1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,000 Welcome to the Texas Wine Scene Podcast. 2 00:00:04,000 --> 00:00:08,000 The most up-to-date information to help you prepare for your wine tasting weekend. 3 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:15,000 I'm Mike, your Texas Wine Scene correspondent, bringing you all the wine happenings in and around the great state of Texas. 4 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:18,000 From the high plains to the hill country. 5 00:00:18,000 --> 00:00:21,000 If you love Texas wine, you've come to the right place. 6 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:41,000 Let's take a trip. 7 00:00:41,000 --> 00:00:44,000 Welcome back everyone to the Texas Wine Scene Podcast. 8 00:00:44,000 --> 00:00:50,000 I'm your host, your Texas Wine Scene correspondent, Mike Cole, bringing you all the wine happenings in and around the great state of Texas. 9 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:55,000 If you are a subscriber to the podcast, thank you so much for returning and tuning into this week's episode. 10 00:00:55,000 --> 00:01:00,000 And if you are new to the podcast, thank you so much for stopping by to check us out. 11 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:08,000 We are an information-based podcast supporting and sharing wine events, tastings, and industry news from around the great state of Texas. 12 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:15,000 So I hope you enjoy the content and if you do, please consider subscribing and sharing the podcast with all your wine-loving friends. 13 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:22,000 It helps to continue to spread the word about the podcast and keeps everyone informed about current wine-related events. 14 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:33,000 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. 15 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:53,000 So let's get into our Texas Wine Scene News. 16 00:01:53,000 --> 00:02:00,000 The Texas Wine and Great Growers Association released their monthly industry update, and here are a few highlights. 17 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:18,000 President John Matthews recently visited the Texas Artisan Vineyards Cooperative in Brownfield, Texas, where they had discussions focused on how TWIGA is playing a pivotal role in advocating for effective solutions and resources for growers in the high plains. 18 00:02:18,000 --> 00:02:31,000 TWIGA writes that they have reinforced the association's commitment to not only address current challenges, but also implement strategies that will propel the Texas high plains sector moving forward. 19 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:48,000 The Texas Artisan Vineyards Cooperative was formed in 2018 with the mission to serve the common interests of Texas Wine-Great Growers and to enhance the profitability of wine-great production through promotion, research, and education. 20 00:02:48,000 --> 00:03:04,000 The Cooperative has over 40 members, with a combined 1,100 acres of vineyards total. Some notable members of the Cooperative include Newsome Vineyards, Oswald Vineyards, Ready Vineyards, and Why Not Vineyards, just to name a few. 21 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:18,000 The 40-member Cooperative has equipment available from time to time to borrow, rent, trade, or buy. They also have a scholarship program designated for aspiring students who want to obtain a Texas Tech Viticulture certificate. 22 00:03:18,000 --> 00:03:29,000 TWIGA wants you to mark your calendars for their annual conference and trade show to be held March 3-5, 2025 in San Marcos, Texas. 23 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:44,000 This annual conference is the Texas Wine Industry's premier event where you can engage with winemakers, vineyard owners, suppliers, service providers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals from across the state. 24 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:54,000 In a recent article by Victoria Lopez of The Hill Country Reporter, the Texas Hill Country was once again nominated for USA Today's Best Wine Region. 25 00:03:54,000 --> 00:04:00,000 The Lone Star State has been ranked between number three and number ten since 2018. 26 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:12,000 The article references that many of the Texas Hill Country wineries provide wine tasting experiences alongside wildlife animals such as rhinos, zebras, and even giraffes. 27 00:04:12,000 --> 00:04:19,000 Other wineries have balloon rides to experience the region's scenic views from high above the rolling hills. 28 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:24,000 Hopefully, this year, we'll bring home the top slot for the best wine region in the country. 29 00:04:24,000 --> 00:04:32,000 The Wine and Food Foundation has extended their deadline for scholarship applications from July 15 to July 22. 30 00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:45,000 This year, the Wine and Food Foundation is granting a total of $90,000 toward its philanthropic initiatives with $35,000 of that amount earmarked for educational scholarships. 31 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:54,000 They write, regardless of your tenure in the industry, all are encouraged to apply for the Wine and Food Foundation hospitality scholarships. 32 00:04:54,000 --> 00:05:05,000 Ideal applicants are passionate and dedicated individuals who are deeply committed to advancing their knowledge and expertise in the world of wine and food. 33 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:24,000 The scholarships can be used for hospitality and education programs including Wine and Spirits Education Trust, WSET, TechSOM, Texas Culinary Academy, the Court of Master's and Malayays, Society of Wine Educators, and the Wine Scholar Guild. 34 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:43,000 Speaking of education programs, the Texas Tech Viticultural Certificate Program has begun their open enrollment. From now until August 31, candidates can submit applications to Kirk Williams at kirk.w.williams at ttu.edu. 35 00:05:43,000 --> 00:05:56,000 This certificate program begins September 15. Grayson College Viticulture and Analogy Program in Denison, Texas begins enrollment on August 12 with registration on July 27. 36 00:05:56,000 --> 00:06:14,000 And Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas Viticulture and Analogy Program, their registration deadline is August 25. And that's your Texas Wine Scene news. 37 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:23,000 This week we continue our mini series on the most popular red and white grape varieties in Texas and this week we'll focus on Vermantino. 38 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:31,000 Vermantino is presumed to be of Spanish origin, though it displays genetic similarities to a grape variety called ferment from Hungary. 39 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:41,000 The most popular grape growing region from which this grape variety is known is the Italian coastline island of Sardinia, where it is called Role. 40 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:49,000 Role is also a designation given to Vermantino grown throughout Provence and Longdoc Roussillon in southeastern France. 41 00:06:49,000 --> 00:07:03,000 Vermantino is a thin-skinned, early budding, late-ripening grape variety that prefers a warm, sunny, and long-growing season, thriving in Mediterranean-type climates such as what we have here in Texas. 42 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:13,000 Classic vermentino will offer up lively aromas that are zesty, fresh, and aromatic such as pears, white peach, lime, and pink grapefruit. 43 00:07:13,000 --> 00:07:23,000 But due to its complex fruit profile, vermentino is capable of presenting two different varietal styles based on wine-making techniques. 44 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:34,000 The lighter, floral, and zestier style of vermentino mentioned previously is fermented in stainless steel tinks, preserving its acidity and zing in the wine. 45 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:49,000 Whereas the alternate style of vermentino goes through a second fermentation in the oak barrels called malalactic fermentation, which converts tart acid to a softer acid, given the wine a richer, more creamier mouthfeel. 46 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:56,000 Look out for vermentino as it continues to gain in popularity in many wineries and tasting rooms across the state of Texas. 47 00:07:56,000 --> 00:08:00,000 Before we get into the wine events for the weekend, let's check the weather. 48 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:09,000 The weather for the weekend, and high plains wine-growing region, will have high temperatures of 94 degrees, with low temperatures of 67 degrees. 49 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:17,000 The north Texas wine growing region will have high temperatures of 96 degrees, with low temperatures of 75 degrees. 50 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:25,000 The west Texas wine growing region will have high temperatures of 85 degrees, with low temperatures of 61 degrees. 51 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:29,940 The Texas Hill Country wine growing region will have high temperatures of 90 degrees 52 00:08:29,940 --> 00:08:33,180 with low temperatures of 69 degrees. 53 00:08:33,180 --> 00:08:38,060 And the Gulf Coast wine growing region will have high temperatures of 94 degrees with 54 00:08:38,060 --> 00:08:51,300 low temperatures of 76 degrees. 55 00:08:51,300 --> 00:08:56,860 Join Messina Hoff in Great Vine, Texas for their Summer Sip and Wine Cocktail class on 56 00:08:56,860 --> 00:09:00,740 Saturday, July 13th from 12 to 2pm. 57 00:09:00,740 --> 00:09:05,840 Guests will learn how to craft refreshing summer wine cocktails from master mixers as 58 00:09:05,840 --> 00:09:12,480 you transform Messina Hoff's award-winning wines into refreshing summer cocktail staples. 59 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:17,140 You will learn how to make three different cocktails in this hands-on class while enjoying 60 00:09:17,140 --> 00:09:21,940 light bites expertly paired to serve with your delicious concoctions. 61 00:09:21,940 --> 00:09:28,060 For more information on this event, visit their website at messinahoff.com. 62 00:09:28,060 --> 00:09:34,140 Head on over to Brownfield, Texas for the 12th annual Great Capital of Texas Vineyard Festival 63 00:09:34,140 --> 00:09:38,900 event on Friday, July 12th from 7 to 10pm. 64 00:09:38,900 --> 00:09:43,980 Mix and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts while enjoying a stellar lineup of wineries 65 00:09:43,980 --> 00:09:48,740 on hand for wine sales by the glass or bottle. 66 00:09:48,740 --> 00:09:54,900 Then sit back and relax for the musical sounds provided by the talented Clifton Castle. 67 00:09:54,900 --> 00:10:01,260 Come back to the Armory on Saturday, July 13th from 5 to 10pm for Vineyard tours by 68 00:10:01,260 --> 00:10:08,580 Bingham and Oswald Vineyards with a deliciously curated wine dinner following the tour. 69 00:10:08,580 --> 00:10:11,580 Live music will be performed by the dudes. 70 00:10:11,580 --> 00:10:18,660 For more information and ticket purchases for this event, visit brownfieldchamber.com. 71 00:10:18,660 --> 00:10:23,900 Portrait sellers in high Texas is having their sip and paint party on Friday, July 12th 72 00:10:23,900 --> 00:10:26,340 from 5 to 7pm. 73 00:10:26,340 --> 00:10:33,100 This will be a fun night of art and wine guided by the talented local artist Evia Belard. 74 00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:37,380 Evia will help you create a wine-inspired painting while enjoying a glass of Portrait 75 00:10:37,380 --> 00:10:38,940 Seller's wine. 76 00:10:38,940 --> 00:10:43,380 All painting supplies will be provided and a glass of wine is included with your ticket 77 00:10:43,380 --> 00:10:44,380 purchase. 78 00:10:44,380 --> 00:10:48,380 Additional food and wine will be available for purchase as well. 79 00:10:48,380 --> 00:10:54,660 For more information on this event, visit their website at PortraitSellers.com. 80 00:10:54,660 --> 00:11:00,060 The Texas Wine Collective is back with another fun and unique wine and food pairing event 81 00:11:00,060 --> 00:11:04,460 on Saturday, July 13th from 11 to 4pm. 82 00:11:04,460 --> 00:11:07,700 This time, it's Ice Cream and Wine. 83 00:11:07,700 --> 00:11:11,540 July is here and nothing says summer like ice cream. 84 00:11:11,540 --> 00:11:15,580 How could two of these favorite things possibly go well together? 85 00:11:15,580 --> 00:11:20,860 Never fear, the talented and well-educated tasting room staff will guide you through 86 00:11:20,860 --> 00:11:27,700 this intriguing tasting experience and explain how and why the flavors of ice cream and wine 87 00:11:27,700 --> 00:11:28,700 work together. 88 00:11:28,700 --> 00:11:35,980 For more information on this event, visit their website at TexasWineCollective.com. 89 00:11:35,980 --> 00:11:38,820 Are you ready for a few laughs with your wine? 90 00:11:38,820 --> 00:11:45,620 If so, then join Juniper Cove Winery in Whitney, Texas for their Comedy Night event on Saturday, 91 00:11:45,620 --> 00:11:48,660 July 13th from 6 to 8pm. 92 00:11:48,660 --> 00:11:53,660 Danny B will be the headliner for the evening show and if you haven't seen her in action, 93 00:11:53,660 --> 00:11:55,340 you're in for quite a treat. 94 00:11:55,340 --> 00:12:02,980 For more information and ticket purchases for this event, visit their website at JuniperCoveWinery.com. 95 00:12:02,980 --> 00:12:07,740 12 Fires Winery in Johnson City will like you to know that you're invited to the third 96 00:12:07,740 --> 00:12:15,380 annual Wine and Swine Pig Roast event on Saturday, July 13th from 12 to 3pm. 97 00:12:15,380 --> 00:12:21,220 Indulge in the rustic charm of the Texas Hill Country and savor an unforgettable experience 98 00:12:21,220 --> 00:12:25,180 of delectable food and exceptional wines. 99 00:12:25,180 --> 00:12:30,380 Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary feast featuring a succulent pig roast, prepared 100 00:12:30,380 --> 00:12:36,340 with traditional flavors and accompanied by an array of mouthwatering side dishes. 101 00:12:36,340 --> 00:12:42,380 As you savor the flavorful meats, their award-winning wines will be expertly paired to enhance your 102 00:12:42,380 --> 00:12:44,540 culinary experience. 103 00:12:44,540 --> 00:12:51,020 For more information on this event, visit their website at 12fires.com. 104 00:12:51,020 --> 00:12:56,900 Join Triple En Ranch Winery in Trinidad, Texas for their Chocolate Strawberry Decorating class 105 00:12:56,900 --> 00:13:01,420 on Saturday, July 14th from 1 to 2.30pm. 106 00:13:01,420 --> 00:13:06,420 Head on out to spend a decadent and delightful afternoon learning the art of dipping and 107 00:13:06,420 --> 00:13:11,380 decorating chocolate strawberries with expert Brooke Jacobs. 108 00:13:11,380 --> 00:13:17,100 Start off your experience with a glass of Triple En Ranch Signature Sparkling Wine Longhorn 109 00:13:17,100 --> 00:13:18,500 Bubbles. 110 00:13:18,500 --> 00:13:23,860 Guests will learn the best practices of dipping and decorating beautiful and delicious strawberries, 111 00:13:23,860 --> 00:13:30,780 and each participant will decorate and take home 12 large, beautifully adorned strawberries. 112 00:13:30,780 --> 00:13:36,020 Whether you are a chocolate enthusiast or simply love creating edible art, this class 113 00:13:36,020 --> 00:13:38,740 is perfect for all skill levels. 114 00:13:38,740 --> 00:13:46,260 For more information on this event, visit their website at www.trippleenranchwinery.com. 115 00:13:46,260 --> 00:13:51,500 How about continuing your wine and culinary dessert skills by joining Horseshoe Bend Sellers 116 00:13:51,500 --> 00:13:59,700 and Winery in Iowa Park, Texas for their Christmas in July Cookie Baking event on July 16th at 117 00:13:59,700 --> 00:14:01,300 6pm. 118 00:14:01,300 --> 00:14:07,180 During this one and a half hour class, guests will decorate six cookies using four colors 119 00:14:07,180 --> 00:14:13,340 in this summer Christmas themed class all while enjoying Horseshoe Bend Sellers Award 120 00:14:13,340 --> 00:14:15,140 winning wines. 121 00:14:15,140 --> 00:14:19,780 So snag your baking buddy and head on out for a deliciously good time. 122 00:14:19,780 --> 00:14:26,460 For more information on this event, visit their website at www.horseshoebendsellers.com. 123 00:14:26,460 --> 00:14:32,400 Head on out to the Grape Town Winery in Fredericksburg, Texas for their Grape Stop and Sweet Wine 124 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:37,500 Festival on Saturday, July 13th from 12 to 3pm. 125 00:14:37,500 --> 00:14:44,780 There will be wine tastings, craft cocktails, grape stopping, live music, vendors, and exotic 126 00:14:44,780 --> 00:14:49,100 animals including donkeys, goats, camels, and more. 127 00:14:49,100 --> 00:14:54,820 This family and pet friendly event will have plenty of activities for all to enjoy. 128 00:14:54,820 --> 00:15:00,180 For more information on this event, visit thebestoftexas.org. 129 00:15:00,180 --> 00:15:05,180 If you want to just slow down for the weekend and just kick back and relax with great wine 130 00:15:05,180 --> 00:15:12,820 and music, then join a Dega Vino in Stonewall, Texas for their Summer Jazz Night on Saturday, 131 00:15:12,820 --> 00:15:16,620 July 13th from 7 to 9pm. 132 00:15:16,620 --> 00:15:21,820 They will be featuring live jazz music by the Mike Kaysberg Trio and there will be 133 00:15:21,820 --> 00:15:27,300 plenty of wine available to purchase along with pizza from the food truck. 134 00:15:27,300 --> 00:15:33,060 Bring your friends, your family, picnic blankets, and take a break from the sunny summer days 135 00:15:33,060 --> 00:15:35,300 and let's jazz it up. 136 00:15:35,300 --> 00:15:41,860 For more information on this event, visit their website at www.adegaveano.com. 137 00:15:41,860 --> 00:15:44,500 And those are your wine events for the weekend. 138 00:15:44,500 --> 00:15:47,060 Play tune for your music lineup for the weekend. 139 00:15:47,060 --> 00:15:55,060 Up next! 140 00:15:55,060 --> 00:16:00,260 Arch Ray Winery in Fredericksburg, Texas gets the music lineup started this weekend with 141 00:16:00,260 --> 00:16:06,220 Bill Mackle on stage Friday, July 12th from 4 to 7pm. 142 00:16:06,220 --> 00:16:11,660 Dry Comel Creek Vineyards in New Bromples will have David Russell on stage Friday, July 143 00:16:11,660 --> 00:16:20,100 12th from 5 to 8pm, followed by Stella on Sunday, July 14th from 2 to 5pm. 144 00:16:20,100 --> 00:16:26,700 The Estah Winery on 290 will host Frankie and Tanner Enlow on stage Saturday, July 13th 145 00:16:26,700 --> 00:16:29,140 from 3 to 6pm. 146 00:16:29,140 --> 00:16:34,180 Peridnalis Sellers in Stonewall will let the very popular James Hurn assume the musical 147 00:16:34,180 --> 00:16:39,500 duties on Saturday, July 13th from 12 to 4pm. 148 00:16:39,500 --> 00:16:45,020 Texas Hills Vineyards in Johnson City will have Michael Norder-Thomas on stage Saturday, 149 00:16:45,020 --> 00:16:48,540 July 13th from 1 to 4pm. 150 00:16:48,540 --> 00:16:54,580 Torna Locks in Burnett, Texas will let Bond Fusion Jam out on Saturday, July 13th from 151 00:16:54,580 --> 00:16:56,820 2 to 5pm. 152 00:16:56,820 --> 00:17:02,580 Bernhardt Winery in Plansersville, Texas will have Big City Nights on stage performing a 153 00:17:02,580 --> 00:17:08,700 Scorpions tribute Sunday, July 14th from 7 to 9pm. 154 00:17:08,700 --> 00:17:14,340 Augusta Venn Winery in Fredericksburg is having their Sipson Sounds event starring Dylan Tanner 155 00:17:14,340 --> 00:17:22,860 Hink on Friday, July 12th from 3 to 6pm, followed by Hunter Billingsley on Saturday, July 13th 156 00:17:22,860 --> 00:17:24,780 from 2 to 5pm. 157 00:17:24,780 --> 00:17:31,860 DV Jazz will close out the set on Sunday, July 14th from 3 to 6pm. 158 00:17:31,860 --> 00:17:38,820 West Sandy Creek Winery in Richards, Texas will have Christa Jean on stage Saturday, July 13th 159 00:17:38,820 --> 00:17:47,740 from 4 to 7pm, followed by Todd Roth on Sunday, July 14th from 2 to 5pm. 160 00:17:47,740 --> 00:17:53,940 Marker Sellers in Bridgeport will let Matthew Marcus McDaniel rock the house on Friday, 161 00:17:53,940 --> 00:17:57,700 July 12th from 5.30 to 8.30pm. 162 00:17:57,700 --> 00:18:03,060 Barron's Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg will have David Selbow on stage Saturday, 163 00:18:03,060 --> 00:18:06,820 July 13th from 1 to 4pm. 164 00:18:06,820 --> 00:18:13,660 Two Brothers Winery in Keller, Texas will have the Jaybirds on stage Saturday, July 13th 165 00:18:13,660 --> 00:18:16,340 from 7 to 9pm. 166 00:18:16,340 --> 00:18:22,420 Bending Branch Winery in Comfort will let Nico and Jacob play some tunes on Sunday, July 167 00:18:22,420 --> 00:18:26,100 14th from 2 to 5pm. 168 00:18:26,100 --> 00:18:32,260 Longhorn Sellers in Fredericksburg will have Tejas Bohemio on stage Saturday, July 13th 169 00:18:32,260 --> 00:18:34,860 from 1 to 4pm. 170 00:18:34,860 --> 00:18:39,660 The Texas Wine Collective in Fredericksburg will have the Talented Caitlin King on stage 171 00:18:39,660 --> 00:18:44,300 Saturday, July 13th from 1 to 5pm. 172 00:18:44,300 --> 00:18:49,460 William Chris Vineyards in High, Texas will let Todd Roth bring the noise on Saturday, 173 00:18:49,460 --> 00:18:53,100 July 13th from 1 to 4pm. 174 00:18:53,100 --> 00:18:59,740 Adegavino in Stonewall, Texas will have the Mike Casper Trio performing some smooth jazz 175 00:18:59,740 --> 00:19:04,460 on Saturday, July 13th from 7 to 9pm. 176 00:19:04,460 --> 00:19:11,380 Blue Ostrich Winery in St. Joe will have T.A. Brower on stage Saturday, July 13th from 177 00:19:11,380 --> 00:19:14,460 1.15 to 4.30pm. 178 00:19:14,460 --> 00:19:19,980 Lost Oak Winery in Burleson, Texas is having their concert on the Lonnie Bend, starring 179 00:19:19,980 --> 00:19:27,020 the Capon Jewett Band on Saturday, July 13th from 6 to 9pm. 180 00:19:27,020 --> 00:19:33,300 English Newsome Sellers in Lubbock, Texas will host Danny Godra on stage Saturday, July 181 00:19:33,300 --> 00:19:37,180 13th from 3.30 to 5.30pm. 182 00:19:37,180 --> 00:19:44,300 Los Pinos Ranch Winery in Pittsburgh, Texas will have Owen Tyner on stage Friday, July 183 00:19:44,300 --> 00:19:53,260 12th from 6 to 9pm, followed by Lodee on Saturday, July 13th from 6 to 9pm. 184 00:19:53,260 --> 00:19:58,580 Moody Family Wines in Bullard, Texas will get you in the mood for a good time with Mudwheel 185 00:19:58,580 --> 00:20:07,140 on stage Friday, July 12th from 6 to 8.30pm, followed by Shane Andrews on Saturday, July 186 00:20:07,140 --> 00:20:11,140 13th from 6 to 8.30pm as well. 187 00:20:11,140 --> 00:20:17,460 Triple En Ranch Winery in Trinidad, Texas is having an ultimate music tribute on Saturday, 188 00:20:17,460 --> 00:20:21,980 July 13th from 6.45 to 9. 189 00:20:21,980 --> 00:20:27,860 Michael Ross Winery in Fredericksburg will have Sherita Perez on stage Saturday, July 190 00:20:27,860 --> 00:20:31,220 13th from 2 to 5.00pm. 191 00:20:31,220 --> 00:20:36,540 And Singing Water Vineyards in Comfort, Texas will close out the music lineup for the weekend 192 00:20:36,540 --> 00:20:44,380 with the George Engle Duo on stage Saturday, July 13th from 1 to 4.00pm, followed by Dave 193 00:20:44,380 --> 00:20:50,100 Kemp on Sunday, July 14th from 1 to 4.00pm. 194 00:20:50,100 --> 00:20:52,820 And that's your music lineup for the weekend. 195 00:20:52,820 --> 00:21:05,060 Stay tuned for Did You Know? 196 00:21:05,060 --> 00:21:09,300 If you are familiar with grape growing here in the state of Texas, then you've probably 197 00:21:09,300 --> 00:21:14,820 heard a time or two that most of the grapes are grown in the high plains. 198 00:21:14,820 --> 00:21:18,220 But have you ever asked yourself why in fact that is the case? 199 00:21:18,220 --> 00:21:24,060 Well, let's dig a bit deeper and examine why most of the Texas grape varieties are grown 200 00:21:24,060 --> 00:21:26,340 in the Texas high plains. 201 00:21:26,340 --> 00:21:31,380 But I must warn you, this may require you to think back to Mrs. Chapman's geography 202 00:21:31,380 --> 00:21:36,940 class that you may have fallen asleep in 10 to 20 years ago. 203 00:21:36,940 --> 00:21:42,100 When you want to successfully grow grapes and produce a commercial crop, one must grow 204 00:21:42,100 --> 00:21:48,680 grapes in temperate zones between 30 and 50 degrees north and south latitudes. 205 00:21:48,680 --> 00:21:50,420 So what does that mean? 206 00:21:50,420 --> 00:21:57,500 On that all too familiar blue world globe that sat atop Mrs. Chapman's desk, the horizontal 207 00:21:57,500 --> 00:22:04,580 lines that start from the equator at 0 degrees and moving north or south toward the poles 208 00:22:04,580 --> 00:22:07,180 are the latitudinal lines. 209 00:22:07,180 --> 00:22:12,300 At 0 degrees, these are some of the warmest areas on the planet. 210 00:22:12,300 --> 00:22:18,140 And as we move north or south from the equator, the temperature gets colder. 211 00:22:18,140 --> 00:22:23,620 As mentioned earlier, the temperate zones for growing grapes are between 30 and 50 degrees 212 00:22:23,620 --> 00:22:25,860 north and south latitude. 213 00:22:25,860 --> 00:22:31,460 The Texas high plains near Lubbock, Texas, where we find a lot of our Texas vineyards 214 00:22:31,460 --> 00:22:38,260 sits on the southern edge of the temperate zone at about 33 degrees north latitude, which 215 00:22:38,260 --> 00:22:42,860 is one reason why we can successfully grow grapes in this area. 216 00:22:42,860 --> 00:22:49,180 At areas with latitudes less than 30 degrees, they experience a hotter climate due to the 217 00:22:49,180 --> 00:22:52,700 direct intensity of the sun on the earth. 218 00:22:52,700 --> 00:22:58,460 As you move northern or southern along the globe, the angle of the sun on the earth is 219 00:22:58,460 --> 00:23:02,620 less intense, resulting in decreased temperatures. 220 00:23:02,620 --> 00:23:08,940 But a second reason why the Texas high plains, and might I add the Texas hill country, is 221 00:23:08,940 --> 00:23:13,460 suitable for successful grape growing is altitude. 222 00:23:13,460 --> 00:23:21,620 The Texas high plains are located on a plateau at an elevation of between 2800 feet to 4000 223 00:23:21,620 --> 00:23:28,700 feet above sea level, and the Texas hill country around Fredericksburg is on average 1700 feet 224 00:23:28,700 --> 00:23:33,420 above sea level with a maximum of 2000 feet. 225 00:23:33,420 --> 00:23:42,340 For reference, San Antonio, Texas is 800 feet above sea level with a maximum of 1800 feet, 226 00:23:42,340 --> 00:23:49,820 and Houston, Texas is average 80 feet above sea level with a maximum of 300 feet above 227 00:23:49,820 --> 00:23:51,340 sea level. 228 00:23:51,340 --> 00:23:53,580 Why is all this geography relevant? 229 00:23:53,580 --> 00:24:00,740 Well, as you increase in tallness of the earth due to hills or mountains, the temperature 230 00:24:00,740 --> 00:24:06,820 decreases, which helps to balance acids and sugars in the grapes. 231 00:24:06,820 --> 00:24:13,220 With all this talk about elevation and geography, let's talk about a couple of extremes. 232 00:24:13,220 --> 00:24:18,660 Where in the world do you think the highest vineyard in terms of elevation is grown? 233 00:24:18,660 --> 00:24:23,500 And where in the world is the most northern latitude vineyard planted? 234 00:24:23,500 --> 00:24:31,900 Well, did you know that the highest vineyard planted to date is a vineyard in Tibet, China, 235 00:24:31,900 --> 00:24:39,820 at approximately 11,500 feet above sea level, with 11 grape varieties planted and Vidal 236 00:24:39,820 --> 00:24:44,060 and Muscat grape varieties being the most popular? 237 00:24:44,060 --> 00:24:51,500 The most northerly vineyard planted is a vineyard in Munch Horton, Norway, which lies at latitude 238 00:24:51,500 --> 00:24:59,780 59 degrees north latitude with 20 varieties planted with the unknown varieties named Hussanke 239 00:24:59,780 --> 00:25:06,940 Sladke from Russia, Solaris from Germany, and Rondo from France. 240 00:25:06,940 --> 00:25:10,860 Well, that would do it for this week's episode. 241 00:25:10,860 --> 00:25:11,860 Thank you for joining me. 242 00:25:11,860 --> 00:25:16,900 I'm Mike Cole, your Texas Wine Scene correspondent, and I look forward to seeing you next time 243 00:25:16,900 --> 00:25:21,500 on the Texas Wine Scene. 244 00:25:21,500 --> 00:25:26,020 For more in-depth information on the wineries mentioned in this episode, visit the Texas 245 00:25:26,020 --> 00:25:33,540 Wine Lover website at txwinelover.com or the Texas Wine Lover app. 246 00:25:33,540 --> 00:25:38,860 There you will be able to find a vast amount of information about Texas wineries and wine-related 247 00:25:38,860 --> 00:25:40,660 businesses. 248 00:25:40,660 --> 00:25:46,940 You can also search for information such as winery hours, grape varieties, food options, 249 00:25:46,940 --> 00:25:50,900 pet and kid-friendly wineries, and much, much more. 250 00:25:50,900 --> 00:25:55,540 Visit their website at txwinelover.com. 251 00:25:55,540 --> 00:26:00,340 That's txwinelover.com. 252 00:26:00,340 --> 00:26:05,660 And please leave me a rating and a review and share the podcast with all your wine-loving 253 00:26:05,660 --> 00:26:06,660 friends. 254 00:26:06,660 --> 00:26:13,660 Cheers!