The Texas wine industry continues to grow, generating billions of dollars in revenue for the state, over 10,000 jobs for Texans and a massive tourism draw for both Texans and others visiting the state. There are over 275 wineries in Texas now, with some of the best located in the Texas Hill Country and the Texas High Plains.  This morning I shared a few favorites with Lisa on The Broadcast.  Lisa is a true wine lover, but only wants quality in her nightly glass.  I was thrilled to share these selections as each one is a true palate pleaser.

McPherson Reserve Roussanne – One of the leaders early on in the industry in Texas was Doc McPherson, who was a professor at Texas Tech, a true pioneer in Texas wine, and one of the original founder of Llano Estacado. His son, Kim, ventured out and created the winery with their family name, McPherson Cellars, focusing on growing Italian, Spanish and Rhone varieties in the Texas High Plains. McPherson Reserve Roussanne, usually a variety that is blended into other wines in the Rhone region of France, leaps from the glass with layers of juicy lemon, pear, and white tea with subtle herbal notes. $18 at Spec’s or their website.

Fall Creek Chenin Blanc – Fall Creek was started by Susan and Ed Auler in 1975 after they had traveled to France and fell in love with both the wines and the place. With a goal to make wines with a sense of place they established their winery north of Austin the Texas Hill Country. Fall Creek Chenin Blanc is a Texas version of this traditionally Loire, France variety filled with white flowers, light citrus, white peach and sweet and creamy honey notes. $10 at World Market

Duchman Family Cellars Viognier and Aglianico – One of my favorite Texas wineries who I have loved for years for their steely Vermentino does just as well with their Rhone variety Viognier, filled with juicy ripe peach, pear and spice, and their Aglianico (ah-L’YEE’AH-nee-koh) leaps from the glass with layers of dried fruit, stewed berries, cedar, leather and spice. The Aglianco embraces the vision for the winery, to produce quality wines from varieties that thrive in our Texas growing conditions. And, they continue to receive positive feedback with this wine winning multiple awards. $18 and $28

Pedernales GSM, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre – Pedernales Cellars is all about the fruit and truly letting the flavors of the vines shine in their wine, while following sustainable wine practices. The family owned winery, led by Julie Kuhlken and Fredrik Osterberg, with winemaker David Kuhlken, has become known for their stellar Texas Tempranillo, but the flavor doesn’t stop there as this classic Rhone red blend that balances bold flavors with elegance and refinement. Filled with layers of blueberry, blackberry and dark chocolate with a hint of pepper. $30 at Spec’s

Bending Branch Tannat – Though some wine lovers have never heard of Tannat, this traditionally quite tannic variety does incredibly well in our dry Texas soils creating a bold red wine filled with dark cherry, earthiness and spice. Bonus, due to the tannic strucutre of the wine it is one of the most heart healthy wines you can enjoy. $35 via their website.