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 for this episode is Fran Pontasch, who along with co-authors Drs Russ Kane and Justin Scheiner, is writing a book about the most planted white grape variety in Texas, Blanc Du Bois. No other state has embraced Blanc Du Bois as warmly as Texas, and we will talk about all the reasons why. You'll also hear Doug Lewis of Lewis Wines discussing Swim Spot, his very popular effervescent wine made from Blanc Du Bois. In Texas wine news, I'll discuss Maryam Ahmed's new article for Bon Appetit that's getting people talking about drinking local, not just eating local. Plus, there's some troubling news about bankruptcy filings by two wine companies in Texas. And it's time to enter the Vintners Cup competition. Finally, I've got some tickets to give away for both Hill Country and North Texas events. Listen to find out how to enter. Cheers!

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!

On episode 109, you'll hear a rundown of recent Texas wine news, event updates and discount codes for tickets. The main event is an interview featuring Krista and Scott Hartman from Red River Wines and Provisions in the Texoma AVA. They are going all in on Texas viticulture, thoughtful winemaking, and a very personal and educational hospitality experience. I can't wait for you to hear what they're cooking up in North Texas! Thanks for listening, and 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

In this final episode of 2025, I'll share the top Texas wine stories of the year and unveil the winners of the 2025 TexasWinePod Awards! Listen in to catch up on all the highlights (and a few low points) that defined this year in Texas wine. I'll also share listener-submitted highlights and some podcast stats. Cheers to a great year in Texas wine!

My guest on episode 106 is Rarig Ross. Rarig and his wife Ellery co-own and operate Ferris & Fletch Wine Co in Fredericksburg, and Rarig is also the winemaker. You'll hear how his wine story started in California and is unfolding here in Texas. He has some exciting news to share about a significant expansion and a new brand...or two. In Texas wine neww, top stories include the James Suckling report on Texas wine, a Top 50 ranking for a Texas winery in the World's 50 Best Vineyards, and recent wine competition scores. There's a new Texas wine article in Texas Monthly, and more. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

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!

Amy Gross, founder and CEO of VineSleuth/Wine4.Me has created a new tool to help you find the Texas wines that you'll love. Her AI-based tool has just been released in collaboration with Texas Hill Country Wineries. She shares how the wine style selector tool provides personalized wine recommendations. Texas wine news includes the launch of a new podcast project called GO TEXAN EXPLORES: Texas Wine with the Texas Department of Agriculture. In other news, Texas wine has gotten incredible coverage in Texas Monthly this fall, from a feature story to the release of the 2025 Texas Vintners Cup winners. Plus, Calais Winery earns a spot of James Suckling's Top 100 US Wines list and there's a Texas wine feature in Decanter. We're gearing up for some great fall events! Happy Texas Wine Month, and 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!

My guests Remi and Tate Gregory are two rising young stars in the Texas wine industry. They hold important roles with some very established wineries in the state, plus they’re promoting their own wine brand – The Burg Wine Company. They’ve already garnered serious acclaim for their minimal intervention wines.In Texas wine news, Newsweek has a new article about the popularity of Texas wine, Wine Enthusiast published a list of Texas wine grapes to watch, the Bending Branch Texas white oak project continues to gain attention, and both Texas Hill Country Wineries and Texas Wine Growers are promoting creative new events to get Texas wine into more glasses.Cheers y'all!

My guest on this episode is Brian Heath, owner of Heath Family Brands. The portfolio includes Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Invention Vineyards, Jenblossom Cellars, and most recently, Kuhlman Estate, formerly known as Kuhlman Cellars. Brian and his wife Jennifer got into the Texas wine industry in 2006 when they purchased Grape Creek Vineyards from the family of founder Ned Simes. Brian and I talk about what makes the Texas wine industry a solid bet for business and his vision for the wineries within Heath Family Brands. In Texas wine news, I’m thrilled to announce new ownership for Fall Creek Vineyards. Plus, you'll hear about a legislative development concerning the Texas Wine Growers-supported Farm Winery Permit and the crazy spring weather across Texas.Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all!

In episode 95, my guest on this episode is Dr Akhil Reddy, CEO of Reddy Vineyards. Most people who follow Texas wine know the name Reddy Vineyards. Established in 1997 by Akhil’s parents, Reddy is one of the larger vineyards in the Texas High Plains. We’ll hear from Akhil about his vision for the brand, the new tasting room in Stonewall, and how wellness and wine intersect.In Texas wine news, Joey Bagnasco joins me to talk about Rootstock: A Texas Wine Festival which will take place on April 6 in Waco. Plus, hear about the final James Suckling report on Texas, TEXSOM Awards results, and a Texas Riesling is in the spotlight.Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

On episode 94, I’m thrilled to be talking with Dr. Bob Young, owner and winemaker of Bending Branch Winery. Bending Branch's focus on innovation and sustainability was a key reason for their inclusion in Wine Business Monthly's list of Hot Brands 2024. In an exclusive podcast interview, Dr Bob is announcing an exciting new Texas white oak program and debuting three new wines that feature Texas white oak aging. He also makes a big announcement about a new tasting room on the property. You’ll only hear it here.In Texas wine news, I'll announce the TWGGA award winners. And a very special guest joins me to discuss the Rhone Rangers’ upcoming visit to the Hill Country and to Austin for tasting events. You’ll hear from Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines who is the current president of the board of directors for Rhone Rangers.Cheers y'all!

My guest today is award winning winemaker Jackie van Sant Downes, a native Texan who learned to make wine and had a flourishing career in Sonoma, and then returned to Texas to make wine for Driftwood Estate Winery. You may also know her personal brand, Jaclynn Renee Wines. She joins me for a really insightful talk about her winemaking approach, what she’s learned in 18 years in winemaking, and the exciting things that are coming for both Driftwood and Jaclynn Renee Wines.In Texas wine news, I’ll share the scoop on big news on Lost Draw separating from William Chris Wine Company, a new alliance for Texas Hill Country Wineries association, an article about old vines, and more. Cheers y'all!