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 to 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 a 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.
And now for your Texas Wine Scene News.
In a recent article in the course of Cana Daily Sun, Jennifer Howell reports that the first and only vineyard and winery combination
in Navarro County and Jalita Vineyard and Winery is celebrating a milestone this month, their 10th anniversary.
Located in Angus, Texas, just south of Corsicana, the vineyard was planted in 2010 and the winery's tasting room opened one decade ago in July of 2014.
To celebrate the occasion, there will be two events held at the Small Boutique Winery on Saturday, July 20th.
More on those events later in the episode.
Registration for Grape Camp 2024 is now open.
From now through August 16th, early bird registrants can save up to $150 for this event to be held on October 8th and 9th in Lubbock, Texas.
Grape Camp began as a place to reflect on the recent harvest, discuss successes, address challenges, and collectively plan for the future.
Over the years, it has taken root as a must-attend educational and networking event for new and veteran Texas grape growers and wine industry professionals.
During Grape Camp, attendees can expect to grow your industry knowledge, build your network with other industry professionals, and participate in a hands-on field excursion.
To register for Grape Camp, visit the Texas Wine and Grape Growers website at texaswines.org.
In a recent article in the Fort Worth Business Press, the Fort Worth Food and Wine Foundation is expanding their services with a new partnership.
The Foundation is teaming up with the Southern Smoke Foundation to help food and beverage workers in crisis by providing emergency relief funds and access to non-cost mental health services.
The recent announcement came with a $25,000 check from the Foundation to the Southern Smoke Foundation, which will be used to assist culinary industry workers needing emergency relief across Tarrant County.
The peaches used to rule the Texas Hill Country. Is wine pushing them out? That was the headline in an article by Gabby De La Rosa.
For some, it seems that wine has overtaken the peach industry in this part of the state, and since the early 2000s, the Hill Country has been getting recognition for its wine.
But according to the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Manager Mackenzie Mullering, peaches are still a large driver of agritourism in the area.
There are approximately 600 acres of peach trees in the Hill Country, many centered around Gillespie County, one of the largest peach producing counties in Texas.
We've definitely seen our wine industry grow in the last 30 years, but we still have at least a dozen orchards that our family run and operate, says Mullering.
Peach season in Fredericksburg is a tried and true tradition, and that's why people visit.
Karen Binerigo, co-owner of Messina Hoff Winery, believes that peaches and wine are inherently tied to the land and provide experiences and outdoor activities that naturally complement one another.
She says, day trips can be filled easily with multiple visits to wineries and other Hill Country businesses and attractions.
We respect and appreciate other agricultural endeavors.
And that's your Texas Wine Scene News.
This week we continue our mini-series on the most popular red and white grape varieties in Texas, and this week we will focus on another white grape variety, Trebbiano.
Trebbiano, also known as Uvni Blanc, is an Italian white wine grape variety and one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world.
It is a high-yielding, late-ripening grape variety with a neutral but refreshing grape varietal profile.
Along with this popular high-yielding varietal characteristics, Trebbiano also shows a propensity to be very adaptable to various climate conditions and can resist rot,
which is one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular grape varieties planted here in Texas.
Trebbiano is used to produce refreshing table wines with vivid green fruit and citrus aromas on the nose, such as green apple, pear, lemon, and white peach.
On the palate, the dry notes of lemon, green apple, and stone fruit and salinity are confirmed with this great variety with a bit of minerality to complete its taste profile.
In addition to Trebbiano producing refreshing table wines, it also is the main player in the production of world-class brandy spirits in the French regions of Arminyak and Cognac,
as well as high-end balsamic vinegar that you sometimes see drizzle on your favorite appetizers, entrees, or desserts.
Trebbiano is a grape variety that is not going to set your world on fire as a deliciously stunning white wine,
but it is an easy-drinking, diverse grape variety that plays its role on a hot, sunny summer day or becomes the star in your elevated spirits tasting or high-end fine dining experiences.
Tune in next week as we complete our Texas Virato mini-series with Marsan.
Before we get into the wine events for the weekend, let's check the weather.
The weather for the weekend in the High Plains wine-growing region will have high temperatures of 90 degrees with low temperatures of 66 degrees.
The North Texas wine growing region will have high temperatures of 93 degrees with low temperatures of 71 degrees with a 40% chance of rain on Sunday.
The West Texas wine-growing region will have high temperatures of 85 degrees with low temperatures of 63 degrees.
The Texas Hill Country wine growing region will have high temperatures of 92 degrees
with low temperatures of 69 degrees with the 35% chance of showers on Sunday.
And the Gulf Coast wine growing region will have high temperatures of 92 degrees with
low temperatures of 76 degrees.
Some Parisos vineyards in Burnett, Texas for their pre-harvest concert and paella party
on Friday, July 19th from 7 to 10pm.
This will be an unforgettable celebration as they kick off the grape harvest season at
their estate vineyard.
This pre-harvest concert event promises a delightful evening filled with delicious paella, a smoking
hot band with Jennifer Foster and The Audacity, and exceptional paresos wines and great company.
For more information on this event visit their website at ParisosVineyards.com.
Head on out to Wembley Valley Winery in Wembley, Texas for their White Linen Night event on
Saturday, July 20th from 7 to 9pm.
This enchanting evening will celebrate the arts, wine, and jazz.
Wear your summer white attire to stay cool and stylish as you stroll through the art
market featuring the talented works of local artists as well as enjoying live art and demonstrations.
Live jazz music will fill the air performed by the local jazz band, the Cone Alma Quartet.
There will be a wine and hors d'oeuvres pairing where guests will enjoy Wembley Valley wine
paired with delectable New Orleans inspired hors d'oeuvres.
So come on out and celebrate the arts, enjoy great company, and experience the magic of
Wembley Valley Winery's White Linen Night.
For more information on this event visit their website at WembleyValleyWinery.com.
And for our ranch vineyards and winery for their music, Merlot, Verdot, and Van Gogh
event on Thursday, July 25th from 5.30 to 8.30pm.
This sounds like a very entertaining event unlike any other.
Here's how it works.
Guests show up in clothes that don't mind getting a little paint on them or a lot for
that matter.
There will be a place setting prepped with everything a painter needs, paints, brushes,
canvas, and of course a glass of wine.
Guests will get a card with a basic object listed.
The timer will be set for 10 minutes.
Then it's time to Van Gogh go.
When the time is up, guests switch places and the painting continues for about 6 rounds.
Imagine the artistic outcome of multiple rounds of different visions for this art masterpiece.
This event sounds like a great time.
For more information on this event, visit their website at 4rwines.com.
Where are my guys and gals who like to get a bit of grease in their hair, a bit of oil
under their nails, and a bit of dirt on their jeans while working under the hood of a restored
classic car?
Well, if that sounds like you, here is your wine event for the weekend.
Join High Metal Winery in High Texas for their grapes and gears car show event on Saturday
July 20th from 12 to 4pm.
Whether you are car enthusiasts or just looking for a fun winery day out, grapes and gears
is the perfect place to be.
How about entering your car into the car show for a chance to win a trophy?
Categories include Best New Car from Year 2000 and Up, Best Vintage Car from 1999 and
Under, and Best Overall Car.
For more information about this event or to enter your ride, visit their website at highmetal.com.
Join Blue Lotus Winery in Sigeeng for their charcuterie and wine pairing class on Saturday
July 20th from 6.30 to 8pm.
Guests will learn how to create a summer charcuterie board and pair with Blue Lotus Wines.
They will select a combination of soft, hard cheeses along with a variety of meats you
can find at your local grocery store.
Also join Blue Lotus Winery in Sigeeng for their Christmas in July event on Sunday July
21st from 2 to 4pm.
At this event, guests will learn to create a beautiful Christmas centerpiece for the
holiday season.
Enjoy a creative afternoon while enjoying a glass of Blue Lotus wine.
All materials will be provided for this event and no experience is necessary.
For more information on these events, visit their website at BlueLotusWinery.com.
Join Augusta Venn Winery in Fredericksburg, Texas for their Tacos into Not event on Wednesday
July 24th from 4 to 5.30pm.
This event is part of the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Preview events where guests will
get to mingle, enjoy tours of the winery, live music, and taste street taco bites from
Leroy's Tex-Mex BBQ paired alongside Augusta Venn's Tanat Rose, Tanat Estate Reserve,
and a Tanat Barrel tasting.
For more information on this event, visit their website at AugustaVenn.com.
Join Becker Vineyards in Fredericksburg for their blended like Becker Wine event on Monday
July 22nd from 6 to 8pm.
Remerse yourself in the art and science of wine blending.
Guests will learn the intricacies of blending wine as they guide you through the process
of using different varietal samples and graduated cylinders to create the perfect final wine
blend.
You'll team up with fellow guests to craft your own blended wine and design a label for
your creation.
The judges will evaluate your wines based on aromatics, palette profile, and label art.
For more information on this event, visit their website at BeckerVenn.com.
Head on out to Firesky Vineyards in Lubbock, Texas for their first wine tasting event on
Thursday July 25th from 6 to 10pm.
Guests will enjoy great food, games, pop-up shops that include Rooted LBK, Wild Honey
Hat Bar, and Beyond Aesthetics.
Thanks to live music that will be provided by Claire and Wyatt King while enjoying award-winning
Texas wine.
Each ticket purchase includes 7 2 oz wine tastings and food.
This is Firesky Vineyards first wine tasting event and they are doing it big.
Help them start off with a bang.
For more information on this event, visit their website at Firesky.wine.
And Alita Winery in Corsicana, Texas for their 10th Anniversary Harvest Party event on Saturday
July 20th starting at 7.30am.
This is a harvest party with style.
There will be great picking, wine stomping, delicious food, and live music.
The day will start with breakfast inside the tasting room at 7.30am, then head on out to
the vineyard to learn about the Blanc du Bois grape variety, growing methods and history
of the winery, and how to harvest the grapes.
You will then head over to the processing equipment to see how the wine is made and
sample the free-run juice from the press and try your hand at grape stomping in your best
I Love Lucy imitation.
The winery will then open to the public at 12 noon where you can help Angelina Winery
celebrate their 10th Anniversary with Sangria and Wine Slushes, live music by Sandy Bates,
and a slice of Angelina Winery 10th Anniversary Cake.
For more information on this event, visit their website at AngelinaVineyard.com.
The Texas Wine Collective is at it again with their fantastically delicious wine pairing
events and this time it's burgers.
Join the Texas Wine Collective in Fredericksburg for their Taste of Texas Burgers and Big Reds
event on Sunday, July 21st at 12.30 to 4.00 pm.
The Texas Wine Collective will put six of their Texas wines up against three hearty hamburgers
to see which big red wine compliments your favorite burger the best.
For more information on this event, visit their website at TexasWineCollective.com.
Join Messina Hoff and Brian for their Painting with a Poor event on Wednesday, July 24th
from 6 to 8 pm.
At this engaging wine glass painting event, guests will receive a glass of wine, a wine
glass to paint and take home, and all the painting materials.
This event offers a unique blend of artistic expression, fine wine, and gourmet food making
it an ideal outing for friends, couples, or solo adventurers looking to unwind and have
fun.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a new and creative experience,
this event promises a memorable night filled with laughter, art, and delicious wine.
For more information on this event, visit their website at MessinaHoff.com.
Are you ready to continue your wine education journey?
Well here's an event for you.
Join the WineWise Wine School, Fredericksburg, in partnership with Andre Boda of Vino Cadre
and Six Twist for their Wine101 class Vineyard to Bottle on Monday, July 22nd from 11 to
2 pm at the Turtle Creek Vineyard in Curville, Texas.
Making them for an unparalleled learning experience tailored specifically for winery professionals
from tasting room staff to winemakers.
This comprehensive course delves deeper than Wine101 exploring vineyard influences, winemaking
decisions, and much, much more.
For more information and registration for this event, visit their website at Wine-Wise.com.
And those are your wine events for the weekend.
Stay tuned for your music lineup for the weekend.
Up next!
Arch Ray Winery in Fredericksburg gets the music lineup starting this weekend with Anthony
Garcia on stage Friday, July 19th from 5 to 8 pm, followed by London Belay on Saturday,
July 20th from 5 to 8 pm as well.
Dry Comel Creek Vineyards and New Rompels will have James Hearn on stage Saturday, July
20th from 2 to 5 pm, followed by Acoustrix featuring Scott Martin on Sunday, July 21st
from 1 to 4 pm.
The Estewinery on 290 will host Sherita Perez on stage Saturday, July 20th from 3 to 6 pm.
Baron Alice Sellers and Stonewall will let Jake Martin assume the musical duties on
Saturday, July 20th from 1 to 5 pm.
Texas Hill Vineyards in Johnson City will have Michael Alvarez on stage Saturday, July
20th from 1 to 4 pm.
Forna Locks in Burnett, Texas will have Rodney Howell on stage Saturday, July 20th from 2
to 5 pm.
Augusta Venn Winery in Fredericksburg is having their Sips and Sounds event starring Keelan
Donovan on stage Friday, July 19th from 3 to 6 pm, followed by Nalani Caballero on
Saturday, July 20th from 2 to 5 pm.
Bernie Martini will close out the set on Sunday, July 21st from 3.30 to 6 pm.
Bernhardt Winery in Plansersville, Texas will have Barefoot Nation on stage performing a
Kenny Chesney tribute on Sunday, July 21st from 7 to 9 pm.
Deep Roots Vineyards in Plansersville, Texas will have TNT on stage performing an ACDC
tribute on Friday, July 19th from 8 to 10.30 pm.
West Sandy Creek Winery in Richards, Texas will have Byron Haney on stage Saturday, July
20th from 4 to 7 pm, followed by Brenda Storseth on Sunday, July 21st from 2 to 5 pm.
Barron's Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg will host the Talented Kalani on stage Saturday,
July 20th from 1 to 4 pm.
Bending Branch Winery in Comfort, Texas will let Bill Mackle rock the house on Sunday,
July 21st from 2 to 5 pm.
Carter Creek Winery in Johnson City will have a Beatles tribute on Saturday, July 20th at
7 pm.
Dukeman Family Winery in Driftwood, Texas will have the Michael James Band on stage Saturday,
July 20th from 4 to 7 pm.
Longhorn Sellers in Fredericksburg will have Anthony Garcia on stage Saturday, July 20th
from 12 to 3 pm.
William Chris Vineyards in High, Texas will let Spicy Loops heat things up on Saturday,
July 20th from 1 to 4 pm, followed by Holland McKay on Sunday, July 21st from 1 to 4 pm
as well.
Lucky Vines Vineyards and Winery in Dublin, Texas will have Shelby Ray Marshall on stage
Saturday, July 20th from 4 to 7 pm.
English Newsome Sellers in Lubbock, Texas will host Craig Elliott on Saturday, July 20th
from 5 to 7 pm.
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards in Pittsburgh, Texas will have the Pink Flamingo on stage Friday
and Saturday, July 19th and 20th from 6 to 9 pm.
Moody Family Wines in Bullard, Texas will have Jennifer Martin on stage Saturday, July
20th from 6 to 8.30 pm.
Triple-N Ranch Winery in Trinidad, Texas will perform a James Taylor and Bob Dylan tribute
on Saturday, July 20th from 6.45 to 9 pm.
Taysha Vineyards in Huntsville, Texas will have Jessica Callahan on stage Saturday, July
20th from 4 to 7 pm.
Threshold Vineyards in Navasota will have Greg Day on stage Saturday, July 20th from 3 to
6 pm.
Lone Star Wine Sellers in McKinney, Texas has an extensive music lineup for the weekend
starting with Judd Block on stage Friday, July 19th from 8 to 11 pm.
Kayla McPeepe will take the stage on Saturday, July 20th from 2 to 5 pm followed by Ken
and Kathy Lye from 8 to 11 pm.
Byron Haney will close the musical set on Sunday, July 21st from 4 to 7 pm.
Michael Ross Winery in Fredericksburg will have Chad Christensen on stage Saturday, July
20th from 2 to 5 pm.
And Singing Water Vineyards in Comfort, Texas will close out the music lineup for the weekend
with Bill George on stage Saturday, July 20th from 1 to 4 pm followed by the Steve Gary
duo on Sunday, July 21st from 1 to 4 pm as well.
And that's your music lineup for the weekend.
Stay tuned for Did You Know?
As mentioned at the beginning of the episode in our Texas Great Variety highlight, Trebiano
is a great variety that produces high yields and is used to make high-end brandy in the
Arminyak and Cognac regions of France.
In addition to its contribution to the spirits industry, Trebiano also makes deliciously
authentic Balsamic vinegar.
Now, I'm sure you've heard and tasted this wonderful condiment, but let's take our
knowledge and understanding of Balsamic vinegar to the next level.
Balsamic vinegar is a dark, concentrated, intensely flavored vinegar originating in
the city of Modena in the North Italian region of Emilia-Romagna.
Yup, the same region where they make Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmigian cheese.
Oh, and as a side note, this region also makes your high-end sports cars such as Ferraris,
Lamborghinis and Maserati's.
But I digress.
For authentic and traditional Balsamic vinegar, there are only two areas that produce this
product which are Modena and Reggio Emilia following legally binding traditional procedures.
True Balsamic vinegar is rich, glossy, deep brown and has complex flavors that balance
the neutral sweet and sour elements of the cooked grape juice with hints of wood.
Here's the process.
True Balsamic vinegar is made from a reduction of pressed Trebiano or Lambrusco grapes.
This thick syrup called Mostocoto is then aged for a minimum of 12 years in several
successively smaller-sized wood casts made of different types of wood such as chestnut,
cherry, oak, mulberry, ash and juniper.
Balsamic vinegar is aged in wood casts similar to how cherry is aged in wood casts by way
of a Sallera system.
A portion of the vinegar is drawn off the smallest and oldest barrels which is bottled, labeled
and sold.
Then each of the next larger barrels are topped up with the vinegar from the next larger barrel
and so on throughout the Sallera.
The top barrel, which is the youngest barrel, gets filled with the newly pressed syrup vinegar
from the current year.
Like other food and beverage products in Europe, some are protected as an authentic zone of
production such as the Italian DLC and DLCG for wine.
So if you want to purchase an authentic bottle of Balsamic vinegar, it will have on its label
one of two traditional regions marked with Balsamico Traditional di Modena DOP and Balsamico
Traditional di Reggio Emilia DOP.
The DOP stands for Protected Designation of Origin and look to spend between $50 and $200
for a small bottle of this sweet and tangy culinary nectar.
If you don't want to search for a bottle of authentic Italian Balsamic vinegar, you're
in luck.
There is an American company in New Mexico that produces high-end Balsamic vinegar with
the same production methods as Italy called Traditional Aceto Balsamico of Monticello.
They have a 4.5 ounce bottle of Balsamic vinegar for a handsome price of $154.
So you are probably saying to yourself, if I spend between $150 to $200 for a bottle
of Balsamic vinegar, how long will it last before it goes bad?
Well, did you know?
But unlike almost any other food item in your pantry, Balsamic vinegar doesn't really go
bad.
Like any vinegar, you should keep it in a cool, dry cupboard and away from light.
If stored properly, that sweet and tangy joy in a bottle will last for years.
And as an added bonus, here's dinner for tonight.
Strawberry and goat cheese crostini with organic Balsamic of Monticello, Florentine-style steak
with arugula and shavings of Parmigiano, an organic Balsamic of Monticello, and poached
pears with vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of organic Balsamic of Monticello.
And of course, pair this wonderful dinner with a bottle of Paired Nala Sellers 2022 Texas
High Plains Trebbiano.
You're welcome.
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 on the wineries mentioned in this episode, visit the Texas
Wine Lover website at txwinelover.com or the Texas Wine Lover app.
There you will be able to find a vast amount of information about Texas wineries and wine-related
businesses.
You can also search for information such as Texas wineries with lodging, 100% Texas wineries,
tour companies, winemaker profiles, and much, much more.
So visit their website at txwinelover.com.
That's txwinelover.com.
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Cheers.