Texas wine has come a
long way since its emergence in the late 1970s as a new industry with
a bright future. The industry has grown and matured and today Texas is
the country's fifth-leading wine state, producing varietals, table,
dessert and sparkling wines. The state over 100 wineries, six
designated appellations of origin and wines that distinguish
themselves in national and international competitions.
Still, Texas wines face competition. California produces 75 percent of all the wine consumed in the United States, while Chilean, French and other imports take a big bite out of U. S. wine sales. What's more, a Texas Cabernet Sauvignon does not taste like a California Cabernet or a French Bordeaux, a
fact that can create market resistance among some consumers.
To combat such problems and build on the industry's success, Texas wineries need
consistent quality and a stable supply of grapes, higher-yielding vineyards and
larger acreage for popular varietals. Texas grape growers and winemakers are not
trying to imitate others, but to produce wines with a character and quality of
their own, deserving of a Texas label. As the industry continues to grow, the
reputation and acceptance of its wines will grow with it as both wineries and
grape growers focus on producing the best product possible.
We invite you to download the Texas
Wine Grape Guide to learn the facts about starting a vineyard. Read and keep a copy of
the guide.
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