The Perfect Texas Wines for Every Time of Year
Choosing the right wine for each season can elevate your experience, whether you’re enjoying a warm summer evening on the patio or a cozy winter night by the fire. Texas, with its diverse climate and thriving wine industry, offers a variety of wines that are perfectly suited to the changing seasons. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Texas wines for each season and why they make the perfect choice.
Spring: Fresh Whites and Rosés
As the chill of winter fades and Texas begins to bloom, spring calls for wines that are light, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavors. Spring is the season for fresh whites and crisp rosés that pair beautifully with the bright, fresh foods of the season.
Recommended Varietals:
Texas Wineries to Explore:
- Duchman Family Winery (Driftwood, TX) – Viognier: Duchman Family Winery’s Viognier is known for its floral notes of honeysuckle and peach, making it a perfect match for springtime. This wine’s bright acidity and lush texture pair wonderfully with spring salads, light pasta dishes, and grilled chicken.
- Pedernales Cellars (Stonewall, TX) – Rosé of Mourvèdre: Pedernales Cellars produces a delicate and dry Rosé of Mourvèdre with hints of strawberry and citrus. This refreshing rosé is ideal for a spring picnic or a light brunch, complementing dishes like smoked salmon or goat cheese crostini.
- McPherson Cellars (Lubbock, TX) – Roussanne: McPherson Cellars’ Roussanne offers a balanced profile with flavors of apricot and melon, along with a hint of minerality. It’s a versatile white wine that pairs well with the fresh, green vegetables of spring, as well as seafood and poultry.
Summer: Chilled Whites and Light Reds
Summer in Texas is all about beating the heat with wines that are cool, crisp, and refreshing. Chilled whites and light-bodied reds provide the perfect balance to the warm temperatures and outdoor activities that define the season.
Recommended Varietals:
Texas Wineries to Explore:
- Haak Vineyards & Winery (Santa Fe, TX) – Blanc du Bois: Haak Vineyards is famous for its Blanc du Bois, a grape that thrives in the Texas climate. This wine is aromatic, with flavors of citrus and tropical fruits, making it a refreshing choice for hot summer days. Serve it chilled with seafood, grilled vegetables, or a Texas-style ceviche.
- Bending Branch Winery (Comfort, TX) – Chenin Blanc: Bending Branch’s Chenin Blanc is light and crisp, with notes of apple, pear, and a touch of honey. Its bright acidity makes it perfect for summer, pairing well with fresh salads, spicy Asian dishes, and light cheeses.
- Becker Vineyards (Stonewall, TX) – Sangiovese: Becker Vineyards produces a lovely Sangiovese, a light-bodied red with flavors of cherry and spice. It’s a fantastic summer red, especially when slightly chilled, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pizza, or tomato-based dishes.
Fall: Earthy Reds and Bold Whites
As the weather cools and the leaves start to change, fall is the time to enjoy wines with richer, more robust flavors. Earthy reds and bold whites complement the heartier foods and cozy gatherings of the season.
Recommended Varietals:
Texas Wineries to Explore:
- Fall Creek Vineyards (Tow, TX) – Tempranillo: Fall Creek Vineyards’ Tempranillo is a standout, with deep flavors of dark fruit, leather, and a touch of spice. This full-bodied red is perfect for fall, pairing well with roasted meats, stews, and hearty vegetable dishes.
- Llano Estacado Winery (Lubbock, TX) – Cabernet Sauvignon: Llano Estacado’s Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and structured, with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. It’s a classic fall wine that pairs perfectly with grilled steaks, lamb, or rich pasta dishes.
- Kiepersol Vineyards (Tyler, TX) – Chardonnay: Kiepersol’s Chardonnay is a Texas favorite, offering a balance of oak and fruit with flavors of apple, pear, and a hint of vanilla. This full-bodied white is ideal for fall, complementing dishes like roast chicken, creamy soups, and buttery squash.
Winter: Rich Reds and Fortified Wines
Winter in Texas, though milder than in many places, still calls for wines that are rich, warming, and comforting. This is the season for deep reds and fortified wines that stand up to the hearty dishes and festive meals of winter.
Recommended Varietals:
- Tannat
- Port-style Wines
- Petite Sirah
Texas Wineries to Explore:
- Bending Branch Winery (Comfort, TX) – Tannat: Bending Branch’s Tannat is a robust red with bold flavors of blackberries, plums, and earthy undertones. Its tannic structure makes it a perfect winter wine, ideal for pairing with braised meats, barbecue, and rich chocolate desserts.
- Messina Hof (Bryan, TX) – Port-style Wine: Messina Hof’s Port-style wines are legendary in Texas. These wines are sweet, rich, and full-bodied, with flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and chocolate. Enjoy them with dessert, strong cheeses, or simply by the fire on a cold evening.
- Perissos Vineyards (Burnet, TX) – Petite Sirah: Perissos Vineyards’ Petite Sirah is a dense, inky red with intense flavors of blackberries, coffee, and spice. This wine is perfect for winter nights, pairing beautifully with game meats, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate.
No matter the season, Texas offers a wide range of wines that perfectly capture the essence of the time of year. Whether you’re a fan of crisp whites, light reds, or bold, hearty wines, there’s a Texas wine out there to suit your palate. By exploring these seasonal recommendations, you’ll not only enhance your wine-drinking experience but also support local wineries and the growing Texas wine industry.
