The Continuing Story of Texas Viticulture

Texas viticulture dates to 1662 when Franciscan missionaries at the Ysleta Mission near El Paso introduced winemaking to the territory. Later, transplanted European settlers brought vinifera vines to the sandy loam soil of the High Plains in West Texas where Llano Estacado resides today.

Texas is currently in the midst of a grape growing and winemaking renaissance. The demand for Texas-made wine is greater than ever, vineyards are being planted by Texans and out-of-state growers, while vineyard experimentation such as that conducted by Llano Estacado winemaker Greg Bruni at the winery's "Home Vineyard" is spurring better and better understanding of what grows best in Texas soils.

The Texas High Plains Appellation

Established in 1993, the Texas High Plains appellation covers much of the Texas Panhandle region and is the largest winegrape appellation in the state. Currently over 3,500 acres are under vine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay vie for most acreage, with Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc not far behind.

Located at 3,400 feet above sea level on flat terrain, the Texas High Plains experience long, hot, dry summers. Evenings cool to 60° F. or lower. The results is correct sugar and acid levels which progress through the summer. The soil is composed mainly of San Antonio Sandy Loam. This calcareous soil drains well and is, to this point, free of the phylloxera louse. An approximate annual rainfall of eighteen inches satisfies the requirements for grapevines, which produce better fruit under slightly stressful conditions. The huge Ogalala Aquifer which runs under the High Plains provides more than enough water if irrigation is necessary.

Because of the area's low humidity, there are few mold, fungi or mildew problems. On occasion, thunderstorms drop rain which is quickly dried off the vines by the dry weather and the constant moving breezes. However, the appellation is not without its problems. Hail storms can occasionally lighten crops and damage vines. In addition, early and late season frosts do occur. To date, West Texas grape growers have found that a 10% yearly vine loss is normal.

Still, the quality of the grapes produced from the High Plains appellation have more than proven their quality. Llano Estacado wines have garnered numerous awards and medals in competitions of national and international scope. The late, great wine historian and writer Leon Adams recognized the potential of the High Plains years ago when he wrote, "There is no question the High Plains is a viticultural miracle. No one realized this area could produced world-class wines. It is an amazing story."

The Continuing Story of Texas Viticulture

As the quality of Texas wines continue to be proven, the move to improve viticultural practices continues. At Llano Estacado Winery, Winemaker Greg Bruni overseas the winery's experimental "Home Vineyard" where Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Viognier are grown under controlled conditions. The results of the experimentation is passed on to Llano Estacado's team of growers. In addition, many High Plains growers who took on grape growing as a second crop to cotton are finding their faith and efforts paying off with a greater understanding of what is necessary to bring in high quality crops.

Llano Estacado has made commitments to proven and important vineyards in the state. The 100 acre Mont Sec Vineyard, planted at 4500 feet in the high desert of southwest, Texas, is under a long term contract and will provide Llano Estacado with a stable source for high quality bordeaux-type grapes. 

The future of the Texas wine grape is nothing but shining. The proof is in the bottle. And as demand continues to grow for Texas wines, it is expected that more and more vineyards will be planted, expanding on the "viticultural miracle."