The Texas Wine Girl Guide to Texas Wine Month
- Stacey Kaleh
- Sep 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 20
October is Texas Wine Month — a beautiful and fun-filled time of year in the Hill Country and across the state.
I am guessing that many of you share my passion for supporting local winemakers, growers, and entrepreneurs, and for that, I salute you! I’ve been exploring Texas wineries for more than fifteen years and I still learn something new every time I connect with makers and folks in the tasting room. One of my favorite things about both wine and people is that we are continuously evolving and endlessly interesting. The wines here and the people making them all have a story, and the larger story of Texas wine is still unfolding and revealing layer after complex layer.
Did you know that only about 2.5% of wines purchased in Texas are Texas wines? That statistic from Texas Wine Growers shocks me because we have so many incredible options here and, being a sixth-generation Texan, I know that we Texans love to take pride in our state and support our neighbors. With roots in winemaking dating back to the 1600s, more than 93,000 acres of vineyards, and eight distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and counting, Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing region in the U.S. and the wine industry here employs more than 141,000 people (according to the Texas Department of Agriculture). Furthermore, the Texas Hill Country is the second-most-visited U.S. wine destination after Napa. For these reasons and others, I think we can do better when it comes to supporting our local makers, growers, artists, and hospitality professionals that keep the authentic Texas spirit alive.
Texas is not only big and bold, but friendly, daring, innovative, and caring. The wine industry here is no different — the winemakers, growers, and tasting room associates I meet are consistently pushing the boundaries to deliver higher and higher quality in terms of wine, hospitality, and environmental sustainability.
So, this Texas Wine Month, I encourage you to get out and try a new wine that is made right here in Texas. Bonus points if its made with 100% Texas grapes! 🍇 🍷
There are many special events and activities throughout the month that are designed for discovery. From tastings with the winemakers to inventive wine-and-food pairing experiences to vineyard tours and major festivals, October is the time to seize the day and head to the Hill Country!
Tasting Tips:
Try, and try again! Intimidated by the tasting room? Fear not! Texas wineries are super friendly and tasting room professionals are eager to help you find wines you love. Don't be afraid to ask questions and try a few varietals outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you'll fall in love with.
Come as you are. Most wineries and tasting rooms are casual and serve up traditional Texas hospitality. I recommend wearing boots or sneakers if you plan to explore the vineyards.
All levels of wine knowledge are welcome. Snobbery is not permitted!
Hire a driver or hitch a ride, especially if you plan on visiting more than one winery. There are some great tour companies for private parties, as well as hop-on, hop-off shuttles embarking from Fredericksburg. I am personally a fan of Hill Country Wine Tours and their friendly, knowledgeable drivers.
Bring a water bottle. Texas is still hot in October, y'all. Stay hydrated while you taste your way through Texas' best.
Wines to Try:
Look for varietals that thrive in Texas, meaning wines made from grapes that tend to be resilient amidst Texas' climate extremes and maintain the highest quality.
Some of my personal favorites include:
Mourvèdre (aka "The Pinot Noir of Texas," easy-to-drink year-round)
Tempranillo (a little spicy on the finish, it's perfect for pairing with Texas BBQ)
Cabernet Sauvignon (a classic, and the most widely grown grape variety in Texas)
Sangiovese (medium-bodied, amazing with pizza and pasta)
Viognier (a fuller-bodied white wine great for the warm Texas fall)
Roussanne (crisp and refreshing, best paired with cheese and crudite)
Tannat (big, bold, and best enjoyed curled up next to the fireplace on a cool day)
Can't-miss Events:
Texas Fine Wine Annual Winemaker Dinner
Oct. 4, 2025
Texas Fine Wine is a partnership between longstanding and highly-awarded wineries Spicewood Vineyards, Pedernales Cellars, Bending Branch Winery, and Duchman Family Winery to raise awareness for Texas wines. Join the group for their signature annual dinner featuring a chef-curated-and-prepared five course dinner with wine pairings.
Learn more about this and upcoming Texas Fine Wine events.
Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival
Oct. 21 - 26, 2025
The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival returns this year promising to be THE wine event of the fall with expanded programming after its exciting re-brand in 2024. It's a great way to explore the top culinary and wine offerings of Central Texas, mingle with chefs, chat with winemakers, and support the local community. This year, a portion of the proceeds benefit the Hill Country Hospitality Relief Fund.
Don't miss the Grand Tasting on October 25th, featuring 75+ tastings from local wineries, chefs, distilleries, and breweries.
Grab your badge: https://www.fbgfoodandwine.com/
Texas Wine Auction Foundation's Barrel Auction
Oct. 24, 2025
Spend the afternoon in Slate Theory's underground wine cave as you sip premium Texas wines, enjoy barrel tastings, and bid on rare lots. The Texas Wine Auction Foundation's Barrel Auction is an intimate gathering of wine lovers and philanthropists benefitting the Fredericksburg ISD Education Foundation. The auction helps fund a three-year grant to support Fredericksburg-area youth by placing licensed, professional mental health counselors in the middle and high schools and reduce the stigma around mental health.
Texas Wine Month Passport
by Texas Hill Country Wineries
All month!
With one pass, you can receive tastings when you visit over 45 Texas Hill Country wineries. Bring your friends and make the most of this offer as your taste your way through 31 days of October and celebrate the diverse and delicious wines of our region! It's a deal at $85 for individuals or $120 per couple (tastings are typically $10 - $20 each, so you do the math!). In addition to tastings at dozens of participating wineries, you'll receive 15% off purchases of three or more bottles.
$5 from each passport sold goes to the Texas Hill Country Wine Scholarship Fund, awarded to students enrolled in a Texas university or program studying viticulture, enology and hospitality.
Cheers!
Follow me on Instagram @txwinegirl for updates and wine recommendations! Please reach out to join the journey!
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