February 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, TEXAS—The Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association (TWGGA) and the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) are proud to announce a new partnership designed to help connect Texas wineries and growers with restaurants across the state. The partnership will expand opportunities for Texas wines in Texas restaurants and strengthen the Texas food-and-beverage ecosystem. 

Through the partnership, TWGGA members will be eligible for a discounted TRA membership rate, providing access to TRA member benefits, including state-level advocacy support, training and education opportunities, partner discounts, and invitations to industry events and networking opportunities. In addition, they will receive complimentary registration to attend the 2026 Texas Restaurant Show, one of the fastest growing restaurant trade shows and education conferences in the country.

“Texas restaurants are proud champions of local flavor, and that includes Texas wine,” said Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. “Restaurants and wineries are essential to our hospitality and agricultural economy. This partnership creates clear pathways for connection, visibility and growth. When Texas restaurants pour Texas wine, it strengthens businesses, communities and the entire Texas hospitality ecosystem.”

The partnership also includes coordinated marketing and education efforts to elevate Texas wines in restaurants and build stronger connections between producers and operators statewide.

“At its core, this partnership is about access, connection and creating synergies for success,” said Karen Bonarrigo, TWGGA President and chief administrative officer at Messina Hof Winery. “When Texas wineries and growers have more direct pathways to connect with restaurant leaders and vice versa, it creates real momentum—more relationships, more placements and more Texans discovering Texas wines in the places they already love to dine.”

“TWGGA’s work centers on advocacy, education and awareness of the Texas grape and Texas wine industry,” Bonarrigo said. “Partnering with TRA aligns our shared commitment to a strong Texas hospitality economy, one that celebrates local agriculture, local producers and the unique story of Texas wine.”

About TWGGA

Established in 1995, the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association is the state’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to the advancement of the Texas wine and grape industry. TWGGA works to promote the production and appreciation of premium Texas grapes and wines while representing the industry through advocacy, education, awareness and statewide collaboration. txwines.org/join

About TRA

Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. As a leading business association, the TRA represents the state’s $138 billion restaurant industry, which encompasses more than 57,000 locations and a workforce of over 1.4 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the workforce development arm of the TRA, the association proudly continues to protect, advance, and educate a growing industry as the TRA enters its 89th year. For more information, please visit txrestaurant.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Katy McDowall
Communications Director
Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association
kmcdowall@twgga.org

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