Two regions, one story
The Texas High Plains AVA in West Texas supplies a large share of the state’s wine grapes. The Texas Hill Country AVA in Central Texas, one of the largest AVAs in the country, is home to many wineries and tasting rooms, along with its own vineyards. A Hill Country winery may make wine from High Plains fruit, Hill Country fruit or both.
Why elevation matters
Much of the High Plains sits at more than 3,000 feet. Warm days ripen grapes, and cool nights help them keep acidity and freshness. Growers manage challenges such as hail, late frost and wind.
Grapes that thrive
- Reds: Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Sangiovese, Aglianico, Graciano.
- Whites: Viognier, Roussanne, Vermentino, Picpoul Blanc, Albariño.
These grapes come from warm Mediterranean climates and handle Texas heat well.
Reading Texas labels
A “Texas” label generally means at least 75 percent Texas-grown grapes. A named AVA like Texas High Plains means at least 85 percent from that area. Some Texas wineries also bottle wine from out-of-state fruit, labeled accordingly.
Explore by region
The Guide’s Austin and North Texas chapters include Hill Country and DFW producers, with each profile noting where the fruit was grown. Use the region bar in the Guide.
Questions people ask
Is Texas a good place to grow wine grapes?
Parts of it are. The High Plains in particular combine elevation and sunshine that suit many Mediterranean grapes.
What is a good first Texas wine to try?
Tempranillo and Viognier are widely planted and show what Texas does well.
Do Hill Country wineries grow their own grapes?
Some do, some buy fruit from the High Plains, and many do both. Check the label or ask.