Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agents of Eastland County, T.J. Cummings & Amy O’Brien-Glenn presented Vine to Wine Program at the Blue Duck Italian Kitchen in Cisco on Saturday, the 8th of November. Texas A&M Viticulture Program Specialist, Michael Cook presented an interesting presentation discussing the history of wines in Texas, the regional growing in Texas, and trends of the future for wines of Texas.
Most grapes in Texas are grown in the High Plains Region, with Terry County being the leading county. The prime reason is the elevation, and combined with better pest resistance than for example, East Texas. With 13 native species of grapes, yet many made their way to Texas with Immigrants primarily from Germany, Italy, and France. to Franciscan Missionaries in 1650’s. Val Verde Winery in Del Rio is the beginning of wine making in Texas. Specialist Cook showed a picture of an ancient huge grapevine that still exists at Camp Belknap in Graham, Texas. There are 443 wine producers in Texas , with 900 licensed winery permits as of 2020. There are 11,000 acres of grapes (60 acres of muscadines). Producing 1.8 million cases of wines. As of 2023, Texas was #3 for the number of wineries. The participants were able to learn about pairing wines by trying four different wines including a Driftwood Merlot with the Blue Duck Italian Kitchen appetizer of Prosciutto and Fruit Bruschetta/ al Jam, and the Bulldog Wood burning Pizza with Tomato/Mozzarella/ Pepperoni/Meatball/ Prosciutto, Spicy Italian Sausage/Parmesan paired with the Driftwood Sangiovese, and sampling of the Piccata Pasta Fettuccine with lemon capers, parsley, white wine and parmesan paired with the Blue Duck Viognier, lastly Tiramisu with -ger/coffee liquor/Cocoa was paired with Blue Duck Topusana. To learn about more Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Programs please call 254-6292222.
