Podcast appearances and mentions of ron yates

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast:  Facebook: @texaswinepod  Instagram: @texaswinepod  Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com  Visit www.thisistexaswine.comHelp the Show:  Subscribe to the newsletter.  Donate virtual Texas wine or join the podcast membership at the Gold Medal, Silver Medal, or Bronze Medal Level!  Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!Texas Wine In the NewsWine America's New Statistics on the Texas Wine IndustryDr Justin Scheiner to Receive the 2025 ASEV Extension Distinction AwardDr Julie Kuhlken awarded Austin Woman's Woman's Way Business AwardDr Colleen Myles for Forbes.com: “Exploring The ‘Gem' Of Far West Texas, Dell Valley Vineyards”Amy Beth Wright for Wine Enthusiast: “Is Your Local Wine Actually Local? It's not so simple.”Kate Dingwall for Wine Enthusiast: “One of the Wine World's Most Divisive Topics? Commercial vs. Native Yeast”June 24 Texas Wine Growers Industry Seminar and Consumer Tasting in Mansfield (North Texas)Drink North Texas on May 31 in DallasToast of Texas 2025 is on June 8 in Austin! Visit Wine & Food Foundation for ticket and membership information.Wineries, claim your listing and consider membership at Texas Wine Lover - Signup PageEnter to be considered for the Texas Monthly / Texas Department of Agriculture's 2025 Texas Vintners CupFarm Winery Permit legislationInterview with Doug Lewis of Lewis Wines  Lewis WinesDemerit and Gold Star  Gold Star:  Innovative events to drive traffic. From mahjong to music series and more! Keep up the creative outreach to find new customers.Special ThanksNeed lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out Cork + Cactus!  Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com!Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine or join the podcast membership at the Gold Medal, Silver Medal, or Bronze Medal Level! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Texas Wine In the NewsLlano Estacado Winery Sells to New Investor GroupBending Branch Winery Named Hot Brand of 2024 by Wine Business MonthlyTAMU Wine Science and Viticulture Certificate ProgramTexas Wine School: Specialist in Texas Wine - Levels I and IIAwards from Recent Hill Country Wine Symposium for Kim McPherson, Kelsey Kramer and John RivenburghWine Business Monthly: US Winery Count Declines Slightly (But Texas is up!)Forbes.com: The Best White Wines According to San Francisco International Wine CompetitionForbes.com: The Best Bordeaux Blends from the San Francisco International Wine CompetitionSinging Water Vineyards wins big with $90+ Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley - LINKRootstock 2025 is on April 6! Featuring wines from Spain! LINK for tickets. Use code SHELLY for 10% off!Toast of Texas 2025 is on June 8! Visit Wine & Food Foundation for ticket and membership information.Rhone Rangers Visit Texas! LINK for tickets to the consumer event on April 6 in Hye at William Chris Vineyards.Rhone Rangers Trade and Media Day is in Austin on April 8. LINKInterview with Bryan Chagoly TopTexasWines.com Texas Wine Growers Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association Sandy Road Vineyards Demerit and Gold Star NA Special ThanksNeed lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.

Mentioned in this EpisodeAdvertisers for this episode Texas Wine Analytics Bending Branch Winery Connect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine or join the podcast membership at the Gold Medal, Silver Medal, or Bronze Medal Level! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Texas Wine NewsCathy Huyge for Forbes.com “Texas Wines: On Purpose”New Courses Announced at Hill Country Wine Academy LINKMay 20–21 Sage's Vintage Symposium TicketsInterview with Jen Syma and Nichole Bendele #AskForTexasWinesFollow the initiative on Instagram at @askfortexaswines or email organizers at askfortexaswines@gmail.comFind Texas Wine Lover's restaurant cards HEREGold Star Chris Brundrett named one of E&Y's Regional Entrepreneur of the Year Demerit none Special ThanksNeed lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Texas Wine NewsChanges Coming at VinoviumPaul Caputo for Forbes “Vermetino is a fresh white wine for a hotter world”OIV + TDA Conference on Pierce's DiseaseBecome an advocate member of Texas Wine Growers HEREMarch 8 International Women's Day Event at Wine For the People: TICKETSUPCOMING / ONGOING: 1. May 4 Texas Wine Auction Tickets 2. May 5 Wine & Food Foundation's Toast of Texas Event Tickets 3. May 20–21 Sage's Vintage Symposium Tickets Interview with Katy Jane Seaton of Farmhouse VineyardsFarmhouse VineyardsGold Star Award Winners from 2024 TWGGA ConferenceTV Munson Award (grape growing): Alphonse and Martha Dotson Louis F Qualia Award (pioneering spirit): Michael McClendon John E Crosby Award (lifetime achievement): Susan Auler and the late Ed Auler Bunny Becker Women in Wine Award: Roxanne Meyers Demerit None. Special ThanksNeed lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Texas Wine NewsSan Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition ResultsTexas results on www.txwinelover.comFull resultsAmy Beth Wright for Wine Enthusiast: “Pierce's Disease Devastates Vines. Are These New Hybrids the Answer?”Sara Ventiera for Wine Enthusiast: “This Remote Arts Mecca Near Marfa Is Texas's Latest Wine Destination”Texas A&M AgriLife: “Wine Trends to Watch in 2024”Pamela Vachon for Wine Enthusiast: “7 up and coming wine regions that should be on your radar”CNN Travel: “Best Destinations to Visit in 2024”Blake Eddie Scholarship Wine by Bingham Family VineyardsEnter your wines for the 2024 TEXSOM Awards! LINKInterview with Fritz WestoverWestover Vineyard Advising Virtual Vineyard Academy Vineyard Underground Podcast Gold Star 25th anniversary of the Texas Hill Country Wineries!Read more HERE Unfortunate press about Texas winery Dallas Observer: Barons Creek Tasting Room Is Now Open in Bishop Arts. But What Is It? Special ThanksNeed lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Texas Wine In the NewsResults from Houston's Rodeo Uncorked! Wine Competition from Texas Wine Lover and Rodeo Uncorked!W Blake Gray in Wine Searcher: Texas: No Country for Bad WineBrittney Anas in Men's Journal: These Thanksgiving Wines Deserve a Spot on the TableKathy Blackwell in Texas Monthly: The Top 25 Texas Gifts of 2023Broke Lewis in Texas Monthly: Black Winery Owners in Texas Hope to Leave a Legacy for Future GenerationsLana Bortolot in Forbes: A Mixed Case for ThanksgivingKatie Bell in Forbes: The Best American Sparkling WinesCome to France with me in 2024! Read all about it hereInterview with AGrayson Davies of Arche' Winery & Vineyard in St. Jo, Texas Arche' Wines North Texas Wine CountryGold Stars Texas Department of Agriculture's Texas Wine Advisory Committee Jerry Eisterhold and TerraVox WineryAlex Mayyasi for Smithsonian Magazine: The Man Who's Saving America's Forgotten GrapesDemerit none this time Special ThanksThanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.Need lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! 

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Use code THISISTEXASWINE for $100 off the Texas Wine Club at www.txwine.com.Texas Wine In the News2023 Texas Harvest UpdateOregon State University: Managing Grapevines During Heat SpikeAvailable Texas Fruit ListingWilliam Chris Vineyards Named Top 100 Vineyards ListChris Missick Consulting for Bending Branch Winery: Press ReleaseJoin me for a Texas Wine Club Blind Tasting Experience in Dallas! RegistrationLana Bortolot for Forbes: “White Wines Off the Beaten Path”Lana Bortolot for Forbes: “All American Rosés for the 4th of July”Lana Bortolot for Forbes: “Summer Wines: The Heat Wave Edition”Sam Stone for Bon Appetit “Get to Know One of Texas's Most Beautiful Restaurants”D Magazine: “True Crime and Wine”Westcave Cellars & Winery FOR SALEPella Legna Winery FOR SALECome to France with me in 2024! Read all about it hereTexas Wine Club discount code: use code THISISTEXASWINE to get $100 off your first shipment!Interview with Amie Nemecwww.txwinelover.comGold StarsSusan Johnson and Chase Jones - Interview Karen Bonarrigo - InterviewEducationRead about primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas/flavors HERE Special ThanksThanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.Need lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out my home Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! 

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Texas Wine In the NewsVinePair: The States With the Most Wineries in 2023Fritz Westover won the The 2023 ASEV-ES Distinguished Service Award! Press ReleaseFritz Westover's podcast: Vineyard UndergroundTina Danze for the Dallas Morning News: 4 Texas wines, beers and ciders we're drinking this summer. (possible paywall)Uplift Vineyard Aglianico wins Silver at Decanter Wine Awards - Press ReleaseJoin me for a Texas Wine Club Blind Tasting Experience in Dallas! RegistrationSouthern Living: 4 small Texas towns that go big on wineVinePair includes CL Butaud Ramato in The 15 Best Orange Wines for 2023Texas Wine Lover Tempranillo Tasting ResultsCongrats to Slate Theory and William Chris for inclusion on the Vine Pair list “The 30 Best Rosé Wines of 2023”Finger Lakes International Wine Competition ResultsTexas Wine Club discount code: use code THISISTEXASWINE to get $100 off your first shipment!Interview with Evan McKibbenFind Evan here: -Pedernales Cellars -Broken Grape - Texas Wine and Agricultural Experiences -Agricultural Experiences at Lost Draw at Johnson City Special ThanksThanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.Need lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out my home Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! 

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Texas Wine In the NewsVinePair: 10 American Wine Regions That Deserve More RecognitionVinePair: The 30 Best Rosé Wines of 2023TEXSOM Awards ResultsWine Enthusiast: If You Like Pinot Grigio, Try Picpoul.Decanter: Picpoul makes a splash in AmericaTexas Wine Club Wine Experiences in Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and HyeTeas Wine Club discount code: use code THISISTEXASWINE to get $100 off your first shipment!Get the scoop on FlavoryTX, an educational non-profit focused on Texas food and beverage.Interview with Dan and Maura SharpSharp Family Vineyards / The Vineyard at Blue MountainSpecial ThanksThanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.Need lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out my home Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! 

Connect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Twitter: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Voicemail: 802–585–1286 Help the Show: Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine! Subscribe to the newsletter to get the Texas wine crossword puzzle!  Mentioned in this Episode Hey podcast listeners,I'm excited to share that you can now support local winemakers by shopping for wine on sommly.com, where you can find over 450 Texas wineries and 80 wines available for purchase - direct from each winery!If you're a Texas winery, claim your page to add photos, team members, and additional info about your winery for free!If you're a wine lover, join me in creating a free profile at sommly.com to give your favorite Texas wineries a great review. Results from 2022 Finger Lakes International Wine CompetitionResults from TEXSOM Awards 2022Texas Hill Country Wineries' Press Release on TEXSOM Awards Resultstexaswinelover.com: Rhinos + Winery = Rhinory: New Fredericksburg Winery Makes a Splash in Rhino Conservation and at TEXSOM Wine AwardsCabernet Grill Featured on GrapeCollective.comDallas Morning News: How this North Texas wine school is bolstering a new boom of Black winemakers: Grayson College caters to professionals looking to transition into the wine industry.”William Chris Wine Co. Announces New Lost Draw Cellars Location in Johnson CityWine Enthusiast: “How Herbicides Are Threatening Texas Wine Production”Vinovium's Wine Jam on September 4Texas Fine Wine's Summer Sunset Cruise 9/8 and Texas Wine Month Dinner 9/30Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival in San AntonioInterview with Clint Thomas of Cellar Rat Wine Tours Cellar Rat Wine Tours Gold Star The podcast just celebrated TWO YEARS! Demerit Wine Enthusiast will no longer rate wines from Texas. Read more about it HERE Special Thanks Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, the IMBIBE: The WFF Education Series, and find membership options here. Need lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out my home Cork + Cactus! Cork + Cactus on AirBnB Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! 

Connect with the Podcast:Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Twitter: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com  Voicemail: 802–585–1286 Help the Show:Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine!Subscribe to the newsletter to get the Texas wine crossword puzzle!  Mentioned in this Episode I'm excited to announce the launch of Sommly, a direct-to-consumer marketplace for artisan Texas wine!If you're a Texas winery, claim your free winery page today. Soon you'll be able to list all of your wines and club memberships for wine lovers to purchase on Sommly.com.If you're a wine consumer like me, search for your favorite local wineries on Sommly and give them a great review.Please join me in spreading the word, and helping folks discover the Texas wine industry! And follow @sommly.wine on Instagram for the latest updates. Join me at Wine & Food Foundation's Toast of Texas on June 5! Use code SHELLY for $10 off! More information HEREGrape Collective: Tasting Texas: Tempranillo, Tourism and TeslaWine Enthusiast features Sandy Road Vineyards in Four Global ‘Treehouse Tastings' That Connect Wine and NatureAustin Monthly: The Local Wines to Drink Poolside This SummerTexas Highways: Nice N Easy Serves Craft Beer and Wine in One of Johnson City's Oldest BuildingsNeed lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out my home Cork + Cactus!Cork + Cactus on AirBnBFind Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! Interview with Michael Bilger of Adega VinhöAdega Vinhö Wine EducationVine Pair: Albariño and Alvarinho are the Same Grape! Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, the IMBIBE: The WFF Education Series, and find membership options here.

Connect with the Podcast:Facebook: @texaswinepodInstagram: @texaswinepodTwitter: @texaswinepodEmail: texaswinepod@gmail.comVoicemail: 802–585–1286Help the Show:Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine!Subscribe to the newsletter to get the Texas wine crossword puzzle!Listen and Subscribe in Apple PodcastsListen and Subscribe in Google PodcastsListen via web browserMentioned in this EpisodeTexas Hill Country Wineries invite you to “Drink it All in” at the 2022 Wine and Wildflower Journey. Right now, through April 22nd, this self-guided tour is your passport to exploring over forty wineries in Texas Hill Country. As a passport holder, you can visit up to four wineries per day over twenty-three days, plus receive exclusive discounts on bottle purchases!Buy your digital passport at www.texaswinetrail.com and head for the hills, now through April 22nd.I'm excited to announce the launch of Sommly, a direct-to-consumer marketplace for artisan Texas wine! If you're a Texas winery, claim your free winery page today. Soon you'll be able to list all of your wines and club memberships for wine lovers to purchase on Sommly.com. If you're a wine consumer like me, search for your favorite local wineries on Sommly and give them a great review. Please join me in spreading the word, and helping folks discover the Texas wine industry! And follow @sommly.wine on Instagram for the latest updates.Resources for fire relief:Texas Farm BureauBig Country Relief Fund. Southern Living's Article on College StationVideo on Esperanza WinerySan Antonio Express News: It's always wine o'clock: Texas Hill Country winery industry sees 625% growth in decadeVinepair: If You Love the Wines of Bordeaux, It's Time to Give Texas Hill Country a TryJean Hoefliger Joins Texas Wine CollectiveJean Hoefliger Talks Texas Wine in Recent Interview (video)Andrew Chalk's Review of Wines Presented by Wedding Oak, Fall Creek Vineyards and Spicewood VineyardsWaco's Rootstock: A Texas Wine FestivalVisit San Antonio and the James Beard Foundation: Tasting Texas Wine + Food FestivalJoin me at Wine & Food Foundation's Toast of Texas on June 5! Watch my social media for discount code. VIP event is only for members of WFF. More information HEREEvent for Cactus Christmas author Heather Renee May DETAILSThanks to the Texas Department of Agriculture's Texas Wine Marketing Assistance Program for sponsoring this podcast! Learn more at www.uncorktexaswines.com.Need lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out my home Cork + Cactus!Cork + Cactus on AirBnBFind Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com!Interview with Tiffany Farrell and Kyle Johnston of Haak WineryHaak WineryDemerits and Gold StarsDemerit: City of Plano for not including Texas wine in the Texas Forever Fest. Texas beer and spirits were included. Why not Texas wine?  Gold Star: Bending Branch 2014 Tannat - Newsom Vineyard was poured at the Wine Museum of Paris. O la la! Read more about it HEREThanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine LoverWine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, the IMBIBE: The WFF Education Series, and find membership options here.

The Texas wine scene is growing by leaps and bounds, and Hill Country as a destination continues its growth at a record pace. In this episode, we change up our format to introduce you to some of the leaders of the Texas wine industry. You’ll meet the Executive Director of the Hill Country Wineries Association, Cliff Bingham of Bingham Vineyards, and Michael McClendon, a winemaker/owner at the custom crush facility, Sage’s Vintage. Check out our guests and some other great links at:Texas Hill Country Wineries: https://texaswinetrail.com/Bingham Family Vineyards: https://binghamfamilyvineyards.com/Michael McClendon and Sage’s Vintage: https://www.sagesvintage.com/Texas Winemakers Docu-Series: https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasWinemakersShelley Wilfong’s “This is Texas Wine” Podcast: Visit our website at www.VitiCulturePodcast.com, and don’t forget to share with your friends via all major social media platforms @VitiCULTUREPodVisit Bellangelo Winery and Missick Cellars at www.Bellangelo.com and www.MissickCellars.com.My first taste of wine from Texas, was actually a little more than seven years ago. One of the things many people don’t know, is the Finger Lakes international wine competition is largely a fundraiser for a place called Camp Good Days and Special Times, which serves as a retreat for children that are fighting cancer. An additional fundraising stream for Camp Good Days through the competition, is a large banquet that follows the end of the competition.  A component of that banquet is a silent auction of many of the remaining wines.  In 2015, I was invited by Scott and Ruth Osborne, owners of Fox Run Winery, to be their guest for the dinner. Scott, if you recall from our first show, the subject of our very first viticulture interview nearly a year ago, has been called the Robert Mondavi of the Finger Lakes.The Finger Lakes International Wine Competition is one of the largest in the country, and entrants come from all over the world.  Texas wines have done well in that competition, and one of the lots I had bid on was a case of Gold medal winning reds.  Fortunately for me, many of them came from Texas producers.  Within this box were several Texas producers, one of which I had heard of at the time, but many of which were still new names for me. The Pedernales Tempranillo was a wine I had some vague acquaintance within my mind, probably from reading about it in a magazine or seeing something online. In the weeks after winning that auction in 2015, I tasted two of the Texas wines that were in that lot. I enjoyed them, and at the time, if I recall correctly, they were of the 2013 and 2014 vintage, and I remember thinking that these wines simply needed a bit more time. Periodically, throughout the years, I would enjoy a bottle or two, to see how they had come along and each time I was impressed. It was sometime around Thanksgiving in 2021, that I discovered a YouTube series called Texas winemakers. This 11 part series of shorts was impressively produced, and followed a handful of Texas producers from throughout the state as they tended their vineyards, made their wines, and discussed their philosophy and their tasting room experiences. The docu-series, produced in 2020-21, captures what was a very difficult period for the Texas wine industry. Inclement weather including freezes, a pandemic, and a difficult business environment throughout the entire country was a headwind. Despite the challenges, the community of Texas winemakers seemed optimistic, tight-knit, and focused on making Texas one of the premier wine states in this country. Between the high quality of production of the series, and the larger than life characters that were featured, there was a sense that there is a momentum and energy to Texas wine that reminded me of what I first felt in the Finger Lakes in 2009.  It convinced me that I needed to visit. I also headed down to my own cellar after watching the series, where I pulled out a 2013 Hye Meadow Winery Malbec.  Eight years in, that wine was tasting delicious.My trip to North Carolina, was planned sometime between Christmas and New Year’s of 2021, and before I knew it I was on a plane visiting the Yadkin Valley. I had a little bit more time when it came to planning for Texas, as I figured I would visit in the third week of January. I had contacted one of the winemakers from the Texas winemakers docu-series, Chris Brundrett of William Chris Vineyards. Within a day of telling him I was planning on visiting the region, he had responded that it was actually going to be an excellent time to visit if I wanted to meet many of the folks in the community. He told me that the Texas Hill Country Wine Symposium, an event that you’ll find in many winemaking regions around the world where local producers come together to discuss their challenges, achievements, and generally just build their local winemaking community, was scheduled to take place the first three days of my planned visit. It seemed fortuitous, and got me really energized at the opportunity to meet many of the folks behind the wines I had seen, and by this point, read so much about. For anyone who has never been to a symposium like this, it is also one of the very best opportunities to taste a wide range of wines produced. These symposiums always offer opportunities to engage in deep dive tastings, generally with between four and six wines, while the winemaker is on stage discussing everything about the vineyards, and the vinification. In addition to that, there are almost always social hours, where you have the chance to share your own wine while tasting many of the wines the members of your community have made.  Since most symposiums happen at a convention center with a hotel attached, the evening social tasting is usually a great time where people don’t have to worry about driving home. Upon hearing about the symposium, and booking my ticket that day, I decided I would need to extend my trip by a few more days if I was going to enjoy the symposium, but also have a chance to see what the Texas Hill country was all about.Before I go too far, I have to make sure that of a big shout out to Shelly Wilfong and her podcast This Is Texas Wine. With a catalog of nearly a year of shows, Shelley is meticulously documenting the Texas wine scene as it grows and develops, and does an amazing job exploring the lines and the businesses of producers in the state of Texas. I had the chance to meet her at the conference, and she is just as pleasant in person as she is on the show. You’ll learn a lot about Texas wine with every episode.Texas is a huge state. And winemaking in Texas is not quite as simple as picking a region and understanding that the grapes that you’ll be tasting in that region or from that region. 80% of the fruit grown for fine wine making in Texas is actually grown in the High Plains, up near Lubbock Texas. The High Plains is a vast flat area, but one whose elevation helps to promote a diurnal shift in temperatures, and to grow some exceptionally good fruit.  The High Plains is far enough inland so that hurricanes from the Gulf are no longer a worry, and the range of temperatures means there is an enormous variety of different grape varietals that can be grown. In the early days, the focus was on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and in more recent times the focus has shifted to varietals that are more associated with southern France, Spain, and Portugal. That is not to say there aren’t some growers that can grow Riesling - they can.  And yet others, are able to grow Rhone varietals that reach a peak of ripeness similar to the Rhone.  Here, it is about elevation, and planting varietals that match the site.  Unlike state like New York and California, where you go to taste wine where the grapes are grown, Texas wine tourism isn’t actually located around the core of its viticulture country.  The states premier wine tourism destination is within the AVA known as the Texas Hill country. For those who think of Texas, and think of vast desert planes and tumbleweeds, this is a totally different concept of what Texas geography has to offer. Gentle Rolling hills, beautiful winding roads, lined with her insert the type of trees here, offer a rugged back country feel that reminded me i’m visiting Provence. My wife is from Toulouse, but much of her family is spread out throughout southern France. From the seaside village of La Teste de Buch, near Arcachon on the Atlantic, and clear through Provence, I’ve had the opportunity to see most of this South of France through the eyes of locals. Driving through Texas Hill country, brought was an otherworldly reminiscence of Provence.The Texas Hill country itself is a vast AVA, with nearly 9,000,000 acres. It has a major advantage in that the Hill country starts as you exit Austin to the east and San Antonio to the south. It is a beautiful region, but has a Normas population centers just outside of its smaller towns. These populations create a massive pool of potential visitors for tasting rooms. In all, Texas Hill country has a population of nearly 28,000,000 people within about a 3 Hour Dr. of wine country.  When you combine that fact, with the fiercely loyal nature of Texans to all things Texas, you have the potential for growth unlike almost any region I’ve ever visited.With my cameras and my recording equipment in hand, I was prepared to tackle many more interviews than I was actually able to complete. I was in Texas in January, just as the omicron variant of Covid was spreading quickly throughout the country. During my last three days I felt like I was coming down with a little something, but thought that it could have just been allergies as the Hill Country cedars were in the midst of their pollination cycle.  In any event, I opted to stay away from going to too many public places, and meeting with any more interviewee‘s. I had my at home test kits with me, and they continued to show I was testing negative. It wasn’t until I returned home to the Finger Lakes region, that I eventually tested positive. What that means is, there are a lot of personalities and winemakers I didn’t have the opportunity to interview while I was visiting Hill Country. This series will be a little shorter than I had anticipated, but I have plans to make sure we hear from many of those outstanding folks in the future.  Some of them will include Seth Urbanik of Wedding Oak Winery, Sam Jensen of Bingham Vineyards, Ron Yates of Spicewood and Ron Yates Winery, Regan Meador of South+Hold, the good folks at Turtle Creek, Bénédicte Rhyne at Kuhlman Estates, and so, so many others.  Wineries like Lost Draw, Hye Meadow, Grape Creek, Farmhouse, Becker, Crawson, Kerrville Hills, and Bending Branch, also have so much to offer - and I haven’t even scratched the surface of wines in Texas you need to taste.  Our abbreviated Texas series will consist of two episodes and four interviews. In this first episode, we will be talking with January Wiese, Cliff Bingham, and Michael McClendon. There is a logic to this series of interviews.  I wanted to spend this first episode exploring Texas Hill Country through the eyes of the executive Director of Hill Country Wineries, the member-funded marketing association in the Hill Country, headed up by January. Next, I wanted to talk with a grower, and a grower with a winery and tasting rooms throughout the entire state, including one in Fredericksburg in the heart of Hill Country. Cliff Bingham brings an amazing amount of insight to growing grapes in Texas.  And finally I wanted to talk with a winemaker, and showcase the work of Michael McClendon. Michael is one of the cofounders of Sage’s Vintage, a custom crush facility that operates out of Nacogdoches in eastern Texas. Michael has built up an excellent reputation with growers throughout the state, and his custom crush operation helps new wineries get off the ground, and existing wineries maintain their current inventories. Working with fruit from all over the state, means Michael has a broad view of what is happening with Texas. He’s a great winemaker too, as I tasted many of his wines and they were absolutely delicious. As I mentioned in the interview, he may have found the secret spot in winemaking, as you get to do what you love in making wine, but can maintain relatively low overhead and not have to deal with any of the additional stresses this industry can bring.I really can’t say enough positive things about my Hill Country experience. Although the state of Texas has a wonderful history in wine grape growing, I don’t think it is unfair or uncharitable (even to the pioneers that have been at work here for decades) to describe Hill Country as a new region. That is not to take anything away from the pioneers like Dr. Becker, at Becker Vineyards, who many decades ago witnessed Robert Mondavi tasting in his tasting room.  Mondavi was effusive as to the quality of the wines, and himself realized that the future of Texas wine was incredibly bright.  In fact, I think that thee still hidden aspect of Hill Country, and Texas, for those outside of the state, is a blessing for Hill Country producers.  There is just so much energy, and so many new pockets of landscape and terroir to discover.  I think that we may be on the cusp of entering one of the most exciting times for this region. That is not to say that there aren’t some enormous headwinds off in the distance.  I allude in my conversation with Cliff Bingham, to the major issues that are impacting vineyards in the High Plains due to the use of dicamba, an herbicide that is applied on genetically modified cotton to kill the weeds, but not the plant. They farm nearly 3 million acres of cotton in the High Plains, so you can only imagine what that impact may be.  I’m hoping to do a deeper show in the future on the topic, as I think that it is an extremely important issue in the context of discussing how we should be properly farming in this country.  Out of nearly 40 shows, I’ve probably talked about my emphasis on respecting, honoring, and building soil in nearly half of them.  The health of our communities from volatilized particles, and how that may harm not just our plants but ourselves and our children, can not be ignored.   As a final note, time constraints have prevented me from having the chance to edit and produce the video versions for the last few shows.  For the time being, we will continue to move forward with the audio podcast, and temporarily suspend the video version of the show.  We will continue to film interviews, and hopefully, when time permits, complete the editing and release them on the channel.And now, without further delay, here’s the show. Get full access to The Viti+Culture Podcast Newsletter at viticulturepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Connect with the Podcast:Facebook: @texaswinepodInstagram: @texaswinepodTwitter: @texaswinepodEmail: texaswinepod@gmail.comVoicemail: 802–585–1286Help the Show:Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine!Subscribe to the newsletter to get the downloadable Texas wine quiz. Answers included. Are you a Texas wine expert?Listen and Subscribe in Apple PodcastsListen and Subscribe in Google PodcastsListen via web browser Mentioned in this Episode Texas Wine In the News Texas Winemakers Docuseries! WATCH HEREAmy Beth Wright for Wine Enthusiast:We Are Not Constrained by Tradition: The Budding Wine Scene in Fredericksburg, TexasDale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle: List of Recent ArticlesWine Spectator Grand Award WinnersWilliam Chris Wine Company Purchases Hoover Valley Vineyard: PRESS RELEASEWalker County vineyards rebound after losing crop after historic winter stormWine & Food Foundation I'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, the IMBIBE: The WFF Education Series, and find membership options here. Check out Heavenly Hosts for your Fredericksburg lodging needs!Interview: Ron Yates of Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Wines Follow @ronyateswines and @spicewoodvineyards Follow Ron @clubdeyatesDemerits and Gold Stars Demerit: Hill Country restaurants that don't have any Texas wine on the wine list! Gold Star: Hill & Vine in Fredericksburg!Shelly's Wine Education Website: www.toastwinetalk.com Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover

Connect with the Podcast:Facebook: @texaswinepodInstagram: @texaswinepodTwitter: @texaswinepodEmail: texaswinepod@gmail.comVoicemail: 802–585–1286Help the Show:Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine!Subscribe to the newsletter to get the downloadable Texas wine quiz. Answers included. Are you a Texas wine expert?Listen and Subscribe in Apple PodcastsListen and Subscribe in Google PodcastsListen via web browser Mentioned in this Episode Texas Wine In the News High Plains Grape Growers' Original PetitionPlaintiffs' Legal Team Website with Fact Sheet, Links to Media Reports, and FAQsModern Farmer: Texas Wine Grape Growers Sue Bayer-Monsanto Over Dicamba Drift DamageProgressive Farmer: New Dicamba LawsuitsFlat Creek Estate's FOR SALE listingWine & Food Foundation I'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, the IMBIBE: The WFF Education Series, and find membership options here. Check out Heavenly Hosts for your Fredericksburg lodging needs!Interview: Denise Clarke, Dr. Russ Kane, and Matt McGinnis Denise Clarke PR Russ Kane - Vintage Texas wine blog Matt McGinnis - Big Thirst MarketingDemerits and Gold Stars Demerit: none this time! Gold Stars:Best of the Fest from GoTEXAN festival sponsored by Cross Timbers Wine Trail is Silver Spur Winery's Rosé of AglianicoBest of the Fest from the Wine & Food Foundation's Toast of Texas is Llano Estacado Winery's 2019 Roussanne from One Way Vineyard Shelly's Wine Education Website:www.toastwinetalk.com Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover

Connect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Twitter: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Voicemail: 802–585–1286 Help the Show: Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine! Subscribe to the newsletter to get the downloadable Texas wine quiz. Answers included. Are you a Texas wine expert? Listen and Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen and Subscribe in Google Podcasts Listen via web browser Mentioned in this EpisodeTexas Wine In the NewsLatest recorded freeze in Texas historyBarnhill Vineyard and Winery is For SaleWine & Food Foundation’s Toast to Texas WineWine Spectator: “Top Notch Restaurants Celebrating Local Wine”Kalasi Cellars' New Production FacilityFood & Wine: The Five Best Wine Road Trips in the U.S.Texas Monthly: 8 Wineries that do Texas Spring RightHouston Chronicle:“Your Ultimate Guide to the Best of Texas Wine Country”Wine & Food FoundationI’m so happy to be joining the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about IMBIBE: The WFF Education Series and find membership options here.**Check out Heavenly Hosts for your Fredericksburg lodging needs! **Interview: Randy Hester of CL Butaud and Papa Frenchy www.clbutaud.com Book ReviewTexas Winery Dogs by Andrew ChalkShelly’s Wine Education Website:www.toastwinetalk.com Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover

Connect with the Podcast:Facebook: @texaswinepodInstagram: @texaswinepodTwitter: @texaswinepodEmail: texaswinepod@gmail.comVoicemail: Voicemail: 802–585–1286Help the Show:Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine!Subscribe to the newsletter to get the downloadable Texas wine quiz. Answers included. Are you a Texas wine expert?Listen and Subscribe in Apple PodcastsListen and Subscribe in Google PodcastsListen via web browser Mentioned in this Episode Texas Wine In the News Texas Wine Labeling: The Grape CompromiseTexas Wine Growers Statement on Texas Wine Labeling4R Ranch Winery’s New Tasting Room on the Square in McKinneyBrucie Food Truck Debuts at CL Butaud / Wine for the People Tasting RoomAb Astris Chef’s Table Food & Wine Tasting. Follow Mitch and The Liquid Culture on Instgram: @the_liquid_culture10 Mile Productions Opening in BrownwoodTexas Wineries Shine in San Francisco Chronicle Wine CompeitionHouston Chronicle Article includes Reddy Vineyards “The Circle” in Listing of 10 Wines You Should Be Drinking NowForbes.com: Winter White Wines includes 2 Duchman Wines Forbes.com: Duchman and Brennan are Wines of WeekVinePair: How Texas’s Historic Weather Will Affect Its WineWineBusiness.com: Freezing Temperatures Hit ALL of Texas, Vineyard Damage May Be ExtensiveTexas Fine Wine Monthly Happy HoursNew Podcast about Viticulture in Texas: Republic of VitisWine & Food Foundation I’m so happy to be joining the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about IMBIBE: The WFF Education Series and find membership options here. **Check out Heavenly Hosts for your Fredericksburg lodging needs! **Interview: Barbara Lecuona of Siboney Cellars Siboney Cellars Website Listen to “Siboney” by Ernesto Lecuona on Spotify! Shelly’s Wine Education Website:www.toastwinetalk.com Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover

Connect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Twitter: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.comVoicemail: 802-585-1286 Help the Show: Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine! Subscribe to the newsletter to get the downloadable Texas wine quiz. Answers included. Are you a Texas wine expert? Listen and Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen and Subscribe in Google Podcasts Listen via web browser Mentioned in this EpisodeTexas Wine In the NewsMessina Hof’s New Harvest GreenSan Antonio Current: Downtown San Antonio Wine Tasting room Re:Rooted 210 Opens This WeekCheramie Wine Named to Wine Business Monthly’s Hot Brands 2020: The Wines that Defined the YearTime to submit wines to TEXSOM International Wine AwardsNew Dates for TWGGA Virtual Forum! Register now for Forum and Virtual Wine TastingWine Searcher: Wine Wholesalers Line Winemakers’ PocketsNorth Texas Wine Country’s Budbreak Wine TrailTexas Hill Country Wineries: Tickets on sale now for February’s Wine Lover’s CelebrationTexas Fine Wine Monthly Virtual Wine TastingNew Podcast about Viticulture in Texas: Republic of VitisWine & Food FoundationI’m so happy to be joining the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about IMBIBE: The WFF Education Series and find membership options here. Check out Heavenly Hosts for your Fredericksburg lodging needs!  Feature: Winter Storm Whips TexasGrapevine Cold Hardiness Graph by Pierre Helwi PhD and Justin Scheiner PhD of Texas A&M Viticulture and EnologySergio Cuadra of Fall Creek Vineyards: The impact of frigid weather on our vineyardsDale Robertson for Houston Chronicle: How the Texas freeze will affect the state’s wineries and wine industryAlso quoted: social media posts from these Instgram accounts: Slate Mill Wine Collective: @slatemillwinecollective Chris Brundrett: @ighyetx Kerrville Hills Winery: @kerrvillehillswinery Maura & Dan Sharp: @sharpfamvines Shelly’s Wine Education Website:www.toastwinetalk.com Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover

Connect with the Podcast:Facebook: @texaswinepodInstagram: @texaswinepodTwitter: @texaswinepodEmail: texaswinepod@gmail.comHelp the Show:Buy Shelly a Glass of Wine!Subscribe to the newsletter to get the downloadable Texas wine quiz. Answers included. Are you a Texas wine expert?Listen and Subscribe in Apple PodcastsListen and Subscribe in Google PodcastsListen via web browserMentioned in this EpisodeTexas Wine In the NewsVinePair names Southold’s All Things Go #8 best wine of 2020CL Butaud & Wine for the People Tasting Room Opens4.0 Cellars Relaunches as Texas Wine CollectiveHouston Rodeo Uncorked Wine Competition ResultsSan Francisco International Wine Competition ResultsWine Industry Advisor: Seasoned Winemaker Brings Expertise to a New Wine Incubator at Kerrville Hills WineryTexas Monthly: 12 Texas Wines for the Holiday SeasonFredericksburg Standard Radio-Post 2020 Reader’s Choice AwardsTop Texas News Stories of 2020Texas Wineries connect with customers via virtual tasting events.Increased direct-to-consumer shipping and curbside pickupsSpecial release wine benefits restaurant workersFormation of a new Texas Winery PAC: Save Texas WineriesTravel to Texas wineries is strong, particularly in the Texas Hill Country2020 Vintage is Light in Texas High Plains Due to Late 2019 Freeze. Big focus on Texas Hill Country fruitTexas wineries appear frequently in national news stories. State media also covers Texas wineries more than in past years.New wines and wine brands hit the marketNew wineries openNew tasting rooms openNew vineyard acreage plantedNew winemakers for several wineriesJason Hisaw named Texas Wine AmbassadorNew wine bars focusing on Texas wineNew building projects for several wineriesState Fair of Texas Blue Ribbon SelectionsNew book by Jessica Dupuy focuses on wines of Texas, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico: Wines of Southwest USABest Collaboration: Texas Fine Wine and Texas Pecan BoardNew Texas wine magazine by Cross Timbers Wine Trail. Listen to Chuck Tordiglione talk about the magazine in a previous episodeNew Texas wine trail: Sam Houston Wine TrailWine Enthusiast: Chris Brundrett Named to 40 Under 40 ListWilliam Chris Vineyards and Lost Draw Cellars MergeTexas continues to produce exceptionally good wine!Interview with Chris Brundrett and Andrew Sides of William Chris Wine Companywww.williamchrisvineyards.comwww.lostdrawcellarswww.thegrowerproject.comwww.yeswecanwine.comwww.realtexaswine.orgInstagram Links:@williamchrisvineyards@lostdrawcellars@yeswecanwine@thegrowerproject--collaborative effort with Rae Wilson of @wineforthepeopleChris: @ighyetxAndrew: @mr_drewbabyShelly’s Wine Education Website: _www.toastwinetalk.comThanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help. For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover!

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government extended the deadline for your 2019 taxes to July 15. Did that extension help? How many of you took advantage of that extra time? What does that mean for your businesses and personal tax planning for 2020? Listen to the podcast as Ron Yates, Jr., CPA and…

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Us and the Rutherford's recently visited Fredericksburg, TX after years since our last visit. This episode we talk about our experience, how its changed, the quality of the wines and what the area has to offer.

Texas is one of the oldest winegrowing states in the US, with vines predating California by 100+ years. The first vineyard in North America was by Franciscan priests circa 1660 in Texas and the industry grew throughout the 1800s. Texas is important in another way, as horticulturist Thomas Munson contributed greatly to finding the solution to  the phylloxera epidemic, which effectively saved the European wine industry from total ruin. After Prohibition decimated the industry in the 1920s, Texas jump started it's wine industry in the 1970s and today it's roaring back. Texas has 400 producers and it is growing and growing.   Jennifer McInnis, General Manager of Bending Branch and Ron Yates, the owner and President of Spicewood Vineyards, are part of a marketing consortium representing five of Texas’ most distinguished wineries: Bending Branch Winery, Brennan Vineyards, Duchman Family Winery, Pedernales Cellars and Spicewood Vineyards. Member wineries produce wines from Texas grapes, that try to express the terroir of Texas Hill County and the Texas High Plains.               Here are the show notes: We start off talking about Texas, an area I admittedly (used to) know very little about. We cover: The breadth and depth of areas. Specifically What are the different areas/are there discreet AVAs? Where are they vis a vis the cities? We talk specifically about Texas Hill Country and the High Plains, which create premium wine in the state. We discuss the role of elevation and the similarities to other growing regions around the world (specifically the Duero in Spain, which Texas High Plains resembles). We talk extensively about climate – how it’s extremely erratic and how growing conditions here are unlike anywhere else with extreme heat, thunderstorms, hail, and unpredictable weather events that change each vintage and make winemaking a true challenge. We talk about the grapes that grow here and how over the last 5-10 years, grapes like Tannat, Tempranillo, and southern Italian varietals that are heat tolerant have thrived. We talk about why many growers in the past bought grapes from Washington State or California. We discuss some of the challenges that Texas has faced with the anti-alcohol lobby and how that has been overcome.   Then we discuss the 5 wineries of Texas Fine Wine and their goals of making excellent wine that is known outside of just Texas. Jennifer discusses Bending Branch(if you’re curious, here’s info on cryomaceration (extreme version of cold maceration)and flash détente, that she references!) Ron talks about Spicewoodand then we discuss Duchman,Brennan, and Pedernalesand their styles.     We wrap by talking about the bright future of Texas wine!   Don't forget to order your Wine For Normal People book today!! _______________________________ Thanks to our sponsors this week: Thanks to YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help! Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople And to sign up for classes, please go to www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes!    Last Bottle    I love this service!! Last Bottle Wines finds great wines and offers them at a one time discount. Last Bottle Wines: Is a fun way to discover the best wines at the lowest prices Maintains relationships with producers in the most prestigious wine regions around the world and traveling to Europe several times each year to eat with, stay with, drink with, walk the vineyards with the people who make the wines. Offer a range of prices from low end to high end $9 to $99 and the wines range from the lesser known kinds like Albariño and Bläufrankish to Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. Visit: http://lastbottlewines.com/normal and join to get a $10 instant credit to use toward your first order. Invite your wine drinking pals and they’ll get $10 instantly and you get $30 when they make their first buy.  

Ron Yates, Texas Wine Maker and owner of Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Winery is our guest today. Cheers!

Ron Yates, Texas Wine Maker and owner of Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Winery is our guest today. Cheers!

Ron Yates, Texas Wine Maker and owner of Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Winery is our guest today. Cheers!

Ron Yates, Texas Wine Maker and owner of Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Winery is our guest today. Cheers!

Jennifer McInnis Fadel, from Bending Branch Winery, and Ron Yates, from Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Winery, come on the show to talk about the start of the 2018 harvest in Texas. They are part of the Texas Fine Wine association and always have great perspectives on the industry. Early ripening grapes are starting to come in for the Hill Country, with the High Planes still a bit further out. Hear all about the regions of Texas, the hot grape varieties, and the madness of Harvest!

What better way to celebrate Texas Wine Month than with three leading producers, Ron Yates of Spicewood Vineyards, Fredrick Osterberg of Pedernales Cellars, and Dave Reilley of Duchman Family Winery. These wineries along with Brennan and Bending Branch make up the Texas Fine Wine Group which share a philosophy of producing wines made from grapes best suited to Texas. We hear what varieties they are producing and experimenting with as well as stories from the 2016 harvest!

Jeremy interviews Ron Yates of Spicewood Vineyards and the new winery Yates Read More

In 1949, Iva Toguri, a Japanese-American woman, was wrongly convicted for making propaganda broadcasts on behalf of Japan during the Second World War. She was accused of being the infamous radio presenter known to American servicemen as "Tokyo Rose". Witness speaks to Ron Yates, a reporter whose investigation helped to clear Iva Toguri's name. PHOTO: Iva Toguri in the 1940s (US National Archives)

In 1949, Iva Toguri, a Japanese-American woman, was wrongly convicted for making propaganda broadcasts on behalf of Japan during the Second World War. She was accused of being the infamous radio presenter known to American servicemen as "Tokyo Rose". Witness speaks to Ron Yates, a reporter whose investigation helped to clear Iva Toguri's name. PHOTO: Iva Toguri in the 1940s (US National Archives)