What Grows Here: The Best Wine Grapes for Texas Terroir
Not every grape can handle the heat and varied Texas weather, and that’s exactly why Texas wine is so exciting.
🌞 First, Let’s Talk Texas Terroir
If you’re imagining lush green hills and ocean breezes… well, you’re probably thinking of Napa. Texas is a whole different beast and we love it for that. With blazing sun, dramatic temperature swings, clay-heavy soils, and high-altitude vineyards, Texas wine country challenges both the grape and the grower.
And guess what? That makes for some bold, expressive, uniquely Texan wines. But only if you’re growing the right stuff.
So, what actually does grow well here?
🍷 1. Tempranillo: The MVP of Texas Wine
If Texas had an official red grape, it’d be Tempranillo. Originally from Spain, this thick-skinned varietal is drought-tolerant, early-ripening, and not fussy about the heat.
Tasting Notes: Red cherry, tobacco, leather, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Best Sipped At:
- Adega Vinho – You’ll find some killer reds, including smooth Tempranillos, there in Stonewall
- Calais Winery – French precision meets Texas terroir
🌬️ 2. Mourvèdre: The Quiet Powerhouse
This one’s a bit of a sleeper hit. Mourvèdre loves heat, ripens late, and delivers deep, earthy reds with savory notes that are made for Texas barbecue.
Tasting Notes: Black plum, pepper, dried herbs, and a little funk in the best way.
Find it at:
- French Connection Wines – Try their Mourvèdre-forward blends for a satisfying flavor bomb.
- Lewis Wines – Their 2021 Parr Mourvèdre is at the top of our list.
🌼 3. Viognier: The White Wine That Doesn’t Quit
Crisp whites can be tricky in a climate this warm, but Viognier makes it work. Aromatic, full-bodied, and totally Texas-tough.
Tasting Notes: Peach, honeysuckle, citrus zest, with a silky texture and floral finish.
Your go-to pours:
🏜️ 4. Roussanne & Marsanne: Rhône Whites, Texas Flair
These Rhône Valley natives are shining stars in the Texas High Plains and beyond. They bring balance, structure, and complexity to white blends or stand up beautifully on their own.
Tasting Notes: Pear, melon, beeswax, and almond with a savory backbone.
Try them at:
🍇 5. Tannat: Big, Bold, and Texan to Its Core
Tannat doesn’t hold back and neither does Texas. Known for dense tannins and rich flavors, this grape is gaining a loyal following here, and we get it.
Tasting Notes: Blackberries, dark chocolate, smoke, and spice. Structured but smooth with a little aging.
Best explored at:
- Slate Theory Winery (for a moodier vibe)
- William Chris Vineyards (authentically Texan and totally worth a sip)
🧃 Honorable Mentions: Also Worth a Sip
- Grenache: Plays well solo or in blends, thrives in dry climates.
- Aglianico: High-acid, high-tannin Italian red with aging potential.
- Picpoul Blanc: A zingy white that’s perfect for patio sipping. (personal summer fave!)
🥂 Why It Matters for Wine Lovers (Like You)
When you choose a winery that uses 100% Texas-grown grapes, you’re not just sipping wine you’re tasting the land, the weather, the hustle of every grower who didn’t try to make Napa happen here.
It’s real. It’s delicious. And it’s why we’re so picky about the places we visit on our tours.
Want to taste Texas terroir at its finest?
Book a tour with us and we’ll show you where the magic grows.
