Texas is the site of the first vineyard established in North America by Franciscan priests circa 1662. As European settlers followed the development of mission outposts, they brought more grapevine cuttings, further developing the industry through the 1800s.
Today Texas boasts approximately 3,700 acres of producing vineyard farmland. The U.S. Department of Treasury through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau officially designates American Viticulture (Grape Growing) Areas, or AVAs. Texas has eight AVAs although many vineyards exist outside the specified AVAs. For a wine to mention an AVA on the label, 75% of the volume of wine must come from grapes grown in that designated region.
For a map of all Texas AVAs
click here.
To learn more about grapes of non-European origin that are commonly grown in Texas,
click here.
To learn more about grapes of European (Vinifera) origin that are commonly grown in Texas,
click here.
Dr. Charles McKinney
Viticulturalist
Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association Member Since 1974
Due to specific growing conditions in Texas that result in reduced fruit production and on occasion vine death, some Texas grape growers and wine makers choose to work with non-viniferous, or non-European grapevines and fruit. These grapes are more resistant to specific challenges presented by growing conditions in Texas.
Descriptions of Non-Vinifera Grapes Commonly Grown in Texas.
Cynthiana – Also known as Norton. An American hybrid grape generally used to make red wine. These grapes have been successfully can be grown in Texas north of San Antonio.
Blanc du Bois – An American hybrid with Italian Muscat in its heritage. Primarily grown in Southeast Texas, this grape produces wine with high marketability. It is popular among grape growers for it’s resistance to Pearce’s Disease – a fatal bacterial disease that can affect an entire vineyard. Blanc du Bois is typically used to make white table wine.
Black Spanish – Also known as Lenoir or Jacquez. Used in southern France in the mid-1700s, this grape is of American heritage. It is resistant to Pearce’s Disease (described above), and therefore has been grown primarily in southeast and central Texas. Has been used to make Texas Port for many years, and recently has been successfully used to make red table wine.
Favorite – A clone of Black Spanish, this grape has higher yields and is even more disease resistant than Black Spanish. The vines were first cloned near Brenham, Texas, and continue to be grown primarily in southeast Texas. Similar to Black Spanish, Favorite is used to make red wines.
Venus – This hybrid has Zinfandel in its parentage and produces sweet aromatic red wine. It is typically grown in northern Texas.
Muscadines – These grapes are genetically different than viniferous grapes and the grapes described above. They have 38 chromosomes as opposed to 40, which are present in the above. These grapes are well adapted to the humid growing condition of east Texas.
Pronunciation Key
Pinot Chardonnay Pea-no shar-doh-nay Pinot Noir Pea-no no-ahr
Pinot Blanc Pea-no blanh Chenin Blanc She-nahn blanh
Sauvignon Blanc So-vee-nyonh blanh Semillon Say-mee-honh
Riesling Reez-ling Sylvaner Sil-vah-ner
Traminer Trah-mee-ner Cabernet Franc Kab-ernay Franh
Gewurztraminer Gay-vertsh-trah-mee-ner Gamay Gah-may
Cabernet Sauvignon Kab-er-nay So-vee-nyonh Gamay Beaujolais Gah-may boh-sho-lay
Muscat Canelli Muss-cat Ka-nell-ee Merlot Murr-low
Descriptions of European Grapes Commonly Grown in Texas.
Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon -- The king of red wine grapes does well over much of Texas, but especially well above 3,000 feet in elevation. Excellent wines made from this grape have been made by many Texas wineries and enjoyed by many consumers of Texas wines.
Merlot -- This classic French grape makes a soft, full-bodied, red wine similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but is easier to drink. This variety does well over the western 1/2 of Texas, but does extremely well above 3,000 feet in elevation.
Ruby Cabernet -- This grape variety was developed by the University of California to be a hot weather Cabernet Sauvignon. It has extremely good color and seems to be best used when blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or with a white wine to make a blush.
Sangiovese -- This Italian grape variety is has great potential to do extremely well in the hot Texas climate.
Syrah or Shiraz -- This French grape made "famous" by Australia may be the best red grape variety for many areas of Texas. It color and taste are extremely good under a wide diversity of growing conditions. It is somewhat cold sensitive, especially when it is young.
Tempranillo -- This Spanish grape is very new to Texas and is already showing great potential, especially in North Texas. The future for this variety in Texas appears to be bright.
Cabernet Franc -- This classic French variety has does best on the South Plains or in extreme North Texas. Often it is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Petite Verdot -- This classic French variety is relatively new to Texas and is used almost exclusively for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon.
White Wine
Chardonnay – Makes white wine. This grape is challenging to grow for much of Texas because it buds out early in the season, which makes the grapes subject to late spring freezes. Widespread recognition among consumers places this wine on most winery lists. It is susceptible to Pierce's Disease. Wine from chardonnay grapes is typically aged for 12-13 months.
Chenin Blanc – Makes white wine. The grape does well in most parts of the state. Typically dryer than chardonnay, it is less known by consumers and thus more difficult to find on winery lists. It is most often used for blending. Tight clusters make the grape prone to bunch/sour rot. It is also susceptible to Pierce's Disease.
Sauvignon Blanc – Makes white wine. Sauvignon Blanc does well in the western half of Texas. It can make a wonderful wine, but there is not a large market for this variety. Similar to Chenin Blanc, it is dryer than chardonnay, making it more difficult to find on winery lists. Tight clusters make the grape prone to bunch rot. It is also susceptible to Pierce’s Disease.
Pinot Grigio -- An Italian grape variety that seems to be adaptable to the hot Texas climate. It makes a simple, clean, dry white wine. While there is only a small amount currently planted it should increase in acreage over time.
Riesling -- A German grape variety that is adapted to the colder regions of Texas. Wines from this grape, while sold as varietals, are often blended with a red wine to make blush wines.
Muscat Blanc/Muscat Canelli -- This floral grape variety is a favorite of most winery tasting rooms and makes an excellent white, cocktail wine or a wine that goes with chocolate desserts. This variety does best in the western 1/2 of Texas, but can be found growing in other parts of Texas.
Orange Muscat -- This citrus tasting variety is proving to be a very good grape for the South Plains of Texas. It may do well in other areas too. Most often these grapes are used in making dessert wines.
Gewurztraminer -- This spicy, aromatic grape variety has proven to grow successfully on the South Plains of Texas.
Malvasia Bianca -- This Italian grape variety is very similar in taste to Muscat blanc. It can be used in the same way as Muscat blanc.
Pinot Blanc -- This rather neutral variety does well in North Texas and can be used as a neutral white table wine or as the base for a very nice sparkling wine.
Grapes