Russ Kane is a wine writer, blogger and aficionado with articles and tasting notes that have appeared in local and regional publications He has organized and moderated winemaker panels at major festivals including “Hot Weather, Cool Wines” at the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, and “Mediterranean Cowboys” and “Pinot Gringos” at the Grand Wine and Food Affair. He is currently working on a book project on the Texas wine experience and is blogging at http://vintagetexas.com/blog where he is chronicling his search for Texas terroir.

Russ has been a Houston entrepreneur for over 20 years. He has traveled extensively and has an active interest in regional cuisines, wine education, and wine and food pairing. Both Russ Kane and his wife, Delia Cuellar, come from families with restaurant ties and understand the qualities of wine and food in a context of family, friends and acquaintances.

He has served as a judge in numerous wine competitions including the Houston Rodeo Wine Competition and the Lone Star Wine Competition. Russ was the founder and organizer of the annual Texas’ Best Wine Competition held by the Wine Society of Texas (2000 – 2005). He has also developed wine training lectures and seminars to promote a knowledgeable and responsible wine culture in Texas.

In 1998, Russ Kane started the Houston Chapter of the Wine Society of Texas, a 501c3 non-profit, educational organization. He has served as its President, on its Board of Directors, and as its Executive Director.  He helped to build the organization to include approximately 400 members statewide with many local chapters. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA). In 2002, Dr. Kane received his first level certificate from the Guild of Master Sommeliers.