to check it out! Tickets here
Winery Events
Bending Branch Winery Vertical Tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon from Newsom Vineyards, Saturday, March 25, 2-4 p.m., Comfort
Newsom Vineyards is one of the oldest, most respected vineyards in Texas. At this special vertical tasting, you will meet Neal and Janice Newsom and taste through eight Cabernet Sauvignons made from grapes from their vineyard. Tickets here.
Pedernales Cellars Wine and Wildflower Dinner, Saturday, April 1, 6-9 p.m., Stonewall
Enjoy a special dinner paired with one of Pedernales’ favorite wines, its Italian blend Valhalla. It will feature four vintages of Valhalla, going back to the original 2012, paired with a five-course Italian dinner. Tickets here.
Bending Branch Winery Adult Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 8, noon to 1 p.m., Comfort
Who says Easter egg hunting is just for kids? This annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt is crazy popular. Tickets here
Spicewood Vineyards Sunset Socials – Every Saturday night in April, Spicewood Vineyards will stay open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with food options and live music. What a way to spend a Saturday night!
Denise Clarke is an avid wine enthusiast who loves sharing and teaching people about wine. She is a Certified Wine Educator, Certified Sommelier, WSET Advanced graduate and an expert on Texas wine. Owner of Denise Clarke PR, she currently represents Texas Fine Wine and the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Wine Marketing Program. She has lived in Austin for more than 30 years and when she is not swirling and sipping wine, she can be found on her bike, climbing every hill she can find.
Follow Denise on IG at @deniseclarkeTX for more wine recommendations.
