Texas Vineyards Episodes

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.

What happens in the vineyard when the weather turns cold? How cold is too cold for Texas vineyards? My guest is Daniel Pate of Apical Texas, and he breaks down cold weather viticulture in Texas. I’m drinking the 2018 Dead Flowers rosé from the Texas High Plains. It’s produced and bottled by Texoir.

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.

In the News: Chris Brundrett of William Chris Vineyards and Yes We Can Wine named a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker for 2020, Landon Winery will open a new tasting room in Grapevine, and Texas Hill Country and Carter Creek Resort & Spa make 10Best lists. I interview Roxanne Myers of Lost Oak Winery, President-Elect of TWGGA, about Save Texas Wineries, a newly formed Texas winery PAC. I'm drinking the C.L. Butaud Ramato. Cheers, y'all!