In recent years, the Texas wine industry has become a force to be reckoned with. According to a report by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, this industry has contributed $13.1 billion to the state’s economy last year alone (based on statistics from the National Association of American Wineries), and shows no signs of slowing in the near future. Keeping in mind there are only a little over 4K vineyard acres throughout Texas, that’s considerably impressive.
Not the only driver of this sector but what appears to be a large share of it is the fact that Texans love and support goods produced in the Lone Star State. Elizabeth Hill, co-owner of Burklee Hill Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, has noted that Texans take great pride in their state and often prefer to drink Texas wine over that of California or other states. Not unlike many other areas (such as sports, barbecue, and simply “being” Texan), Texas pride has been integral in driving the growing Texas wine industry. The increased demand for wine grapes which are grown right here in Texas is an additional factor. Texas is now the fourth highest-producing wine state in America, and most wineries in the state are choosing to focus exclusively on Texas wine.
