Texas High Plains AVA
“Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” – Galileo Galilei
Discover the best unkept secret of Texas winemaking: the Texas High Plains AVA
What is the true meaning of Appellation?... More. This vast, high-altitude region spanning 8 million acres in the Texas panhandle is quietly revolutionizing the state’s wine industry. Here’s why you should pay attention to this emerging wine powerhouse:
- Unique terroir: High elevation (2,800-4,000 feet) and distinctive soil create ideal growing conditions
- Diverse grape varieties: From Tempranillo to Viognier, the region supports a wide range of wines
- Award-winning wines: Local wineries are gaining national recognition for their exceptional quality
- Rich history: Rooted in academic research dating back to the early 20th century
- Resilient industry: Winemakers overcome challenges to produce outstanding vintages
As you explore the world of wine, don’t overlook the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More. This region’s combination of elevation, climate, and passionate winemakers produces wines that rival those from more famous areas. Whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More offers a unique tasting experience worth discovering. Read on to learn more about this exciting wine region and why it’s becoming a significant player in American viticulture.
The Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More is often overshadowed by its scenic neighbor, the Texas Hill Country AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More, which is well known for its many wineries and tasting rooms. But this vast, high-altitude region quietly produces most of Texas’s wine grapes. Winding through the rolling hills, you’ll discover a diverse ensemble of grape varieties, each pampered by passionate winemakers who have earned critical acclaim for their exceptional handcrafted wines.
Table of Contents
A History Rooted in Research and Determination
While commercial wineries might be a recent development, grape production in the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More is intertwined with academic research dating back to the early 20th century. Between 1909 and 1937, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Lubbock dedicated itself to understanding the viability of grape growing in the plains region.
Although World War II sidelined this initial effort, the desire to cultivate grapes in this environment remained. This passion was rekindled in the 1950s when Dr. W.W. Yocum, a horticulture professor at Texas Tech, established experimental grapevine plots. However, the turning point came in the 1960s when Texas Tech University professors Clinton “Doc” McPherson and Bob Reed took their shared passion for wine on a groundbreaking endeavor.
Starting with Sangiovese grapes on Reed’s patio, this experiment led them to establish Llano Estacado Winery in 1976. As their research ended, the fruits of their labor were just the beginning – they’d uncovered compelling evidence that put the Texas High Plains squarely on the map as a premier wine region. Their documentation of the region’s climate, geology, and viticulture culminated in a comprehensive 112-page application and led to the official recognition of the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More in 1993. For Texas wine, this momentous occasion echoed loudly, forever changing the course of its storied past.
Texas High Plains AVA: Where Elevation Meets Terroir
What makes this region so special? It starts with elevation. Situated atop the Llano Estacado, the vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More thrive at altitudes between 2,800 and 4,000 feet above sea level—higher than any other AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More in Texas. From this lofty perch, you’ll find a privileged setting for growing an array of grapes, earning the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More a spot on every wine enthusiast’s radar.
Distinctive Soil
The Texas High Plains boast sandy loam soils rich in caliche, a calcium carbonate-rich layer, which aids in drainage and forces the vines to dig deeper in search of nutrients. This creates wines with layer upon layer of flavor from the rock-solid mineral terroir. Grape growers in the Texas High Plains know that the local soil composition – sandy clay and clay loam is the secret to producing top-notch grapes that make this region a major player in American wine production.
As Steve Newsom, a partner and grape grower at English Newsom Cellars, aptly said, this soil acts like “a blank canvas,” encouraging growers to experiment with different grape varietals. Thanks to the Ogallala Aquifer, a vast underground water source, grape growers in the Texas High Plains have thrived despite the dry, arid conditions.
Ideal Climate for Wine Production
The climate adds another layer to this intriguing terroir. Unrelenting heat waves and long stretches of sunshine enable grapes to reach perfect ripeness, which ultimately leads to the kind of quality wines people rave about from this region, which benefits from significantly cooler nights due to its high altitude.
As the thermometer wavers between hot and cold, the ripening grapes develop a tantalizing symmetry of sweetness and acidity, the foundation for truly memorable wines. The Texas High Plains AVA’s special blend of climate and soil quality – a combination of sandy clay and just the right amount of sunshine – creates the perfect conditions for crafting exceptional wines.
Grape Varieties in Texas High Plains AVA
From Bordeaux
What exactly is a Bordeaux? Bordeaux ble... More to Rhône-style varietals, this region can support a diverse range of wine grapes. While the area has seen success with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Texas High Plains shines regarding warm-climate varietals that might be more commonly associated with Southern Europe. Something special happens when you plant these grape varieties in this particular soil – consistently outstanding wines.
| Red Grapes | White Grapes |
|---|---|
| Tempranillo | Viognier |
| Sangiovese | Roussanne |
| Montepulciano | Chenin Blanc |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Sauvignon Blanc |
Wineries across the region, from Reddy Vineyards to McPherson Cellars, have been steadily garnering national recognition with their expressions of these varietals, showcasing the quality of grapes in the area, a testament to the quality of the grapes grown here. Newsom’s 2018 Viognier was awarded Best in Class (Best Viognier) at the 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC).
In that same year, Vijay Reddy and his wife Subada ran Reddy Vineyards, which made Sauvignon Blanc, and an M3 Red Blend, which earned silver medals at the SFIWC. Reddy exclusively utilizes grapes from its estate vineyards, which span over 300 acres and are comprised of 38 different grape varieties, making it one of the most diverse vineyards in the state. Thanks to their determined efforts, Texas High Plains wines have gained momentum and prestige, knocking on the door of international recognition.
Overcoming Challenges: A Testament to Resilience
This tale of innovation wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the challenges faced by those in the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More. Like most agricultural pursuits, cultivating grapes here is not without its hurdles. Harvests in this region are always at risk due to the unpredictable combination of dry weather, hail, and shifting temperatures.
In the Lone Star State, winemakers have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with—their sheer tenacity and unwavering passion a beacon of inspiration. Growers in the area have had to adapt to the sometimes harsh conditions of the high plains. Pioneering winemakers know that excellence begins in the vineyard, where tweaking pruning techniques and hand-selecting varietals can set them apart.
This absolute dedication reaches far beyond the gates of a single vineyard. Driven by a collective goal to protect and uplift Texas wines, 57 Texas wine grape growers affected by widespread herbicide damage joined forces in a landmark lawsuit against Bayer and BASF over their controversial herbicide, Dicamba. They’ve joined forces to safeguard not just their vineyards but the heritage of wine production in the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More.
FAQs about Texas High Plains ava
What is the largest AVA in Texas?
The Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More, encompassing 8 million acres, is the largest American Viticultural AreaWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More in Texas. To provide some perspective, the Texas Hill Country AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More, the second largest, is almost four times smaller. Due to its size, the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More has a wide range of different terroirs that contribute to the diversity of grapes grown in the region.
How many AVAs are there in Texas?
Currently, Texas has eight official American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Winegrowers tackle Texas’ climate extremes, from the arid High Plains, where cotton fields dominate, to the woodland Hill Country, where pecan groves prevail.
How many wineries are in Texas High Plains?
While there isn’t publicly available data on the precise number of wineries solely within the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More, it’s estimated that a large majority of the more than 400 Texan wineries rely heavily on its grapes, highlighting the area’s importance. In the Texas High Plains, grape growers and winemakers are producing some of the most remarkable wines in the state – wines that frequently take top honors in local and international competitions.
As of 1990, the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More had approximately 1,300 acres of vineyards, a figure that has continued to increase, although an updated precise count is difficult to come by. Acreage is up, and so is the buzz around Texas wines—a testament to the hard work and dedication of growers in the Texas High Plains AVAWhat is the true meaning of Appellation?... More.
Where are the High Plains in Texas?
Situated in the northwestern quadrant of the state, this expansive plateau forms the southernmost portion of the Great Plains. This region marks a transitional zone separating the flat expanse of the Great Plains from the more rugged terrain further west. Reaching elevations up to 4,000 feet, these High Plains stretch across parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado, forming a huge high plateau. The eastern border of the Texas High Plains is marked by a steep transitional zone separating it from the lower-lying areas.
