Texas Hill Country Wineries Episodes

My guest John Rivenburgh is the new president of the Texas Hill Country Wineries association. I’ll talk to John about his history in the Texas wine industry, the wine incubator he’s running at Kerrville Hills Winery, his passion for the Tannat grape, and more. I’ve also got a rundown of everything you need to know about Tannat, one of the top 10 red grapes grown in Texas.

William Chris Vineyards and Lost Draw Cellars announced a plan to merge in October of this year. Today you’ll hear from the founders of those two wineries about the new William Chris Wine Company and its plans for the future. Plus, I’ve also got a round-up of the 23 biggest Texas wine stories of the year.

We are a week out from Thanksgiving, a time of year when we’re thinking about family. Today I’m talking to David and Julie Kuhlken, the dynamic brother/sister duo that co-owns and runs Pedernales Cellars. We had a great conversation about the history of their family winery, what’s going on in the Texas wine industry, and even the confusion over the pronunciation of Pedernales. I’m drinking a Pedernales wine. It’s the 2018 Pedernales Cellars Texas High Plains Viognier Reserve.

Chuck Tordiglione, owner of Bull Lion Ranch & Vineyard, is the president of the Cross Timbers Wine & Vineyard Association. Cross Timbers has big plans including publishing another glossy wine and travel magazine, new wine, food and art events planned for 2021, and new partnerships with local chefs. Chuck has more enthusiasm for Texas wine than most anyone I’ve ever met, and I know you’ll enjoy his interview. I’ll also talk about wine trails in general: what they are, what they do, and how they’re organized. In my new People In Wine segment, I introduce Tony Coturri, a California natural wine winemaker who inspired two popular Texas winemakers you’ll recognize. Tony is also a partner in Texas winery himself. Finally, I’m celebrating national Cabernet Sauvignon day with the 2017 Brennan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.

On today’s podcast, we’ll cover the latest Texas wine news including Lescalo, the new Fall Creek Vineyards wine with fewer calories. I’ll share the top 10 tips for planning a wine trip to the Texas Hill Country, focusing on the area between Johnson City and Fredericksburg along the 290 wine road. In our education segment, I’ll talk about wine serving temperatures. Finally, I’m drinking the 2018 Lost Draw Counoise from Farmhouse Vineyards.