A History of Wine in Texas
“Ancient” History
The first vineyards in Texas were planted in the 1650’s by Spanish missionaries near what is now El Paso. These grapes were made into sacramental wine over 100 years before the first vineyards were planted in California.
Prohibition
Prior to prohibition Texas had over 20 commercial wineries in operation. The only Texas winery to survive prohibition was Val Verde Winery of Del Rio Texas, which kept its doors open by making sacramental wine. The Val Verde Winery was founded in 1833 by Frank Qualia, an Italian Immigrant, and is still in operation today under the management of Frank’s grandson Thomas Qualia.
http://www.valverdewinery.com/ https://www.facebook.com/valverdewinery/
Thomas V. Munson
Thomas V. Munson was a horticulturist who did extensive work breeding grapes in Texas. His work with Native American grape root stocks helped save the French wine industry during the late 1800’s after the majority of vines in Europe were devastated by the root louse Phylloxera. The French and the rest of Europe replanted their vineyards using root stock from Native American grape species from Texas. In recognition of his work, the French government named him Chevalier du Merite Agricole of the French Legion of Honor.
Texas Wine Revival
In the 1970’s the wine industry in Texas began a rapid expansion. From less than 10 wineries prior to 1970 there are now over 350 operating wineries in Texas. Texas is now home to 8 different American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Melissa Valley AVA, Bell Mountain AVA, Fredericksburg AVA, Texas Hill Country AVA, Escondido Valley AVA, Texas High Plains AVA, Texas Davis Mountains AVA (Home of Alta Marfa!) and Texoma AVA. Over two thirds of all grapes grown in Texas are currently produced within the Texas High Plains AVA.
The Future of Texas Wine
The future of wine in Texas is a bright one. The keys to continued growth and success for the Texas wine industry will be:
- More grapes grown in Texas. Eventually Texas vineyards must be able to meet the demand of Texas wineries. Until there are more Texas grapes than there is demand for, the average Texas grape quality will stay relatively low compared to what is possible in Texas.
- More yield consistency. Texas is full of reasons why consistent yields from year to year are a challenge. However, it is absolutely essential that we find ways to combat these issues, whether they be weather or pest or drought. Until the consistency situation is improved, Texas wineries will not be able to count on buying Texas grapes every year.
- Planting the grape varieties best suited to each particular region. Texas has already come a long way in this regard, but we need to continue to experiment and improve.
- Educate the Texas population about wine and convince them that they want to drink more of it.
- Promote and sell Texas wine outside Texas and outside the United States. If Texas wants respect from the world for its wine we need to let people outside Texas taste it.
If you are interested in learning more about my vineyard project, Alta Marfa, or just more about viticulture in the Texas Davis Mountains in general please check out my website:
