Texas Vineyards Episodes

I made a trip out west to interview today’s guests. The Texas Davis Mountains AVA has been on my radar for quite some time, but I had never actually been there just recently. The highlight of my trip was sitting down for a long chat with Dan and Maura Sharp, the inspiring couple that’s replanting t…

Today you’ll hear from Phil Lopez of Silver Spur Winery in Hico. He’s a Texan who got into wine while living in California. Phil is most at home in the vineyard, and you'll love what Phil has to say about Texas wine. After 62 episodes, finally someone wore a cowboy hat to the interview.But firs…

Today my guest is Jon Leahy, the winemaker at Becker Vineyards, one of the first, and one of the largest wineries in Texas. We take a look back at some of the most memorable wines he’s made, his extensive travels, and what’s next for Becker Vineyards.I’ve got a last minute ticket giveaway for T…

Today's guests are Nikhila Narra Davis and Greg Davis of Kalasi Cellars. They’ve got a major presence as both High Plains grape growers and as winery owners in Fredericksburg. You’ll hear from Nikhila, who handles wines and vines, and Greg, who handles the rest. In the news, you’ll find out who…

My guest Bryan Chagoly co-owns Sandy Road Vineyards in Johnson City. We discuss how Sandy Road Vineyards started and their plans for the future. We also talk about Bryan’s latest project, Top Texas Wines. You'll hear more about this effort to promote the Texas wines that win the most gold medals in…

Glena Yates, president of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, joins me to share some history of the organization, information on recent challenges and staffing changes, and what TWGGA hopes to accomplish in the next legislative session.In Texas wine news, I’ve got the scoop on a big C…

My guest today is Lynne Majek, CEO of Majek Vineyard & Winery outside of Schulenburg. Majek is a smaller winery in a small community, but she’s made a big impression on everyone that visits.In Texas wine news, I’ll share information about how to purchase a mixed-case of Blue Ribbon Texas wines, g…

Sergio Cuadra, director of winemaking at Fall Creek Vineyards is celebrating his 10th harvest in Texas, but he’s been working in wine for even longer in Chile. Hear what he thinks about the unique opportunities that growing grapes and making wine in Texas presents.In Texas wine news, we’ve got se…

Today I’m pleased to share my recent conversation with Ricky Taylor of Alta Marfa in the Texas Davis Mountains. I’m excited to give some airtime to this AVA. It's so unique and filled with possibilities. Surrounded by desert! Volcanic soils! Launching Alta Marfa has required incredible tenacity, an…

Michael Bilger of Adega Vinho joins me for a talk about the viticulture and enology practices he employs at Adega Vinho in Stonewall, Texas. We get specific about the terroir in the Texas Hill Country, efforts to add sub-AVAs to the Texas Hill Country appellation, and the modern agricultural practi…

In this episode you’ll hear what’s important to Southold Farm + Cellar's Regan Meador. We discuss his thoughts on growth, distribution, winemaking and vineyard practices. And in Texas wine news, find out about The Vind app, camping at 4R Ranch, wine recommendations for crawfish, and the Wine & Food…

Today you’ll hear my interview with Kyle Johnston and Tiffany Farrell of Haak Winery in Santa Fe TX. We discuss not only Haak’s rich history, but also what’s new since a new ownership team purchased Haak last year.Texas wine news includes another new consulting winemaker working in Texas, big tim…

Chris Hornbaker from Eden Hill Winery joins me for this episode. I’ve enjoyed getting to write about Eden Hill Winery and have enjoyed Eden Hill wines for a few years now. It was fun to sit down with Chris to get the behind the scenes stories. And as always, there is Texas wine news including …

Bénédicte Rhyne is my guest on this episode. If you don’t already know Benedicte, you’re in for a treat. In my interview with her, we talk about how Texas reminds her of her native Provence, how she strives for balance in winemaking, and her thoughts on the collaborative nature of the Texas wine in…

On this episode, you’ll get to know Patrick Whitehead of Blue Ostrich Winery in St. Jo. Patrick is the first person I’ve interviewed from North Texas. He shares his thoughts about growing grapes and making wine in North Texas, his desire for a new AVA for his estate vineyard, and so much more. …

Valley Mills Vineyards winemaker Joey Bagnasco joins me to discuss growing grapes in Bosque County and making wine in a beautiful three-story gravity flow winery right outside my hometown of Waco, Texas. In Texas wine industry news, there's a major award nomination for McPherson Cellars, a new ta…

October is Texas Wine Month! I’ll get the celebration off on the right foot with my guest Jennifer McInnis Fadel, general manager of Bending Branch winery in Comfort. I’m also sharing the latest news about the Texas wine industry including results from the 2021 Texas Vintners Cup. Texas Monthl…

Susan Auler of Fall Creek Vineyards is my distinguished guest today. Susan and her husband Ed are often called the first family of Texas wine. You’ll hear Susan share the story of how a trip through France in the 1970s laid the groundwork for the Aulers going all in on Texas wine. The industry wou…

Ron Yates is my guest for episode 26. He loves wine (Tempranillo is #1 in his heart), music, and Texas. He knows how special it is to be able to work in a winery every day! The world could use more of Ron's energy and positivity. Plus there's Texas wine news including a new YouTube docuseries that …

On this episode, I interview Susan Johnson of Texas Heritage Vineyard in Fredericksburg. I’ve also got the scoop on how Texas wineries fared in the 2021 TEXSOM International Wine Awards, one of the toughest wine competitions in the world. There's a new segment called Demerits and Gold Stars. Plus,…

Wondering about the new winery being constructed next to Lewis Wines on 290? Barbara Lecuona is my guest, and she explains the who, what, and why behind Siboney Cellars. Plus lots of Texas wine news including the proposed wine labeling laws that the state legislature is considering, medal winners f…

Episode 18 is all about the winter weather that just walloped Texas. What are vineyard managers and winery owners saying about the 2021 harvest after a long, deep freeze? I'll review which grapes are considered most cold hardy and what signs of hope are evident in the vineyard.

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 …

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 th…