According to the regional growers association, Franciscan priests established North America's first vineyard in Texas near 1659. Texas viticulture predates California winegrowing by almost a century. Prohibition severely damaged the industry, but wineries were again being established across the state by the mid-1970s.
Texas now has about 4,500 acres of producing vineyards. The Texas High Plains grows an estimated 75 to 85% of the state's grapes, and Texas High Plains and Texas Hill Country are the AVAs most often seen on labels. The High Plains is a high, flat, semi-arid mesa where large day-to-night temperature swings help grapes retain freshness and acidity. Hill Country sits lower, receives more rain, and is known for rolling hills and limestone canyons.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Roussanne, Tempranillo and Viognier are important on the High Plains. Across Texas, wines range from fresh, fruit-driven, round-textured examples to more structured styles, sometimes with a mineral edge.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Texas clear, with a direct route back to the map.