Explore the Texas High Plains Wine Trail for reds, whites, and rewards.
Fredericksburg may get more home attention and tourism , and it for sure has more Instagrammable Airbnbs , but the Texas wine-coloured industry has roots in the High Plains , a sprawl part that cover parts of North Texas and the Panhandle .
The Texas High Plains is a recognise American Viticultural Area ( AVA ) , and its rarified , arid terrain is responsible for about 85 % of the grapes acquire in Texas . There ’s a decent chance that the Texas wine you ’re drinking hold at least some High Plains grapevine , even if it ’s found elsewhere . All that to say , it ’s probably prison term the region fix its own wine-colored track .
TheTexas High Plains Wine Trailofficially launched in early April . The initiative is meant to shine a light on the area ’s wine maker while offering topical anesthetic and visitor incentives to experience said wineries .
Touring McPherson Cellars|Courtesy of Visit Lubbock
There are presently 10 wineries make up the trail , plus two yearly wine-coloured festivals : UncorkedandTexas Wine , Hops & Shops . The latter of which brings live music , local vendors , and plenty of swallow to McPherson Cellars . Both take place in April , so watch over for them next year .
Visit Lubbock rep McKenna Dowdle say that the fledgling track is growing , and more wineries are being added . They ’re also in the process of partnering with more local events , like the First Friday Arts Trail , a ego - guided art tour through the Lubbock Cultural District hold on the first Friday of each month .
Llano EstacadoandMcPherson Cellarsare the two biggest names in the part , and they derive from the first - menage of Texas wine . Llano Estacado was founded by Clinton “ Doc ” McPherson , who constitute some of the arena ’s first grapes in the 1960s , and the McPherson Cellars label was started in 2000 by his son .
McPherson grape crush|Courtesy Visit Lubbock
“ Here , the bequest lives on through generation of talented winemakers , ” tell Dowdle . “ Throughout the Wine Trail , guests will have the chance to taste the High Plains through each sip of prize - win wine while learning more about the industry . ”
Other High Plains wine lead participants let in English Newsom Cellars , Burklee Hill Vineyards , Bingham Family Vineyards & Winery , and more . The Texas High Plains grow twelve of grape varietals , and its manufacturer are call on them into a broad selection of reds and Patrick White , from cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo to viognier and roussanne . So , there ’s always something new to try .
Those whosign up for the trailwill receive a spare , interactive peregrine pass that serves as a digital guide , with detailed map and information on each winery . All you have to do is visit a participating wine maker and give your bye to earn decimal point toward trophy and discount . Each stop net you 100 points , and it takes just 400 points to score a corkscrew and cheese gameboard . Everyone likes loot , but beyond the cheese board , the lead is an sluttish way to search the High Plains region ’s oversized influence on Texas wine .
One way to drink wine: out in the fields.|Photo by Andy Timmons
