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About Texas Wines
Today, with more than 170 commercial wineries, Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the U.S., and the local industry continues to grow.
Texas is the site of the first vineyard established in North America by Franciscan priests circa 1662. There are now approximately 2,900 acres of family owned vineyard land with eight American Viticulture Areas (AVAs). The U.S. Department of Treasury officially designates American Viticulture (Grape Growing) Areas, or AVAs. 75% of the volume of wine comes from grapes grown in that designated region.
Texas wine producers draw nearly one million tourists each year.
Today, with more than 170 commercial wineries, Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the U.S., and the local industry continues to grow. The number of Texas wineries has doubled over the past five years and production has grown more than 30 percent to over 2.3 million gallons.
The wine and grape industry in Texas has contributed greatly to the economic strength of the state. A 2007 economic study examining the statewide significance of wine making found that the Texas grape and wine industry had had an impact of more than $1.35 billion and created almost 9,000 jobs. In the fall of 2008, the Texas Department of Agriculture awarded $250,000 in grants to ten vineyards committed to increasing their wine production.