Texas Vineyards Episodes

Ron Yates is my guest for episode 26. He loves wine (Tempranillo is #1 in his heart), music, and Texas. He knows how special it is to be able to work in a winery every day! The world could use more of Ron's energy and positivity. Plus there's Texas wine news including a new YouTube docuseries that looks like a winner! And I've got a gold star for Hill & Vine, a new Hill Country restaurant that's making a huge impression in Fredericksburg. Cheers y'all!

On this episode, I interview Susan Johnson of Texas Heritage Vineyard in Fredericksburg. I’ve also got the scoop on how Texas wineries fared in the 2021 TEXSOM International Wine Awards, one of the toughest wine competitions in the world. There's a new segment called Demerits and Gold Stars. Plus, I’ve got all the latest news about the Texas wine industry. Cheers y'all!

Wondering about the new winery being constructed next to Lewis Wines on 290? Barbara Lecuona is my guest, and she explains the who, what, and why behind Siboney Cellars. Plus lots of Texas wine news including the proposed wine labeling laws that the state legislature is considering, medal winners from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, a new #txwine tasting room, new food and wine tasting experiences and more!

Episode 18 is all about the winter weather that just walloped Texas. What are vineyard managers and winery owners saying about the 2021 harvest after a long, deep freeze? I'll review which grapes are considered most cold hardy and what signs of hope are evident in the vineyard.

My guest John Rivenburgh is the new president of the Texas Hill Country Wineries association. I’ll talk to John about his history in the Texas wine industry, the wine incubator he’s running at Kerrville Hills Winery, his passion for the Tannat grape, and more. I’ve also got a rundown of everything you need to know about Tannat, one of the top 10 red grapes grown in Texas.

William Chris Vineyards and Lost Draw Cellars announced a plan to merge in October of this year. Today you’ll hear from the founders of those two wineries about the new William Chris Wine Company and its plans for the future. Plus, I’ve also got a round-up of the 23 biggest Texas wine stories of the year.

We are a week out from Thanksgiving, a time of year when we’re thinking about family. Today I’m talking to David and Julie Kuhlken, the dynamic brother/sister duo that co-owns and runs Pedernales Cellars. We had a great conversation about the history of their family winery, what’s going on in the Texas wine industry, and even the confusion over the pronunciation of Pedernales. I’m drinking a Pedernales wine. It’s the 2018 Pedernales Cellars Texas High Plains Viognier Reserve.

What happens in the vineyard when the weather turns cold? How cold is too cold for Texas vineyards? My guest is Daniel Pate of Apical Texas, and he breaks down cold weather viticulture in Texas. I’m drinking the 2018 Dead Flowers rosé from the Texas High Plains. It’s produced and bottled by Texoir.

Chuck Tordiglione, owner of Bull Lion Ranch & Vineyard, is the president of the Cross Timbers Wine & Vineyard Association. Cross Timbers has big plans including publishing another glossy wine and travel magazine, new wine, food and art events planned for 2021, and new partnerships with local chefs. Chuck has more enthusiasm for Texas wine than most anyone I’ve ever met, and I know you’ll enjoy his interview. I’ll also talk about wine trails in general: what they are, what they do, and how they’re organized. In my new People In Wine segment, I introduce Tony Coturri, a California natural wine winemaker who inspired two popular Texas winemakers you’ll recognize. Tony is also a partner in Texas winery himself. Finally, I’m celebrating national Cabernet Sauvignon day with the 2017 Brennan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the News: Chris Brundrett of William Chris Vineyards and Yes We Can Wine named a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker for 2020, Landon Winery will open a new tasting room in Grapevine, and Texas Hill Country and Carter Creek Resort & Spa make 10Best lists. I interview Roxanne Myers of Lost Oak Winery, President-Elect of TWGGA, about Save Texas Wineries, a newly formed Texas winery PAC. I'm drinking the C.L. Butaud Ramato. Cheers, y'all!