Texas Wine Grape Varietals

Texas has eight AVAs although many vineyards exist outside the specified AVAs. For a wine to mention an AVA on the label, 85% of the volume of wine must come from grapes grown in that designated region.
Texas grape growers have learned what varieties do well in Texas climate and soil. Texans are proud to share their award-winning Texas wines made with Texas grapes.
Today Texas boasts approximately 4,500 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.
Texas grape growers have learned what varieties do well in Texas climate and soil. Texans are proud to share their award-winning Texas wines made with Texas grapes.
A viticultural area for American wine is a delimited grape-growing region having distinguishing features, a name and delineated boundary. These designations allow vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to its geographic origin.
The establishment of viticultural areas allows vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase.
Texas has eight AVAs although many vineyards exist outside the specified AVAs. For a wine to mention an AVA on the label, 85% of the volume of wine must come from grapes grown in that designated region.
Texas Wine Grape Varietals


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. Pictures compliments of Grohmann Farms Vineyard, Weimar, TX

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.

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. Picture compliments of Williams Ranch Vineyard and Kirk Williams in San Antonio, TX.

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.

Cynthiana
This grape is used in making dry wine. This varietal closely resembles Norton, but many will say Cynthiana should be considered a separate varietal. Genetic studies show the two varietals are almost indistinguishable. Maybe Cynthiana is a mutation of the original Norton.

Gewurztraminer
This spicy, aromatic grape variety has proven to grow successfully on the South Plains of Texas.

Lenoir
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, 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. Picture compliments of Grohmann Farms Vineyard, Weimar, TX

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.

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.

Muscat Blanc
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. Also known as Muscat Canelli.

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. Also known as Muscat Blanc.

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. Picture compliments of Williams Ranch Vineyard and Kirk Williams in San Antonio, TX.

Petite Verdot
This classic French variety is relatively new to Texas and is used almost exclusively for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Also known as ‘Syrah’.

Syrah
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. Also known as ‘Shiraz’.

Tannat
This is a very tannic, earthy and robust wine. It produces a deep-red colored, full bodied, complex wine with a wildberry flavor and a high alcohol content. The wine pairs well with red meats and game dishes such as garlic-roasted duck, roast beef with autum vegetables, and grilled steak. Picture compliments of Jennifer Beckmann, Bending Branch Winery, Comfort, TX.

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.

Viognier
Reasonably difficult grape to grow, as it is somewhat more prone to disease than other varietals and can be unpredictable in its yield. It is, however, reasonably drought resistant. The distinctive aroma of peaches, apricots, and violets is a hallmark of Viognie