As Texas Wine Month wraps up, vino lovers in the Lone Star State are raising their glasses, celebrating the remarkable growth of the Texas wine industry.
Chris Cobb, Co-founder of Kuhlman Cellars, joined KRLD's John Liddle to shed light on the history of the wine industry in Texas.
With over 8,000 acres of vineyards and 400 wineries, Texas has firmly established itself as a prominent player in the world of wine.
"Texas actually has had wineries for many years," Cobb shared. "The oldest winery is located down in deep south Texas and was founded back in the 1800s. But the modern era of Texas wine can be traced back to the late '60s and early '70s."
Pioneered by a wine enthusiast named Doc McPherson, Texas winemaking flourished in Lubbock, an area known for its high, dry desert plateau.
"Looking back, we now see that it's a great environment for growing grapes. We are making phenomenal wines," Cobb said.
But one of the most intriguing aspects of the Texas wine industry is its diversity.
"Texas is larger than France," Cobb explained. "If you think about French wine, they don't have a single grape depending on where you are in France. So in Texas, we're seeing a wide variety of grapes, and we’re still really trying to understand where's the best place to grow what grapes?"
Kuhlman Cellars, located in Stonewall within the Texas Hill Country, specializes in fine, still, and dry wines, focusing on an old-world style that pairs exceptionally well with food.
"Our whole idea is that wine is food. It should be on the table. There's nothing better than coming together as a community, breaking bread, pouring a glass of wine, and really convening at the end of the day and sharing our stories," Cobb romanticized.
"There's a whole group of hardworking Texans involved in bringing that bottle of wine to you. You've got our farmers, our winemaking team, and the hospitality group that is there to educate and guide you to find the wines that are perfect for you."
Whether in the bustling Metroplex or the tranquil countryside, there are wineries around every corner, waiting to be discovered.
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