Write Off the Vine: Texas Wine News – It’s 2010 Texas Wine Month Edition
October is Texas Wine Month – Ron Saikowski (Houston Wine Walk)
The Texas Department of Agriculture has declared the entire month of October as “Texas Wine Month.” The Texas Harvest of grapes has culminated and wine is being made from this “harvest of the century.” Now it is time to celebrate this year’s bountiful harvest. The entire month of October will be loaded with events celebrating Texas wines.
The State Fair of Texas will be hosting Texas wineries and Texas winemakers throughout the entire fair with Texas wines showcased in the Texas Wine Garden during the State Fair. In addition, the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail (www.TexasWineTrail.com) will celebrate the Harvest the entire month of October with a $15 flat rate ticket for those that want to visit all 27 Hill Country Wineries during the entire month. Upcoming wine events include:
• Oct. 2-3 and Oct. 9-10 – October Trail Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail featuring wine and food pairings at 10 wineries. Participants get a raffle ticket at each winery they visit which is good for great prizes including overnight stays at wineries, vintner’s dinners, bottling parties, gifts and much more. For tickets and more information go to www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com.
• Oct. 2 – Messina Hof Winery is hosted by the Sugar Creek Country Club for an evening wine dinner of four courses at $39.95 plus tax and tip. To make reservations, please call (281) 494-9131 ext 112.
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2010 Fall Festivals in Texas
TasTE of San Antonio October 3, 2010
It’s no secret that San Antonio is chock full of a vast assortment of good eats. From authentic Mexican goodies like abuelita used to make to the finest wineries in Texas, San Antonio’s culinary connoisseurs never miss a beat. Bud Light and San Antonio Restaurant Assoc. present the 33rd Annual all-day event promising a full stomach and perhaps a slight buzz. Lunch is on these guys with taste samplings from area restaurants, catering companies, and Texas wine and beverage distributors. Learn from the pros with demonstrations from industry-related artisan booths, or immerse yourself in free food while jamming to some live music. A percentage of all sales will be devoted to culinary arts education scholarships and area high school programs. Maybe that will help you shake off gluttony-related guilt at the end of the night. 12-6 pm, $40 admission (children under 5 free), The Pearl Stable 312 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 734-7663, tasteofsanantonio.com.
24th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest October 7-10, 2010
G
ruene is rich in Texas pride and it shows through the music they play and promote. The Gruene Music & Wine Fest merges the love for Texas and Americana music with wine tasting in honor of Texas Wine Month. This nifty concept has been proving beneficial to The United Way of Comal, the primary charity reaping the benefits of the successful three-day celebration from the start. The festival begins with a new event straight out of left field: jazz music to sip New World and German wines by Thursday. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday consists of catering by Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Craft Market, and – you guessed it – Texas tunes, wine, and beer. Ticket prices and times vary for each event, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, 78130, (830) 606-1281, gruenemusicandwinefest.org.
More at: http://sacurrent.com/arts/story.asp?id=71587
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Texas Wine of the Month: Spicewood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, 2008
Jessica Dupuy – Texas Monthy Blog (Eat My Words)
In recent years, it seems the typical request for the house Chardonnay has been overshadowed by the spritzy and clean Pinot Grigio and the sometimes-citrusy, sometimes-grassy Sauvignon Blanc. It’s no real surprise with the overpowering buttery qualities a number of low- to mid-range Chardonnays have taken on; often as a result of too much time in oak barrels. With the average Chardonnay’s lack of vibrance and character, the Sauvignon Blanc in particular began piquing the interest of white wine drinkers for its variety of flavor based on origin….
So how do they fare in Texas? Not too bad actually. A number of wineries have been successful with this relatively versatile grape producing wines with floral, citrus-y, and even mild honeysuckle undertones. In fact, one Texas winery in particular has done so well with it that it has earned this month’s Texas Wine of the Month: Spicewood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, 2008.
More at: http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/eatmywords/?p=1163
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Listing of Texas Wine Trails
See: http://www.traveltex.com/search?q=wine%20trail
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A Toast to Texas Wine Month: Video with Raymond Haak on KHOU
See: http://www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_092410_seg2-103717564.html
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Texas Wine: Meet The Winemaker – Charlie Kidd of Flat Creek Estates, owned and operated by Rick and Madelyn Nabors
Robin Barr Sussman (Texas Monthy Eat My Words)
The wines at Flat Creek Estates Vineyard and Winery founded in 1998 by Rick and Madelyn Nabors have always been notable. But since California native Charlie Kidd joined the team as winemaker in 2008, the wines are even more impressive. Kidd is not just a winemaker, he’s a viticulturist, or farmer of the grapes. And you can taste the care and experience he puts into each quality bottle.
According to proprietor Madelyn Nabors, Flat Creek has grown in myriad ways over the years. Kidd has increased wine production from 5,000 cases to 10,000 cases. They have expanded their tasting room, added a bistro with a new chef and were dubbed “one of the most amazing wineries to visit” by Food & Wine Magazine.
More at: http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/eatmywords/?p=1328
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October is Texas Wine Month
The history of wine in Texas starts much the same as everywhere else in the Americas. It began in the 1600’s when Spanish missionaries started cultivating grapes at the Ysleta Mission which was located in the present day El Paso area. Out of these humble beginnings grew an industry that today produces 2.4 million gallons of wine and over $1 billion dollars in revenue annually from its more than 160 wineries.
This industry has also increased tourism with nearly a million visitors each year taking the opportunity to visit Texas Wine Country. “Texas is one of the fastest-growing wine destinations in the country,” says Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. Charming winery bed and breakfasts, boutique cellars and large wineries on huge vineyards provide a diverse experience.
The Texas Department of Agriculture has created a “Texas Winery Passport” to help you get started on your wine country adventure. This can be picked up at any Texas winery or tasting room. Track your visits by entering each one’s code on the passport and start redeeming for wine traveler’s rewards after just four stops. More information on this can be found at http://www.gotexanwine.org/.
More at: http://www.wine-thoughts.com/2010/10/october-is-texas-wine-month.html
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