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wineries, but Prohibition brought an end to industry expansion. Though several wineries went back into business after the passage of the 21st Amendment, only one of these – Val Verde Winery founded in 1883 in Del Rio – remains operational today. Texas witnessed a revival of its wine industry in the mid- 1970s, and vineyards were planted west of Lubbock and near Springtown. By the 1980s, commercial vineyards and wineries had been established near Lubbock, Fredericksburg, Fort Worth, and Fort Stockton. Texas is currently the fifth leading state in wine grape production behind California, Washington, New York, and Oregon.


B Texas Vineyards


Today there are an estimated 3,700 bearing acres of commercial vineyards and more than 160 bonded wineries in Texas. The economic impact of the Texas wine industry is now estimated at nearly $1 billion. Production, tasting, sales, and shipping are allowed across the state to both wet and dry counties and precincts. This rapid increase in the number of wineries has created a strong demand for new vineyards to supply the expanding industry with Texas-grown fruit. This shortage of fruit presents an opportunity for vineyard expansion, but before entering in to a commercial enterprise, prospective


y 1900, Texas had more than 25


growers should carefully weigh the risks and demands of the business of grape growing. Before any commercially sized planting is contemplated, one should have a good idea where the fruit will be sold or how it will be used.


Discussions with existing wineries in the area can give you a good idea of what varieties are in demand, what potential volume is needed, and an estimate of what price a winery might pay for a specific variety of grape. Grape growing is a serious, formidable business. Texas grape growers and winemakers are not looking to mimic the efforts of wine producers from other regions; rather, they are making their mark by producing wines that have unique character. As the Texas wine industry continues to mature, different growing regions will identify and focus on varieties uniquely suited.


Wine in the Old Dominion (Virginia):


The scene is repeated throughout undulating rows of verdant vines surrounding a tasting room where convivial conversation and tinkling wine glasses unfold before a backdrop of blue skies and mountain views.


For many, having a vineyard or being a winemaker sounds very romantic – we have


good friends who are in this business and although a passion, it is definitely not a “walk in the park”. What is the reality behind calling yourself a winery proprietor? The dream has come true for a growing number of entrepreneurs seeking an income producing bucolic lifestyle. But be certain you are not wearing a pair of rose-colored wine goggles before taking the plunge. With well over 200 wineries gracing the rural landscape of Virginia - measure twice cut once.


“Most people have no idea how complicated starting a winery can be,” stated the Head of the Enology-Grape Chemistry Group at Virginia Tech.


The first requirement is to complete a business plan. Preparing a business plan is de rigueur for any commercial undertaking, but is particularly important when venturing into the wine business. A successful venture demands a consistent supply of fruit and owning both the tasting room and vineyard is key to a sustainable business.


So what is the financial investment required to greet guests in a tasting room and pour them a glass of wine? For a winery to be profitable, production should ultimately be around 5,000 cases annually—60,000 bottles—or higher.


Producing wine below these levels often does not cover costs. The 2017 SEPTEMBER i TEXAS LONGHORN JOURNAL 55


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