Welcome to the Texas Wine Scene Podcast. The most up-to-date information to help
you prepare for your wine tasting weekend. I'm Mike, your Texas Wine Scene
correspondent, bringing you all the wine happenings in and around the great state
of Texas. From the high plains to the hill country. If you love Texas wine, you've
come to the right place. Let's take a trip.
Welcome back everyone and thank you for joining us here on the Texas Wine Scene
Podcast. I am your host, your Texas Wine Scene correspondent, Mike Cole, bringing
you all the wine happenings in and around the great state of Texas. If you are
subscriber to the podcast, thank you so much for returning and tuning into this
week's episode. And if you are new to the podcast, thank you so much for stopping
by to check us out. We are an information-based podcast supporting and
sharing wine events, tastings, and industry news from around the great state of
Texas. So I hope you enjoy the content and if you do, please consider subscribing
and sharing the podcast with all your wine-loving friends. It helps to continue
to spread the word about the podcast and keeps everyone informed about current
wine-related events. Also, please follow me on my socials at Texas Wine Scene on
Instagram and Texas Wine Scene on Facebook where you will see all the posts
about upcoming events for the weekend. Can you believe we are halfway through
the year already? So far there have been a lot of great wine events this year and
there are plenty more to come. So stay tuned to the podcast as we continue to
bring you the latest wine events for your wine tasting weekends. A lot of
wineries are working hard and starting to get prepared for harvest which is right
around the corner for some great varieties. This is an exciting time of the
year but also a very stressful time for the vineyard staff, management, and
winery owners. So be on the lookout for social media posts for seasonal vineyard
and winery help for harvesting grapes, crushing, and bottling the wine. This is
a great opportunity to go behind the scenes and get a look at the winemaking
process while helping your local winery. I'm sure they will love to have you.
There's not very much Texas Wine Scene news this weekend so we're gonna jump
right into the episode. We will continue our Texas Great Variety mini series this
week with Blanc de Bois. Blanc de Bois which is French for white grape of the
woods is an American hybrid grape that was created in 1968 by John Mortensen at
the University of Florida. A hybrid grape variety is a great variety that is the
product of a crossing of two or more vitus species. In this case of Blanc de
Bois it crosses between two-thirds of vitus vinifera with the remaining
consisting of a vitus astavalis, vitus senaria, and vitus lembrusca. Although the
great variety name means white grape of the woods it was named in honor of
Emil Dubois an influential grape grower and winemaker in Tallahassee, Florida. The
great variety Blanc de Bois was bred for its resistance to Pierce's disease which
is caused by bacteria that inhibits the uptake of water and nutrients from the
roots up to the shoots and leaves of the vine. Generally speaking in the vineyard
Blanc de Bois is a highly vigorous great variety that likes a short growing
season and doesn't mind hot days and warm nights which is perfect for the Texas
climate. In the cellar Blanc de Bois can be made into a wide range of wine styles
including sparkling, steel table wines, and fortified wines. Typical aromas and
flavors of Blanc de Bois include white peach, white melon, pineapple, mango, and
citrus. Blanc de Bois is widely grown along the Texas Gulf coast and it is
worth noting that there are currently more acres of Blanc de Bois grown in
Texas than in any other state in the US. I really enjoy this great variety and
for me Blanc de Bois is similar in taste profile to Shen and Blanc and is equally
versatile. So don't skip out on this great variety when it's presented to you
on your next tasting room flight. We will continue our look at the top Texas white
grape varieties next week and next week it will be Russon.
Before we jump into this week's wine events let's check the weather. The
weather for the weekend in the High Plains wine growing region will have high
temperatures of 98 degrees with low temperatures of 71 degrees. The North
Texas Wine growing region will have high temperatures of 97 degrees with low
temperatures of 77 degrees. The West Texas Wine growing region will have high
temperatures of 90 degrees with low temperatures of 62 degrees. The Texas
Hill Country wine growing region will have high temperatures of 92 degrees with
low temperatures of 71 degrees and the Gulf Coast wine growing region will have
high temperatures of 95 degrees with low temperatures of 76 degrees.
There are a lot of wine events and dinner hostings this summer and charcuterie boards
are the centerpiece for most of the parties.
So why not sharpen your charcuterie board skills by heading on out to Spicewood Vineyards
in Spicewood, Texas for their summer school charcuterie board class on Saturday, June
29th from 1 to 2.30pm.
You and a guest can learn how to make a charcuterie board from local business Blue Bonnet Collective
known for their beautifully crafted charcuterie boards.
You will learn about cheese selections, how to fold cured meats into different styles,
food pairings and much, much more.
For more information on this event visit their website at SpicewoodVineyards.com
Get ready for an elevated tasting experience featuring the best of Texas Terroir.
Join the Texas Heritage Vineyards for their Texas Tempranillos vertical tasting on Friday,
June 28th from 1 to 2.30pm.
The tasting will include Tempranillos from the 2017, 18, 19 and 2020 ventures and paired
exquisitely with cheeses from Spain.
This vertical tasting will elevate your knowledge of all things Tempranillo.
For more information about this event visit their website at TexasHeraturesVineyards.com
It's summer time and it's time to beef up your tie-dye wardrobe.
So head on out and join the good folks over at Curveill Heels Winery at the Heel at Shriner
University for their tie-dye t-shirt making event on Sunday, June 30th from 1 to 4pm.
All tie-dye supplies and instructions are included with your ticket purchase as well
as one glass of Curveill Heels award-winning wine.
For more information on this event visit their website at CurveillHeelsWinery.com
Join Wild Style Vineyards in Spring, Texas for their annual Harvest Day event on Saturday,
June 29th.
This is a family-friendly event that will serve a complimentary breakfast starting at 8am,
followed by instructions and the start of Harvest at 8.30pm.
After Harvest head on over for a grape stomping event from 10 to 2pm.
Lunch will be available for purchase and live music will keep you entertained all afternoon
from 1 to 5pm.
For more information on this event visit their website at WildstyleVineyards.com
Speaking of Harvest, Threshold Vineyards will be harvesting their estate-blanc de bois
vineyard on Saturday, June 29th and would love for you to be a part of it.
This will begin at 7am with coffee and a short orientation and then it's out to the vineyard.
Following the 2-3 hour harvest there will be a lunch celebration with a glass of Threshold
wine.
Threshold Vineyards would like to remind volunteers to wear closed-toed shoes, dress for summer
with a hat and cool breathable clothing.
Sunscreen, bug spray, cold drinks and water will all be provided.
For more information on this event visit their website at ThresholdVineyards.com
The nice winery in Houston will also be harvesting their Blanc de bois in Anderson, Texas on
Saturday, June 29th at 6am.
If you've ever been interested in harvesting Blanc de bois grapes now is your chance.
They will provide breakfast, water and equipment.
All you need to bring is yourself, a hat and some sunblock.
If you have your own gardening gloves or pruning shears that will make work more enjoyable.
For more information and to be added to the harvest crew list email michelle at nicewines.com.
Hawks Shadow will be bottling their newest red wine on Friday, June 28th at 10am and
they want you to be a part of it.
This fun and engaging hands-on experience will show volunteers the ins and outs of wine
production.
If you are interested in helping Hawks Shadow on their bottling line email matt at matt
at hawkshadow.com or chip at chip at hawkshadow.com.
Tickets for the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival Preview Week are on sale.
Join them for a week of food and wine inspired events around Fredericksburg to give you a
taste of what's to come this October at Fredericksburg Food and Wine 2024.
Here's a brief lineup of this preview event.
On Tuesday, July 23rd, the taste of Texas will be presented by the women of Winesons.
On Wednesday, July 24th, there will be a tacos and tannada tasting at Augusta Vinn.
On Thursday, July 25th, sip into summer garden cocktails 101 at the Hill Country Herb Garden.
On Friday, July 26th, Elk and Main Sip and Savor at Elk and Main Courtyard with 6 Twist.
Saturday, July 27th, the elephant in the room boozy brunch at the Salon at Albert Hotel.
For more information on this preview event and ticket purchases, visit fbgfoodandwine.com.
For our ranch vineyards and wineries, getting a head start on the Independence Day weekend
celebration on Friday, June 28th through Sunday, June 30th.
Head on out to enjoy a barbeque buffet all weekend long and get ready for a spectacular
fireworks show on Saturday, June 29th at 9pm.
For more information and reservations for this event, visit their website at forourwines.com.
And high metal winery in high Texas for their karaoke fight night event on Saturday, June
29th from 7 to 11pm.
Enjoy award winning wine, tasty food, prizes, and great music all in support of Amped Up.
Amped Up is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting and guiding amputees and their
families to better and faster recoveries through guidance and support from other amputees and
caregivers with similar experiences.
For more information on this event, visit highmetal.com and for direct support of Amped
Up, visit their website at ampedup.org.
Head on out to the rec booth winery in Clifton, Texas for their paint and sip wine event on
Sunday, June 30th at 4pm.
There is no experience necessary for this fun filled evening of painting and sipping
because your talented instructors will guide you every step of the way.
So grab a friend and join Red Caboose Winery for a memorable night out.
For more information on this event, visit their website at redcaboosewinery.com.
If you are a wine drinker who pops a lot of corks and I know you do or you would me listen
to this podcast, then this event is for you.
Join Coulee Bay Winery for their Cork Crafts Wine event on Sunday, June 30th from 3-5pm.
Celebrate summer with wine and corks at Coulee Bay's Cork Workshop to create your very own
Cork Basket and vase.
Guests will make crafts using Coulee Bay wine corks while enjoying a glass of Coulee Bay
wine.
Your ticket purchase includes one glass of wine and an individual charcuterie cup.
For more information on this event, visit their website at couleebay.com.
Kaisa Mone Winery in Spring Branch, Texas is having their laymaking class on Sunday,
June 30th from 11-1pm.
In this class, guests will learn the art of creating a beautiful Hawaiian lay with flowers.
Whether you want to surprise a loved one or treat yourself to a special and unique accessory,
this class is for you.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn a new skill and create a handmade gift that will
be cherished for years to come.
For more information on this event, visit their website at kaisaamonewinery.com.
Join the Texas Wine Collector for a series of unique wine and food pairing events this
weekend beginning with donuts and wine.
Now don't knock it until you try it.
So clear your mind and open your palate to an unforgettable wine pairing event on Saturday,
June 29th from 11-4pm.
This event will be held in the boardroom at the Texas Wine Collective where you will experience
a memorable and relaxing way to learn more about their award-winning wines while sampling
seasonal snack items.
Their hosts will thoroughly explain each wine and how they pair their wines and food items.
And as a bonus, live music will be performed by Justin Furr.
But the fun doesn't stop there.
Come on back out for round two for this unique wine and food pairing event and join the Texas
Wine Collective for their Taste of Texas Wines Toast to Tacos event on Sunday, June 30th
from 12-30-4pm.
So what kind of taco pairs well with wine?
Well, you will just have to head on back out to the Texas Wine Collective to see for yourself.
For more information on this event, visit their website at TexasWineCollective.com.
Join Enoch Stop Vineyard & Winery in Harleton, Texas as they continue their Summer Artists
in Series with their Floral Centerpiece Workshop Saturday, June 29th at 2pm.
Enoch Stop Vineyard & Winery is partnering with local floral expert East Texas Floral
Farm for a workshop where you will get to create your very own floral centerpiece to take home.
Sit on a complimentary glass of Enoch Stop wine while East Texas Flower Farm instructs
you on bouquet design, flower longevity and much, much more.
For more information on this event, visit their website at EnochStop.com.
Then finally, head on now to Tumble, Texas and visit the Blue Bonnet Tasting Room to
get your laugh on.
Join them for their first comedy night at the Blue Bonnet Tasting Room featuring your
host Bradley Smith and comedians Keisha Hunt, Chad Alexander, Grady Pruitt, Dan Hornstein,
Hannah Abney and Sean Sorley.
This will be a fun evening of laughs and camaraderie.
The mission of the Blue Bonnet Tasting Room is to support Texas brands while offering
an authentic Hill Country experience within a relaxed and inviting setting.
What better place to have a comedy show?
For more information on this event, visit BluebonnetTumball.com.
And those are your wine events for the weekend.
Stay tuned for your music lineup for the weekend up next.
Arch Ray Winery and Fredericksburg gets the music lineup started for the weekend with
Andy Garcia on stage Friday, June 28th from 5 to 8pm followed by Nix on Saturday, June
29th from 3 to 6pm.
Bell Springs Winery in Dripping Springs will host a very popular Trevor Hale on stage Saturday,
June 29th from 2 to 5pm.
Dry Comel Creek Vineyards in New Bromphills will have Tony Taylor on stage Saturday, June
29th from 2 to 5pm followed by John Permintier on Sunday, June 30th from 2 to 5pm as well.
Fiesta Winery on 290 will let Jake McClain assume the musical duties on Saturday, June
29th from 3 to 6pm.
Fiesta Winery at the VIN location will have Brian Gross on stage Saturday, June 29th from
1 to 5pm.
William Chris Vineyards in High Texas will host Sheila Marshall on stage Saturday and
Sunday, June 29th and 30th from 1 to 4pm.
Augusta Vinn Winery in Fredericksburg will have their Sips and Sounds event with Nalani
Caballero on stage Saturday, June 29th from 2 to 5pm.
Pair Nala Sellers in Stonewall will have Royce Reed on stage Saturday, June 29th from 1 to
5pm.
Texas Heritage Vineyards in Fredericksburg will have Tyne Wilkins and Ron Flint on stage
Friday, June 28th from 2 to 4pm followed by Bill Small on Sunday, June 30th from 2 to
4pm as well.
The Texas Wine Collective in Fredericksburg will have Tyler Cannon on stage Saturday,
June 29th from 1 to 5pm.
Torna Locks in Burnett, Texas will have Spicy Loops on stage Saturday, June 29th from 2
to 5pm.
Signore Vineyards in Fredericksburg will host Brandon Allen on Saturday, June 29th from
1 to 3pm followed by Mark Chandler on Sunday, June 30th from 1 to 3pm as well.
Moody Family Wines in Willard, Texas will let Heath Walker Jam out on Saturday, June
29th from 6 to 8.30pm.
Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville will have Drew Groz on stage Saturday, June 29th from
1 to 5pm followed by Pianoman performing a Billy Joel experience on June 30th from 7
to 9pm.
West Sandy Creek Winery in Richards, Texas will let Mike Gallo rock the house on Saturday,
June 29th from 4 to 7pm.
Triple-In Ranch Winery in Trinidad will have a Best of Broadway tribute on Saturday, June
29th from 6.45 to 9.15pm.
Red Caboose Winery in Vineyard in Meridian, Texas will host Donna Beckham and Cake Fork
on stage Saturday, June 29th from 7 to 10pm.
Barron's Creek Winery in Fredericksburg will have the Audio Detectives on stage Saturday,
June 29th from 1 to 4pm.
Parmesan Wines and Dripping Springs will have John Permitier on stage Saturday, June
29th from 2 to 5pm followed by Eric Flores on Sunday, June 30th from 2 to 5pm.
Whitley Vineyards in Montgomery, Texas will let Dylan Dupont assume the musical duties
on Sunday, June 30th from 3 to 5pm.
Covington Hills Country Winery in High, Texas will have Randy Cordero on stage Friday, June
28th from 4 to 7pm followed by Andy Garcia on Saturday, June 29th from 2 to 5pm.
Dukeman Family Winery in Driftwood, Texas will host Eric Flores on stage Saturday, June
29th from 2 to 5pm.
Carroll Head Creek Vineyards in Stonewall will have Davey Shrank on stage Saturday, June
29th from 2 to 5pm.
And Singing Water Vineyards in Comfort, Texas will close out the music lineup for the weekend
with Modell Moho on stage Saturday, June 29th from 1 to 4pm followed by Anthony Garcia on
Sunday, June 30th from 1 to 4pm as well.
And that's your music lineup for the weekend.
Stay tuned for Did You Know?
Although it's hot outside here in Texas, this time of the year in the vineyard is one of
the most exciting.
And why is it so exciting, you ask?
Well, it's because the Great Berries are beginning to change color.
Not only is it visually exciting to see this process, but it's also hugely significant
in the growth cycle of the grapevine.
In viticulture, the process of color change of the Great Berries is called Verizon.
But not only does Verizon represent color change, it also represents the transition from berry
growth to berry ripening.
During the process of Verizon, the Great Berries begin to decrease in acidity while increasing
in sugar content.
The trick or challenge for the winemaker is to find the sweet spot, no pun intended,
between having the right amount of acid as well as sugar.
In wine speak, this is called physiologic rightness or simply called balance.
If the wine is made with too much acid or not enough sugar, the wine will taste tart
and lack flavor.
Conversely, if all the acid is lost by letting the Great Berries ripen too much, the wine
will then taste sweet and flabby with no liveliness or zing in the taste profile.
As the grapes continue to ripen, Verizon signify that there is approximately 45 to 60 days
left to harvest.
During Verizon, winery owners and vineyard managers are installing bird netting to prevent birds
from eating, damaging or significantly reducing the year's crop of grapes.
Speaking of birds, there are various birds that prefer eating grapes off the vine which
include robins, wax wings, starlings, house finches and mockingbirds.
These birds are attracted to the high sugar content and nutrient rich nature of the grapes
which provide them with energy and nourishment.
Like the birds previously mentioned, which bird is the state bird of Texas?
Well, did you know that the state bird of Texas is the mockingbird?
The mockingbird was chosen as the state bird as it is common all year throughout Texas.
And in true Texas fashion, the 1927 legislation declared the mockingbird as the state's official
bird, reason that the species, quote, is a fighter for the protection of its home, falling
if need be in its defense like any true Texan.
Well, that would do it for this week's episode.
Thank you for joining me.
I'm Mike Cole, your Texas Wine Scene correspondent and I look forward to seeing you next time
on the Texas Wine Scene.
Cheers.
For more in-depth information about the wineries mentioned in this episode, visit the Texas
Wine Lover website at txwinelover.com or the Texas Wine Lover app.
There you'll be able to find a vast amount of information about Texas wineries and wine-related
businesses.
You can also search for information such as winery hours, great varieties, food options,
pet and kid-friendly wineries and much, much more.
So visit their website at txwinelover.com.
That's txwinelover.com.
Also please leave me a rating and a review and share the podcast with all your wine-loving
friends.
Cheers.