This press release for Llano Estacado Winery was sent October 3, 1994.

While California Is Still Picking,
Grape Harvest in Texas Is All Wrapped Up

1994 Should Be a Good Vintage for Lone Star Wines

The wine grape harvest arrives early in Texas -- Texas wineries began picking grapes in early August this year, beating the onset of the California harvest by three weeks. The harvest in Texas is now complete and winemakers say it looks like 1994 will be a good vintage.

"Grapes? In Texas?" you ask. Yes, Virginia, they grow grapes in Texas -- and they're making some pretty good wines, too! Llano Estacado Winery, recognized by the Wine Spectator as the state's premier premium winery, put Texas wines on the map in 1986 when its 1984 Chardonnay struck Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco Fair National Wine Competition.

The Lone Star State has been growing grapes since 1662-100 years before the first wine grapes were planted in California. Today, Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the U.S., annually producing over 1.1 million gallons of wine. Cotton fields are being transformed into vineyards and the wine industry contributes over $94 million annually to Texas' economy.

The classic varietals flourish in the Texas High Plains. Long, hot, dry summer days coupled with cool 60°F nights allow the grapes to build up sugar while maintaining acid levels necessary for making fine wine. Just enough rainfall—about 18 inches per year—meets the vines' requirements while producing the slightly stressful conditions needed for premium fruit. Greg Bruni, Llano Estacado's winemaker, says the '94 harvest produced a small but intense crop. "Texas had some late season frost and hail, which substantially reduced crop levels," he reports. 'However, small yields mean more intense flavors."

This is Bruni's first Texas harvest. The winemaker hails from an old California grape-growing family and has been making wine in California and consulting worldwide for 20 years. He believes Texas possesses many of the same qualifies that distinguish the worlds great wine regions.

"Texas is like California was in the 1970s, when the move to quality took over the industry", he says. Llano Estacado is at the forefront of this movement, organizing viticultural consultations and annual growers meetings. 'The industry here is coming on strong," Bruni says, "producing wines that can stand up to some of the finest from around the world. And that's not just Texas pride talking!"