Texas Hill Country Episodes

Today's guest is Garrett Strickler, vineyard manager at Salt Lick Vineyards and wine director at Salt Lick Cellars. We talk about regenerative agriculture, what makes Salt Lick Vineyards such a prime spot for viticulture, and why Texas Hill Country rose should be on your list. In Texas wine news, I'll discuss the plans for the first ever Hill Country Wine Camp, share fun news about another Texas winery using alternative packaging, and announce TEXSOM conference dates. Cheers to all of the fun Texas wine events happening this spring and summer!

My guest on this episode is Chase Jones, co-owner and general manager of Slate Theory Winery in Fredericksburg. Maybe you've seen Slate Theory's provocative wine labels or heard about the incredible cave. But I've learned that there's much more to Slate Theory than that. In our interview, you'll hear about Slate Theory's dedication to Texas viticulture, the artistry of their winemakers David and Tyler, and their desire to be a safe place to start a conversation around mental health. In Texas wine news, TEXSOM Awards results are out, and Texas wineries did quite well. Plus, several new tasting room are in the works for Fredericksburg, and there's one winery rebranding that caught my attention. Finally, I've got a ticket giveaway for the Texas Hill Country Wineries Road Show in Houston on May 8. Listen to find out how to enter! Cheers y'all!

On episode 113, in addition to recapping some recent Texas wine news stories, you'll hear my interview with Seth Urbanek of William Chris Wine Company and Elisa Jones of Elisa Christopher Wines. These two are at the forefront of the rapidly developing traditional method sparkling wine scene in Texas. They join me to talk in depth about sparkling wine production, the lessons they've learned and what comes next. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

On episode 112, I sit down with Janet and Mark Miertschin, owners of Portree Cellars in the Texas Hill Country. This boutique winery has been very well received by critics and guests since opening two years ago. Listen to find out how Mark and Janet's many skills create something special at Portree Cellars. But first, Texas wine news includes a weather situation, plans for a major North Texas winery to open its first "destination vineyard", international recognition for several wineries, and more. Thanks for listening! Cheers ya'll!

On episode 111, listen for the latest Texas wine news, including plans for Austin Wine Week, new tasting rooms coming to the Hill Country, and an article focusing on low alcohol wines. Then I visited Torr Na Lochs in Burnet for a conversation with Blake DeBerry and Colby O'Brien. I'm excited to share the new Viticulture & Enology project that's going on at Texas Tech University and highlights from Blake's recent term as President of Texas Hill Country Wineries. Plus, this episode includes a return of Demerits and Gold Stars! Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all!

On episode 110, in addition to recapping Texas wine news, I'm sharing an interview with Zachary Raines, head winemaker at Augusta Vin Winery in Fredericksburg. Zachary's wines have been earning top medals at wine competition and receiving praise from critics. We talk through how he ended up in Texas, parallels between Paso Robles and Texas wine industries, and how he approaches winemaking at Augusta Vin. Cheers y'all!

This is episode 108, and it's the first podcast of 2026! Today's episode includes Texas wine news, wine competition results, and a replay of the closing session of the Hill Country Wine Symposium. The symposium was filled with great information and tastings, but this closing panel was mostly for fun. It's a walk down memory lane for 6 long-time Texas wine professionals. Their best advice is "Make really good friends," and you can tell that they have. Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all! Image by Peary Photography

My guest today is Melissa Whatley. She and her husband Tyler are the co-owners of the recently opened Fredericksburg winery, Whatley Wines. Their faith and desire to pour into the community have inspired every aspect of Whatley Wines. We'll discuss the evolution of their brand, how food and wine pairing plays an important role, and how wine trading cards help tell the story. In Texas wine news, let's talk about Texas wine bars and wine-focused restaurants. Plus, I'll recap the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival, share Texas wine real estate news, and more. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

JeriLynne Clifford, the Hill Country Bon Vivant, is a tastemaker and hospitality expert based in Fredericksburg. JeriLynne's new cookbook, The Vineyard Table, showcases Texas wineries, food, and the joys of connecting over a meal around the table. Listen to hear how she prioritizes local wines, partners with local wineries, and lives the good life in the Hill Country. In Texas wine news, I review two other new Texas wine books- a guidebook and a work of fiction. Also, Texas is mentioned as an underrated wine region in a VinePair article, there's another holiday wine bundle and corresponding holiday soiree that you'll want to check out. There's another new episode of the Go Texan Explores: Texas Wine podcast out. This one includes some additional details about Llano Estacado's big moves in both Lubbock and Fredericksburg. Cheers y'all!

Ron Yates of Ron Yates Wines and Spicewood Vineyards is a returning guest who first appeared in 2021. On this episode, he’s sharing more about "The Get Together", his new boxed wine project, the new tasting room he’s building at Ron Yates, and his thoughts about the 2025 harvest. Then in Texas wine news, we’ll review the new Texas-focused regional guide by Wine Folly, explore a bit of a regional battle between the Texas High Plains and the Hill Country, announce a new podcast for wine lovers from a Texas wine VIP, and announce several new Texas wine events. Demerits and gold stars make a return too. Thanks for listening. Cheers y'all!

Claire Richardson, winemaker at Uplift Vineyard, is my guest on this episode. She’s a talented winemaker who is also the co-founder of Grafted, the organization that was created to support women in Texas wine, and Explore Oeno, her personal brand. You’ll hear Claire's Texas wine story from Texas A&M to New Zealand and back to Texas again. Then in Texas wine news, I’ll share how Texas wineries are responding to the tragic flooding in the Texas Hill Country. Plus, a new partnership links William Chris Vineyards with wineries across the US. Elisa Christopher Wines gets great press in an international drinks publication. Finally, I got new podcast music composed by a Texas wine VIP! Cheers y'all!

IT'S EPISODE 100! Andrew Sides of Lost Draw Wines joins me on this episode to share more about the Lost Draw story, including thoughts on the split from William Chris Wine Co. In celebration of my 100th episode, I’ve got some reflections on this milestone episode and the 5 year anniversary since the first episode aired. Then In Texas wine news, we’ll review which wineries are opening, closing, and rumored to be coming to town. There’s an update on the Farm Winery Permit bill, and a top sommelier shares thoughts about Texas wine. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

January Wiese of Texas Hill Country Wineries has some exciting announcements about new programs for this 25-year-old powerhouse of an organization, which focuses on marketing wineries in the Texas Hill Country AVA. In Texas wine news, thanks to a tip from a listener, I’ve got the scoop on a new Texas boxed wine project. Plus a new article about Texas in Wine Enthusiast, a focus on the wine scene in East Texas in a regional newspaper, and a North Texas winery campsite is named one of the country’s best. Cheers y'all!

On episode 98, my guest is Doug Lewis of Lewis Wines near Johnson City. Doug shares the history of Lewis Wines, the importance of a region’s agricultural heritage, and the pending Farm Winery Permit. In Texas wine news, we’ve got new statistics from Wine America on the enormous impact of Texas wine on the state’s economy, a new article on local wine from Amy Beth Wright, and big awards for Dr. Justin Scheiner of Texas A&M and Dr. Julie Kuhlken of Pedernales Cellars. Thanks for listening. Cheers y'all!

Henry Crowson of Crowson Wines in Johnson City is always a ton of fun. Both his "0-0" winemaking style and his plans for his brand are pretty unique in Texas. Henry tells all about a future move and his long-term vision for Crowson Wines. In the Texas wine news, there’s a focus on news from North Texas, wine competition results – including some that may surprise you – and a new organic designation that was awarded to a property in Fredericksburg. Cheers, y'all!

Jeremy Wilson joins me for episode 84. He's a sommelier and brand ambassador for Adega Vinho Winery and my latest guest in an occasional series of Texas Wine Country Personalities. Jeremy has been around the Texas wine industry for quite awhile not only as a winery employee, but also as a Texas Wine Lover writer and even as a podcaster back in the day. Listen in to hear about his new personal wine project, his thoughts on the Texas wine industry, and the other beverage he loves almost as much as wine. In the Texas wine news, you'll hear about a major winery acquisition, wineries opening and closing, winemakers on the move, weather woes, and more. Cheers y'all!

Wine educator Kelsey Kramer of the Hill Country Wine Academy joins me to discuss the state of wine education today. Under Kelsey’s direction, the Hill Country Wine Academy, formerly known as the William Chris Wine School, is training Texas wine ambassadors, industry pros, and enthusiasts alike. In the Texas wine news, I’m reflecting on 10 years of Texas Fine Wine, announcing a nice accolade for Chris Brundrett of William Chris Wine Co, and sharing some feedback I’ve received about the last episode and the effort to #AskForTexasWines in restaurants. Cheers, y'all!

This episode explores the topic of expanding the Texas wine selections in Texas restaurants. Becker Vineyards' Jen Syma and Nichole Bendele are spearheading the #AskForTexasWines effort. Other wineries are getting on board, and you’ll be hearing a lot more about this initiative very soon. As always, I'll cover some recent Texas wine news and events. Cheers y'all!

This is episode 81, and my guest today is Mike Batek. Mike and his wife Denise own Hye Meadow Winery in Hye in the Texas Hill Country. Mike is also the current president of the Texas Hill Country Wineries association. His story starts at the beginning of his wine journey and ends with upcoming travel and a winemaking "stage" in Slovenia! In the Texas wine news section, I’m talking about wineries opening and expanding, Texas wine women are getting a shoutout in Men’s Health, and I’m reviewing my recent France trip with other Texas wine enthusiasts. Don't miss the ticket giveaways to two events the weekend of May 4-5. Cheers, yall!

My guest on episode 80 is Tim Drake. He’s winemaker at Michael Ros Winery in Fredericksburg and also makes wine for Farmhouse Vineyards and Majek Vineyards. Tim has been in the Texas wine industry for quite some time, and he started his wine career in Washington. He's an entertaining subject with lots to say about winery design, winemaking philosophies, how the Texas wine industry has evolved, and more. In the Texas wine news section, we’re anticipating the April 8 eclipse, reviewing Texas wine stories from large regional magazines, and discussing the magic of wine, a new campaign by WineAmerica to change the way we talk about wine. Cheers y'all!

Katy Jane Seaton is co-owner of Farmhouse Vineyards in the Texas High Plains. We’re talking about Texas agriculture, Farmhouse’s best damn client list, the eclipse, the quest for unity in Texas wine, and much more. ⁠ In the Texas news section, we’ve got some breaking news from Daniel Kelada at Vinovium, good press for Texas white grape varieties, and a special Texas wine event for International Women’s Day.⁠ ⁠ Cheers y'all!

My guests today are Kristin and Mike Nelson of Ab Astris Stonewall. In 2020 I answered a call for harvest help, met the Nelson family, and have enjoyed getting to know them and their wines ever since. Our conversation includes their thoughts on the family business, sustainability, authenticity, and much more. In the Texas news section, we’ve got ownership changes, new tasting rooms, travel news and spring events you won't want to miss. Cheers y'all!

Happy Texas Wine Month! Clay Roup is one of the founders of Texas Wine Club, and he has a special affinity for Texas wine history. Today we’re talking about history from the time of Spanish missionaries bringing viticulture to Texas in the mid 1600s through the TV Munson days. (Clay and I agree that every Texan should know about TV Munson!) In Texas wine news, there's news about new AVA proposals, a Texas wine has finally won the grand champion award at San Antonio Rodeo wine competition, and there are great scores and national recognition for several other Texas wineries. Cheers y'all!

Happy Texas Wine Month! My guests on this episode are some of the pioneers of the Texas Wine industry. Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo are the co-founders of Messina Hof Winery, and they join me to talk about the early days of Messina Hof and the Texas wine industry. They share how Texas wine consumers can help the industry grow and share some encouraging words for new Texas wineries. But first, I'll share some Texas wine news. There’s a disappointing rebranding of the Texas Wine Garden at the State Fair of Texas and a significant decrease in Texas wines available there. But there are some positive stories too, including a chance to further your education in Texas wine and a Southern magazine recognizing some Texas wine women. Cheers, y'all!