Texas has become one of the fastest growing wine tourism destinations in the United States – second only to Napa Valley. This boom means that the industry is expanding at a rapid rate where winemakers from around the world are lured here due to the wide range of grape varieties available. Texas’ expansive selection of varietals lends itself to a wide range of winemaking styles and complex blends.
Region
8,000 estimated planted
acres of wine grapes
8 distinct wine growing regions
Impact
1.8 million visitors per year
$13.1 billion total economic impact
104,627 jobs created and
supported by the wine industry
Production
1.03 million* gallons/year (3.89 million liters)
*Total production not all of Texas appellation
Primary Grape Varietals
In Texas Hill Country AVA, there are 7 primary varietals:
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Malbec
Mourvèdre
Sangiovese Vermentino
Viognier
Tempranillo Tannat
Petite Sirah
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In Texas High Plains AVA, there are 8 primary varietals:
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Syrah
Carignan
Tempranillo
Cabernet Franc
Cab Sauvignon
Petit Verdot
Roussanne
Trebbiano
​
Unique Fact
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Some of the earliest vineyards in the United States can be traced back to Texas. Mission grapes (no longer found in Texas) were planted by Franciscan priests as early as the 1650s along the Rio Grande Valley. In what is today’s Texas Hill Country AVA, German immigrants also produced wines from native mustang grapes. Since then, Texas winegrowers have been able to innovate and experiment with many different varietals and winemaking styles due to the diverse nature of Texas’ terroir. Today, over 100 varieties of wine grapes can be found growing in Texas vineyards.
