Resources
Other Opportunities
Texas grape and wine production has led to a thriving tourist industry, particularly in the Hill Country and Grapevine, which hosts the Southwest's largest wine festival in September. Vineyards can piggy-back on the industry's appeal by holding harvest festivals and events and celebrating Texas Wine Month in October. They can also partner with nearby wineries in sponsoring festivals and wine trails.
Opening a bed and breakfast can provide a vineyard with additional income. Nature tourism is drawing city residents to the country for relaxed weekends and longer vacations. These trips may also include learning, such as educational tours of vineyards and wineries.
GO TEXAN
Launched by Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, GO TEXAN adds a new dimension to marketing Texas agriculture. The campaign promotes Texas food, wine, fiber and horticulture under one easily recognizable trademark: a glowing brand in the shape of Texas.
Producers of viticultural products such as wine grapes in their natural or processed state that have been produced, processed, or otherwise had value added in Texas are eligible for membership. Wine must be 75 percent by volume derived from grapes grown and fermented in Texas and must be fully produced and finished in Texas.
Sources and Resources
Look for more information on growing wine grapes in Texas, the Texas wine industry and related subjects at:
Texas Wine Grapes, Texas Cooperative Extension (http://winegrapes.tamu.edu): extensive information on research, pests, diseases, grape publications and other topics of interest to prospective grape growers.
Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (www.twgga.org) 701 S. Main, Grapevine, Texas 76051, (817) 424-0570, fax (817) 251-4329: organization of growers and winemakers promoting Texas grape and wine production through educational, marketing and legislative activities.
Texas Wine Marketing Research Institute at Texas Tech University (www.hs.ttu.edu/TexasWine/default.asp): fosters the economic development and growth of the Texas wine and wine grape industry, collects and disseminates information and does research on industry-related topics.
Texas Wine Trails (www.Texaswinetrails.com): provides information on Texas wines and wineries, wine trails and events.
Wine Lovers Page (www.wine-lovers-page.com): lists dozens of books about growing wine grapes and making wine. Included are brief descriptions of the books and their prices. Click on the Kellgren Wine Book Catalog.
The Wrath of Grapes, Lewis Perdue, Avon Books: an inside look at the wine industry and its challenges.
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