The History of Texas Wine: From Spanish Roots to Rising Star (American Palate)

Texas's 350-year wine story is still reaching its savory peak. Spanish colonists may have come to the state to spread Christianity, but under visionary Father Fray Garcia, they stayed and raised grapes. Later immigrants brought their own burgundy tastes of home, creating a unique wine country. When a North American pest threatened European vines, it was Texan scientist T.V. Munson who helped save the industry overseas. When Prohibition loomed stateside, Frank Qualia's Val Verde Winery in Del Rio survived by selling communion wine and is now the longest-operating bonded winery in the state. Today, tourists flock to Texas vineyards, and the state sells more wine every year. Join local experts Kathy and Neil Crain and sample the untold story of Texas's wine industry.

Neil Crain is a research scientist at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a wine enthusiast and founder of the popular web site WineEnabler.com. Crain is an extremely active member of the wine blogging community. Katherine Crain works as a paralegal for the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.