Things you need to know about Texas wine industry

Texas is known across the globe for producing fine wine in picturesque vineyards. With over 5,000 acres of wine grapes, it is the 7th largest producer in the world. It comes 5th in the US with over 436 wineries. According to NY Times, Texas Hill Country is the No.2 wine destination in the US. Currently, the Texas wine contributes $13.1 billion to the state’s economy.

It takes a village to make exceptional wine from a region. It’s amazing how the new and old pioneers are constantly raising the bar in the wine industry. There are several out-standing tasting rooms and wineries in Texas. There has been tremendous growth in Texas wineries over the past decade. The purpose of visiting a winery isn’t just to drink but to learn about wine. When choosing a winery, one should look for one that is managed by people with extensive wine knowledge. There is no telling the potential of Texas wine industry. Maybe in the next 20 years, drinking Texas wine will be a cult. Well, the future can only be better.

Here are some facts wine enthusiasts should know about Texas. Cheers!

1. Texas is almost the same size as the whole of France. When you think of all the different climatic conditions and soils in France, Texas has more.
2. There are 8 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) or wine growing regions in Texas but many vineyards are found outside the AVAs.
3. A great way to experience the best wine Texas is to visit local restaurants as they lists Texas wines. Plus you get to enjoy fantastic food pairings and wine dinners.
4. There are 16 wine trails in Texas that give both tourists and Texans the best wineries in Texas experience. There are so many wineries with wine clubs that offer unique wine experiences and even free tasting to visitors.
5. The State of Texas stopped spending on Texas wine industry but the GO TEXAN program still promotes the industry through its PASSPORT program. The private Texas wine industry works together and relies on individuals to solve their vineyard problems. This is an indication of a maturing industry.
6. Texas A & M University, Texas Tech University, and Grayson Community College in Denison play a great role in growing winemakers and vineyard managers.
7. Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association show outstanding support to the Texas wine industry. Their annual conference and GRAPE BOOT camp continues to encourage and inform grape growers and wine makers. Their "100 percent Texas Grapes" special labels has grown the Texas wine’s brand.
8. Texas is the largest grower and producer of Blanc du Bois grapes in the world. Rhône wine varietals grow very well in Texas. Tannat, Carignan, Sangiovese, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Tempranillo are also some of the red wine varietals that grow in Texas.
9. There are more women coming up in the wine industry in Texas. The Bunny Becker Women in Wine Award is set to encourage and honor women in the viticulture industry.

Wine Fusion Winery in Texas is a bright, fun, lively winery with the best wine variety of all the tasting rooms in Grapevine combined.