When we talk about Texas’ role in wine production, we tend to get strange looks from the uninitiated. It’s important to remember that – until the 1970s – Californian wine was given the same sort of skepticism.

But rather than relying on a single wine-growing region (we’re looking at you, Napa Valley), Texas has 8 distinct AVAs that are putting out unbelievably exciting wines every harvest season.

What Is an AVA?

An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a defined grape-growing region in the United States that has demonstrated its unique climate, soil composition, geographic features, and grape-growing history. The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates these regions at the request of wineries and other interested parties.

Unlike in France’s AOC system, American viticultural areas (AVAs) are a bit more relaxed when it comes to rules and regulations. Essentially, these areas need to share geographic or climate-based elements which will affect how grapes are grown and harvested. Also unlike the French system, any grapes can be grown.

What Makes Texan AVAs Unique?

While many of the first Californian AVAs were modeled after specific wine-growing regions of France and Italy, there’s been a growing trend of creating AVAs that are distinctly unique to Texas.

Consider that the distance between Hill Country and High Plains is greater than the distance between the Bordeaux and Bourgogne regions! If these French winegrowing regions are able to produce wildly different grape varieties, imagine what our state is capable of.

Fun fact: To receive AVA certification on wine bottles, at least 85% grapes must be grown here (though many Texan growers are pushing for a higher percentage).

Grape Varieties

At the beginning of the Texas wine boom, many vineyards leaned heavily on more recognizable French grapes. While our state harvests more than 40 grapes in the Vitis vinifera family, Mediterranean varieties (like Tempranillo, Grenache, Syrah, and Viognier) are making an increasingly bigger splash in this growing environment. Add another 15 native species (like Wild Mustang and Muscadine) and it’s a fact that Texas vineyards grow the widest range of grapes in the world.

Weather

With its long, hot summers and short, cold winters, Texan weather is reminiscent of many winegrowing regions in Portugal and Spain.

It’s a common misconception that it’s the heat that causes the biggest crop issues. In actuality, unpredictable weather patterns create vastly different growing seasons from year to year. Winegrowers often need to make quick, calculated decisions.

For example, to combat the risk of early frost, some growers are switching to grapes (like Cabernet Carmenère). A freak heat wave near the end of the harvest season may develop a deeper sweetness. An impending frost may require earlier harvests (and, perhaps, an unexpected rosé). Whatever the case, this means that many experienced winemakers create diverse Texas vintages that can never be duplicated elsewhere.

Soil Types

Texas is an enormous, geographically diverse state, and this is especially apparent when it comes to our enormous range of soil types. From high to low pH, igneous to clay to loam, our growers are able to successfully harvest a variety of grapes that thrive in all types of terroirs.

Elevation

While the Gulf region is near sea level, Texas’ elevation increases as you travel up the state. This matters for wine production: When grown at a higher elevation, grapes are exposed to more direct UV rays. This leads to a thicker skin, deeper color, and greater tannic elements.

1. Texas Hill Country AVA

West of Austin and north of San Antonio, Texas Hill Country AVA is the best-known wine producing area in the state. With its lush scenery and 9 million acres of land, it’s the third-largest AVA (behind the Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA and Ohio River Valley AVA) and the second most-visited wine region in the United States.

Due to its long growing season, elevation, and soil types, Texas Hill Country provides an optimal microclimate for a wide range of grape varietals. From Central Italian varietals to Bordeaux blends, nearly 100 vineyards are scattered throughout the area (and just as many wineries).

Established:

1991

Climate:

Semi-arid summers; short, cool winters

Elevation:

1,400-2,000ft

Soil types:

Limestone, caliche, granite, sandstone, red clay

Popular grape varieties:

Chardonnay, Tannat, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon

2. Fredericksburg AVA

Founded by German farmers in the mid-19th century, Fredericksburg is located in the center of Hill Country. This 70,400-acre AVA is only a 90-minute drive from Austin and San Antonio. This region is so popular with vineyards and tourists, the 30-mile stretch of US Highway 290 it sits along is referred to as “The Texas Wine Route.”

Thanks to its unique granitic soil composition, vines receive essential nutrients without becoming waterlogged. This soil also allows for a massive range of grape varietals (from reds to whites).

Established:

1988

Climate:

Subtropical. Long, hot summers with cool evenings

Elevation:

1,700ft

Soil types:

Loam with clay, limestone, & granite

Popular grape varieties:

Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Grenache

3. Bell Mountain AVA

Also located in Hill Country, Bell Mountain AVA sits on 3,000 acres. Named after a now-fallow vineyard, there are currently 9 wineries in the region. Sitting on the southern and southwestern slope of Bell Mountain – and at a substantial elevation – vintages are able to ripen more easily, avoid sunburn, and resist frost damage.

Established:

1986

Climate:

Subtropical with moderate rainfall

Elevation:

1,650-1,950ft

Soil types:

Sandy, loamy, and non-calcareous. Slightly acidic

Popular grape varieties:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, & Merlot. Viognier and Riesling are starting to be grown in northern vineyards

4. High Plains AVA

Located in the southern area of the Texas panhandle, the High Plains region has been growing wine grapes since the 1970s. Stretching from Amarillo to Brownfield to Lubbock, this 270,000-acre area is the second-largest AVA in the state – and home to more than 200 vineyards. Though an extremely arid region, the Ogallala Aquifer typically supplies water to vineyards which produce between 70-80% of all Texas grapes.

Established:

1993

Climate:

Dry, continental, diverse

Elevation:

3,000-4,000ft

Soil types:

Sandy & clay loam. Deep limestone deposits

Popular grape varieties:

Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, & Tempranillo

5. Escondido Valley AVA

Located in Pecos County (near Fort Stockton), the Escondido Valley AVA is comprised of 32,000 acres of primarily thin, upland soils. While Mesa Vineyard worked 1000 acres of vineyards to produce St. Genevieve table wine, it shuttered in early 2022. No wineries currently operate in this AVA (though the region is best known for white grapes).

Established:

2002

Climate:

Desert-like, arid & hot

Elevation:

2,600-3,000ft

Soil types:

Silty loam, clay, limestone

Popular grape varieties:

Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, & Chardonnay

6. Mesilla Valley AVA

Primarily located in New Mexico, a small portion of the Mesilla Valley crosses the Texas border (northwest of El Paso). Originally planted by Spanish missionaries, many claim that it's the first place the European vine was planted in the United States. Only one winery currently exists on 5 acres of Texan vineyards, with 35 acres on the New Mexican side.

Established:

1985

Climate:

Hot, semi-arid summers with cool winters

Elevation:

1,100ft

Soil types:

Calcium-rich, high minerality, sandy loam

Popular grape varieties:

Red Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, & Tempranillo

7. Texas Davis Mountains AVA

Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert in the “Texas Alps”, this AVA is situated on 270,000 acres. With the highest elevation of any AVA in Texas, it also has the coolest climate. Owing to adequate irrigation, the shallow, rocky soil works well for rooting.

While Blue Mountain Vineyards was shuttered due to Pierce's Disease (PD), we’re keeping an eye on the exciting things coming out of places like Alta Marfa and Sharp Family Vineyards.

Established:

1998

Climate:

Mediterranean, cool, and dry

Elevation:

4,500-8,300ft

Soil types:

Igneous, granitic, silt loam, clay

Popular grape varieties:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, & Zinfandel. Emphasis on Bordeaux and Rhone varietals

8. Texoma AVA

Clocking in at 2.3 million acres, the Texoma AVA sits just south of the Oklahoma border, along the Red River basin. Buffered by the Trinity and Seymour aquifers, this region’s cooler climate allows for a longer growing season. With 55 acres under vine, there’s a lot of potential for the Texoma region – especially when it comes to growing native American varietals (e.g. Muscadine, Norton/Cynthiana).

As springtime frosts are common occurrences, late-budding grapes are preferred. Six wineries operate out of the region.

Texoma is also historic: In the 19th century, TV Munson referred to this region as “Grape Paradise.” Here, he conducted the biological studies that singlehandedly saved the European wine industry.

Established:

2005

Climate:

Humid, subtropical summers and temperate winters

Elevation:

425-1,300ft

Soil types:

Sandy loam, silty clay, limestone

Popular grape varieties:

Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blanc Du Bois

Join the Texan Wine Movement

We’re a company that’s passionate about Texas wine – and for great reason! Our state has countless terroir combinations that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. And that means wines that defy any and all expectations.

Today, there are approximately 500 registered wineries in the state – and that number is only expected to rise as our reputation improves. We’re passionate about tasting and sharing the best Texas wines through our club. To get remarkable, hard-to-find wines delivered directly to your door, join our mailing list.