Our Guide to Wine & Texas Wine

TX Wine Merchants

Welcome to the Texas Wine Club, where we celebrate Texas' rich wine history & culture. From "Wine Fundamentals" to our "Texas Wine Education" originals, we hope you'll enjoy our work & join us on a journey discovering Texas wine.

Wine Fundamentals

Build Your Wine Tasting Powers.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, refining your wine-tasting super powers is an art that can be mastered with dedication and practice!

9 min read

Sulfites in Wine: Everything You Need to Know

If Sulfites occur naturally in wine, how concerned should I be?

3 min read

Traditional and Sustainable Wine Packaging: The Many Types

While traditional glass bottles are still the best choice for wines that require further aging, there are many alternatives that still store your favorite wine without any adverse effects.

9 min read

What is the yearly cycle of a Winery?

The care of a vineyard and work in the winery is continuous. Endless hours are spent both in the winery and the vineyards to ensure that all elements come together to create the final result - wine.

12 min read

The Eight Most Expensive Wines in the World

These bottles are available to the highest bidder and are usually purchased by private collectors and connoisseurs of fine vintage wine. The prestige of owning the bottle makes the high prices prestige, and the pleasure of being the owner of such rare items.

15 min read

Selecting Wines for Fall

While there are many amazing wines from around the world to discover, do not forget that your local Texan winemaker(s) will have a vast array of wines that make impeccable fall sipping. 

6 min read

Fun Wine Facts

There is so much to learn about wine and the deeper you dig into its fantastic and exciting history the more you will learn. Lost for a discussion topic, look no further, we have put together some interesting facts about wine that you can share with your friends and loved ones the next time that you are together.

8 min read

Everything A Wine Drinker Should Know About Terroir

The word Terroir encompasses all the unique components of a specific location - climate, soil, terrain - and how those components make the resulting wine distinct from others and thus impossible to be replicated.

3 min read

Selecting Wines for Winter

Whether you enjoy red or white, locally produced, or those from further abroad, there is the perfect wine out there that will help chase the chill of those short winter days and long winter nights away. 

8 min read

What's the real difference between Natural corks, Synthetic corks, and Screwcaps?

There is an ongoing debate as to whether one form of closure is better than the other. In the following article, we will investigate the origins of these three different closures and examine the benefits and disadvantages of each one.

12 min read

Crafting Sweet Perfection: The Intricate Process of Making Delightful Sweet Wines

Sweet wine remains one of the least recognized wine styles available in the market.  Did you ever wonder why there could be such a wide range of prices for a bottle of dessert wine?

7 min read

Beyond Single Varietals: Classic Wine Blends that you should know

Winemakers around the world both old and new are becoming more creative as they push the limits and are continually experimenting with new blends often using grape varieties that traditionally are not combined. These blending innovations have resulted in some very exciting wines.

8 min read

Classic Summer Wines

Why not try a locally-made Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay? As always your first port of call should be your local wine expert who will be thrilled to guide you in the right direction and suggest the perfect Texan wine that will cool down a hot summer's day.

5 min read

What is a "Reserve" wine?

What does “Reserve” really mean?  How can you use this information to your advantage when choosing a wine? Are there any benefits to choosing a “reserve” wine over other wines?

8 min read

How to choose the right wine?

Choosing the Right Wine: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Bottle for Any Occasion

5 min read

What are the real differences between red, rosé, and white wines?

We know they look and taste different, but what are the fundamental differences in these categories of wine?

8 min read

Selecting Wines for Spring

Spring is here. In addition to local wines, we discuss which classics from around the world pair with our short but sweet season here in Texas.

12 min read

Debunking Wine Myths

In this short article, we explore common wine myths and dispel common misconceptions.

6 min read

How to become a wine tasting expert

Who wouldn't want to be a wine tasting expert? Can anyone become one? We answer that question and give you tips on how to up your wine tasting game.

12 min read

Pacific Island Wines - New Zealand, Japan, and Taiwan

Let’s explore the islands in the Pacific Ocean – where is home to some of the most unique wines in the world. In viticulture, the vineyards can benefit from the moderating effects of the maritime climate, in addition to the not-too-hot summers and not-too-cold winters, there is less difference in rainfall between seasons, and relatively longer growing seasons.

6 min read

Wine Etiquette: How To Serve Wine To Your Guests

You have guests coming over and want to give the best possible food and wine experience. Here we give you some tips on how to wow your guests with the perfect pairing and wines to get your party started.

13 min read

Beyond the Label: A Guide to Assessing Wine Quality

Is the quality of a wine subjective? A casual wine fan would likely argue yes, while a wine professional would be happy to dispute that. We will look at what attributes are investigated when determining a wine's quality.

12 min read

Why Do Some Wines Age Well and Others Do Not?

No exact science is used to determine whether a bottle of wine has the ability to age or not. Wines change as they age, but the majority of them do not improve.

11 min read

What is a Sommelier and How to Become One?

What does it mean to be a Sommelier? 

13 min read

The Difference Between Old World and New World Wines

Old World and New World Wine, what exactly does that mean?  We break it down for you and share some fundamental concepts that will help bring clarity. 

6 min read

The Basics of Food and Wine Pairing

Since the invention of wine, it has been traditional for food and wine to be consumed together. In this short article, we'll help cover/explain the basics of food & wine pairing recommendations.

3 min read

Exploring The Types of Rosé Wines

Rosé wines are made in most of the wine-producing countries around the world and can be made from any grape variety that is currently being cultivated. It comes in a variety of colors that range from very pale pink (almost white) to a deep ruby red.

4 min read

Filtered & Unfiltered Wine: What's The Difference?

Both filtered and unfiltered winemaking methods have their benefits and disadvantages. Before making the decision on an unfiltered or filtered wine, it is essential to have an understanding of what each type of wine offers.

5 min read

How to Read a Wine Label

Wine labels provide valuable information about the wine's origin, grape variety, vintage, and other important details. Understanding these details can help you select a wine that suits your taste preferences and complements your meal or occasion.

5 min read

Dessert Wines - Sweet Wines, Oxidized Wines & Fortified Wines

There is a seemingly endless choice of dessert wines available to us. They are made as Sweet, Fortified, and Oxidized wines and each has its own specific characteristics and unique style

4 min read

What is Wine Body & How To Determine It? Light vs. Medium vs. Full Body

One of the most common ways that wine is described is by its body. A wine’s body has no physical aspects, it is the sensation that we feel inside of our mouths when we taste it on our palate.

3 min read

Wine Etiquette - Tips When Ordering At A Restaurant

Ordering a bottle of wine at a restaurant doesn't have to be stressful. The process is the same at nearly all fine dining establishments. Once you're familiar with the process, you'll be able to order wine at any restaurant confidently.

5 min read

All The Types of Wine Openers and How To Use Them

Many openers are available on the market, ranging from simple handheld corkscrews to more complex electric or air pressure devices.

7 min read

How Are Champagnes and Sparkling Wines Made?

Sparkling wine is often associated with celebratory occasions, and rightly so; sparkling wine is unique among all other wines. It is made via a labor-intensive process that results in the creation of a delightful beverage.

7 min read

What's The Right Serving Temperature for My Wine? Reds, Whites, & Sparklings

The best serving temperature for wine depends on the varietal and style of wine. Let's look at the standards set by the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust in this article.

3 min read

Organic, Biodynamic, Natural, and Sustainable Wines - What's The Difference?

There is a growing trend toward consuming ethical and natural products. "Natural Wines" are becoming very popular among health-focused and environmentally-conscious consumers as they are produced with minimum disruption in both the vineyard and winery.

3 min read

Wine Glasses: The Many Types & How to Choose The Best for You

Wine glasses aren't just an aesthetic choice but also an important tool to help you get the most out of your wine.

6 min read

What Are Tannins? A Simple Guide To Wine Tannins

Tannins are chemical compounds that belong to a larger group of compounds called polyphenols. They exist in numerous plant based foods and originate from the plants bark, stems, seeds, and skin. Wine tannins are produced from grape skins, seeds, stems, oak barrels, and additives.

4 min read

Wine Decanters: Simple Guide On How & When To Use A Decanter

In this article, you’ll learn about decanters and understand how and when to use one. Let’s solve the mystery, shall we?

5 min read

Why Does Swirling Wine Make It Taste Better?

The way you swirl wine can greatly enhance your drinking experience, and in this article, we will dive into the art of swirling wine and the benefits it provides.

2 min read

Wine Spoilage: 3 Ways to Tell If Your Wine Has Gone Bad

There's nothing more disappointing than opening a bottle of wine and discovering that it has gone bad. To help you determine whether your wine has spoiled, we've put together this short guide.

2 min read

What is A Wine Aerator? A Quick, Simple Guide

Wine aerators enhance the flavors and aromas of wine, making the tasting experience even more enjoyable. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a wine aerator and how it can elevate your wine-drinking experience.

2 min read

Pyrazines in Wine: Understanding Their Role in Winemaking & Wine Tasting

 In wine, pyrazines play an important role in shaping the wine's flavor profile and can help to balance out the sweetness and fruitiness of the wine. In this article, we'll explain what they are in, hopefully, a simple and easy-to-understand way.

2 min read

The Art of Wine Legs: Understanding and Appreciating Wine's Visual Characteristics

"Wine legs" are an indication of wine's alcohol content, viscosity, and sugar levels In this article, we will explore the science behind wine legs and how to use them to make informed wine choices.

2 min read

How Long Does Wine Last – Opened and Unopened?

Have you ever wondered how long a bottle of wine can last? The answer is not as straight forward as you might think. Wine is a living entity with a unique metabolic process, which affects how long it will “live.”

4 min read

Wine Bottles: An Overview of All The Types & Sizes

With this article, we hope to provide you with a good overview of the various types and sizes of wine bottles without overwhelming you – that’s the wine’s job, not the bottle's.

8 min read

Hidden Gems of Wine:  5 Reasons Why The Best Are Not In Stores

The truth is, the best wines are often hidden away from us, and are only available to those in the know. In this article, we'll explain why the best wines are not in stores.

6 min read

The Aroma Wheel & How It Will Change The Way You Drink Wine

The Aroma Wheel is a powerful tool designed to help identify different aromas present in a wine. It consists of sections divided into various categories, aromas that encompass nearly every possible scent detected during a wine-tasting experience.

6 min read

Texas Wine Education

Traditional, Vegetarian, and Vegan Wine - The Differences Examined

Vegan Wine? What in wine can make it vegan or not vegan? Here we explore that topic and help you answer that question.

8 min read

What are the best Texas wines to pair with classic Texas foods this summer?

Insights and suggestions as well as the input from some other Texas wine experts and culinary talent to offer you the best advice for sipping and savoring every glass of wine and plate of food you encounter this summer.

6 min read

The Italian Connection: How Texan Winemakers are Harnessing the Power of Italian Grapes

Texas has eight different AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) however there are two regions where Italian varietals have taken root exceptionally well. Italy and Texas have very similar climates and soil types creating the perfect symbiosis between the Italian vines and the Texan viticultural and winemaking skills to create a little piece of “wine heaven”.

8 min read

Texas Wines vs. Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Bordeaux

Some very successful blends have been made from grapes that originate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Bordeaux. These have some of the old world characteristics but at the same time express their own unique qualities that come from the Texan terroir and touch of its local winemakers.

10 min read

Why is Texas Tempranillo so successful?

The renaissance of the Texas wine industry dates back to 1966 when Clinton “Doc McPherson” a chemistry professor at Texas Tech University decided to try his hand at growing grapes and winemaking.

5 min read

Where To Find Natural & Organic Texas Wines

Organic wine refers to the way grapes are grown and produced, while natural wine refers to the minimal intervention in the winemaking process. While there is some overlap between the two, they are not the same thing.

9 min read

How Texas Winemakers are Gaining Recognition in Europe

Is the Texas wine industry garnering attention from Europeans? Along with luring several Old World winemakers to the region, other wine professionals are also taking notice.

5 min read

Malbec: The Grapes of Texas Wine

Made famous in Argentina, Malbec was once the grape behind the famed 'Black Wines' from Cahors in Southwest France.

2 min read

Connecting Texas to the Old World: A Graphical Representation

A graphical illustration of Texas in relation to the Old World.

1 min read

Texas & Europe: A Visual Comparison of Grape Growing Regions

A visual look at the grape growing regions of Texas and how compare them to those in Europe.

1 min read

Merlot: The Grapes of Texas Wine

This is the most planted varietal in France for a reason, and one of the most widely cultivated grapes in the world.

3 min read

Petite Sirah: The Grapes of Texas Wine

Petite Sirah is a variety of red wine grape that descended directly from the well-known Syrah grape of the Rhone Valley.

2 min read

Syrah: The Grapes of Texas Wine

Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a full-bodied red wine that is characterized by its meaty, peppery flavor profile.

3 min read

Grenache: The Grapes of Texas Wine

Grenache is a grape variety that is well-suited to hot, dry climates and is grown in many wine-producing regions around the world, including Texas.

3 min read

Tempranillo: The Grapes of Texas Wine

In the eyes of many, Tempranillo is the official red grape of Texas.

3 min read

Viognier: The Grapes of Texas Wine

This aromatic white grape went from being nearly extinct, to one of the more popular alternatives to Chardonnay around the world.

1 min read

Sangiovese: The Grapes of Texas Wine

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the Hill Country of Texas, Sangiovese has found a new place to thrive.

3 min read

Mourvèdre: The Grapes of Texas Wine

Mourvèdre wines are known for their deep, dark color and rich, full-bodied flavor.

4 min read

Albariño: The Grapes of Texas Wine

Albariño is rapidly becoming known in the state of Texas.  While it is not a widely known grape outside of Spain, Texas winemakers and grape growers have embraced this distinct varietal.

4 min read

5 Wild Texas Grapes Used in Wine Production

From Mustang to Muscadine to Lomanto, whether they're used in varietals or vintages, these are the wild Texan grapes that are shaking up the wine scene.

6 min read

Texas AVAs: The Key Wine Regions to Watch in Texas

With 8 AVAs in Texas, there’s plenty to love about this booming industry. From terroir to climate, discover more about these 8 distinct wine regions.

8 min read

How Texas Helped Save the European Wine Industry

When a phylloxera epidemic ravaged French vineyards, TV Munson and Texas grape rootstock saved the industry.

3 min read

Are Texas Wines Any Good?

It's true: Texas wine hasn't always been great. But overlooking decades of progress will leave you missing out on some world-class wine.

4 min read

Texas Rose: How They're Made and Why You Should Be Drinking Them

Texas is quickly emerging as a region known for its rosé wines. Every season, Texas rosé garners national attention — and for good reason.

4 min read

Why The Harsh Weather of 2022 Will Be a Vintage Year for Texas

Texas vines are weathering record high temperatures and conditions of drought. The grapes are smaller than ever, resulting in a much smaller yield. These dire conditions make the 2022 vintage prime for some of the best Texas wine, ever.

5 min read

TWC Original Shorts

Using A Shoe To Open A Wine Bottle?

I'm sure some of you have heard of this - you put the bottle in the shoe - I gotta see this thing happen apparently.

1 min read

Our Favorite Tool To Help Identify Varietals by Aroma

If you want to kind of hone in and find out what are the aromas that you would find in...

1 min read

Growing Grapes in Texas by Jim Kamas

Clay shares a few of his favorite wine books, this one being "Growing Grapes in Texas" by Jim Kamas.

1 min read

Opening A Bottle Of Wine w/ A Flame?

In this short video, Clay attempts to open a bottle of wine with heat.

1 min read

Wine books? Wine books!

Clay shares a few of his favorite wine books, this one by Jancis Robinson.

1 min read

How much wine do I buy for a party?

In this short video, Clay helps recommend planning wine purchases for events/parties.

1 min read

Why do winemakers age wine in barrels?

In this short video, Clay explains why wine is aged in barrels.

1 min read

Opening Wine Bottle explained by Clay

In this video, Clay walks thru how they teach waiters and sommeliers to open wine bottles.

1 min read

Texas Wine Club - Why Join?

Kambrah explains the benefits of joining the Texas Wine Club in this short video.

1 min read

Wine Glasses with Clay

Clay talks through the basics of wine glasses in this texas wine club original

1 min read

Kambrah explains how we select our wines

Kambrah explains how we select the wines that go into each Texas Wine Club shipment.

1 min read

Opening Sparkling Wine Bottle With A Wine Glass

In this short video, Clay attempts to open a bottle of wine with a wine glass.

1 min read

Aerating Wine explained by Kambrah

In this short video, Kambrah explains wine aeration and why we do it to fine wines.

1 min read

What's The Official Grape of Texas?

In this short video, Kambrah talks about the grapes of Texas.

1 min read

Why Did You Join The Texas Wine Club?

In this short video, we asked a club member at Toast of Texas why she joined our club.

1 min read

Asking Wine Consumers "What Do You Think of Texas Wine?"

What do you think of Texas wine?

1 min read

Where were the first wine grapes grown in the New World?

So a lot of people don't realize that Texas was the first place in the new world where the European grape was grown.

1 min read

2023 Storms Impacting Texas Grape Farmers

Kambrah and Dan McLaughlin from Robert Clay Vineyards talk about recent storms impacting Texas grape yields.

1 min read

Farm Life & The Excitement of Grape Season

Kambrah & Dan McLaughlin of Robert Clay Vineyards discuss farm life & the excitement of grape season..

1 min read

Why do winemaker "top-up" barrels?

Clay explains wine evaporation & "topping up"

1 min read

How to discern old world and new world wines during blind tastings?

In this Texas wine club short, Clay talks about old world and new world wines.

1 min read

Opening A Bottle of Wine With A Chopstick?

In this short video, Clay shows another method to open up a bottle of wine without a wine opener. This time, we use a chopstick!

1 min read

Is Merlot The Best-Growing Grape in Texas?

In this short video, Dan McLaughlin of Robert Clay Vineyards shares why he thinks Merlot is the best-growing grape in Texas.

1 min read

How Many Bottles of Wine Does 1 Acre of Grapes Produce?

In this short video, Clay helps explain approximately how many bottles of wine can be produced with 1 acre of grapes.

1 min read

Opening A Wine Bottle with A Knife & Mallet

In this short video, Clay shows another way to open a bottle of wine when you don't have a wine opener. This time using a knife and mallet to open the bottle.

1 min read

How Many Bottles of Wine Does One Vine Make?

So one of the wonderful things you get to experience when you drive into wine country is seeing the acres and acres of vines. So begs the question, well how much wine can you get from one acre of vines. Well first of all you have to be able to

1 min read

How Did Robert Clay Vineyards Come Up With Their Label & Logo?

In this short video, Dan McLaughlin of Robert Clay Vineyards explains how their logo and label were finalized.

1 min read

Vine Spacing in The Vineyard

Kambrah and Dan McLaughlin of Robert Clay Vineyards discuss vine spacing.

1 min read

Mobile app for wine education

Clay loves this mobile app for wine education and wanted to share!

1 min read

Opening A Bottle of Wine Without A Wine Opener

What's your favorite way to open a bottle of wine when you don't have a wine opener? This is the first of three short videos we'll share that might help!

1 min read

What Are "Tannins"?

In this short video, Clay explains Tannins.

1 min read

What is "Dry Wine"?

In this short video, Clay talks about the most misused word in wine.

1 min read

Pairing Steak and Wine

In this short video, Josh explains pairing wine and steak.

1 min read

The Difference Between Red & White Wines

Clay explains the difference between red and white wines

1 min read

Pairing Burgers and Texas Wine

Josh explains Texas wine & burger pairings in this Texas Wine Club original short video

1 min read

Aroma + Taste = Flavor

Clay briefly explains aroma + taste = flavor

1 min read

Pairing Texas Wine & Pizza

Josh explains Texas Wine & Pizza pairings in this Texas Wine Club original short video

1 min read

Wine, Gratitude, & Meditation

Kambrah talks wine, gratitude, & meditation in this Texas Wine Club original short video

1 min read

Pairing Wine & Oysters

Josh explains Texas Wine & Oyster pairings in this Texas Wine Club original short video

1 min read

What Are Wine Diamonds?

Clay explains Wine Diamonds in this Texas Wine Club original short video

1 min read

Pairing Wine & Fried Chicken

Josh explains Texas Wine & Fried Chicken pairings in this Texas Wine Club original short video

1 min read

Wine & Moon Pairings

Kambrah explains the basics of wine & food pairing with a biodynamic calendar in this Texas Wine Club original short video.

1 min read

Ordering & Sampling Wine at A Restaurant

Clay explains the basics of ordering & sampling wine at a restaurant in this Texas Wine Club original short video.

1 min read

Wine Legs (or Tears)

Clay explains Wine Legs (or Tears) in this Texas Wine Club original short video

1 min read

Pairing Texas Wine & BBQ

Josh explains Texas Wine & BBQ pairings in this Texas Wine Club original short video

1 min read

Wine Swirling Explained

Clay explains the swirling wine in this Texas Wine Club original short video.

1 min read

Pairing Texas Wine & Mexican Food

Josh explains Mexican food and Texas Wine pairing tips in this Texas Wine Club Original short

1 min read

Single-Varietal and Blended Wines

Kambrah explains single-varietal and blended wines in this Texas Wine Club Original short

1 min read

Wine Serving Temperatures

Clay explains the ideal serving temperature of wines in this Texas Wine Club original short video.

1 min read
Meet Us At Texas Wine Club

Wine Showcase: A Comparative Tasting Experience

Learn about Texas wine history and the similarities and differences to other regions of the world while tasting exceptional wine!

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