An In-Depth look at Texas Wines and Winemakers at the State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas kicks off next month – on Friday, Sept. 24 – and for many, corn dogs and carnival rides come to mind. For an adventure of a new and different kind, visit the State Fair of Texas Wine Garden. For the first time, the State Fair of Texas Wine Garden will feature Texas wineries exclusively.

Sponsored by GO TEXAN – the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) marketing program promoting Texas products, culture and communities – the wine garden offers new Lone Star varieties and proven award-winning favorites.

Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing state in the nation and home to more than 200 wineries. Many of these wineries will pour wine during the fair. When you visit the State Fair of Texas Wine Garden, you have the chance to meet winery owners and winemakers who will happily share information and explain why the Texas wine industry is different from other wine regions.

From native varieties, such as Black Spanish and Blanc du Bois, to grapes that thrive in the Texas climate, such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Viognier, Texas offers a varietal for everyone. Each day, three to four wineries will sample their wines, and wine will be available by the glass for purchase.

Wine industry expert John Bratcher and Wine Curmudgeon blogger Jeff Siegel will be on hand to interview the winemakers, providing an inside look into each winery, their wines and their perspectives on the Texas wine industry.

Located at Nimitz Court, the wine garden is across from the Cotton Bowl and outside TDA’s Food and Fiber Pavilion, presented by Borden. Browse and buy GO TEXAN products, enjoy food samples, entertainment, giveaways and a look into the Texas agriculture industry.

With live music, friendly people and Texas wine, the State Fair of Texas Wine Garden is a fun place to sit back, relax and taste Texas. GO TEXAN

Robert Champion Jr., is the State Coordinator of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Wine Marketing Program