BY ANNA MANESS & CHLOE YOUNG
5-year growth
How it works
The impact
2017
2022
A majority of Texas wine is grown in the High Plains AVA near Lubbock due to its cooler climate. Many Hill Country wineries also serve selections grown in other states, said Valerie Elkins, co-founder of the Texas Wine Auction Foundation. Grapes the Mareks don’t grow locally for The Georgetown Winery get outsourced from the High Plains, Mann said. Additionally, the store provides pinot noir grapes from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and chardonnay and pinot grigio grapes from California. More vineyards are opening in the Hill Coun- try, however, as the acreage of grapes planted in the area has more than doubled over the last 10 years, Wiese said. Although the Central Texas heat can present challenges, some grape varietals perform well in the area, industry experts said. “Wine and grape growers and wineries have learned a lot in the past two decades—a lot of what works and what doesn’t work in Texas,” said Andreea Botezatu, an associate professor and enology extension specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
The city of Georgetown has worked to promote wineries through The Georgetown Swirl, an annual food and wine event celebrat- ing its 15th anniversary on March 1 next year, McAuliffe said. The growth in the community has been “astounding” for Mann, who grew up in Georgetown, she said. “I think this is a great place to be for our business, and the city really set us up for success,” Mann said. Texas A&M is also seeing more students pursue careers in the wine industry, Botezatu said. The university may consider starting a degree program for its viticulture and enology program, which currently allows students to receive certificates related to grape growing and wine making. “I think we’re getting a more engaged workforce,” Elkins said about the Hill Country
Total economic impact
$13.08B
$20.35B
Annual wages
$4.33B
$6.91B
Yearly tourism visitors
1.7M
2.02M
Jobs
104,627
141,235
Wine producers
394
443
SOURCE: WINE AMERICA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
wine region. “I think that people see this as not a job, but they, a lot of the people here, are seeing this as a career.” Miller told Community Impact he hopes Texas will surpass California and become the second-largest wine producing state in the country in the next decade.
Going forward
Top varieties grown in the Hill Country
Heath has plans to expand Heath Sparkling Wines with the installation of new equipment at Invention Vineyards, one of the brand’s facilities in Fredericksburg, which will make it the largest sparkling wine production facility in Texas. “Texas wine is showing no signs of stopping,” said Karen Bonarrigo, secretary of the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association.
Hill Country wineries and organizations say they are projecting continued growth and innovative advancements in the industry. The number of vineyards and wineries in Williamson County is growing, Mann said, adding she hopes The Georgetown Winery continues to be a destination for people wanting to learn about the beverage. “We have locally made wine here in Williamson County,” Mann said.
Spanish red wine grape that is new to Texas red wine grape across Texas that thrives above 3,000 feet red wine grape that produces wines that are high in alcohol and have earthy notes with soft red fruit flavors Spanish red wine grape traditionally grown in Southwest France
Tempranillo
Cabernet sauvignon
Mourvèdre
Tannat
SOURCES: TEXAS WINE & GRAPE GROWERS ASSOCIATION, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
A holiday favorite that is majestic in emotional depth and spiritual resonance. The rich, memorable, and emotionally powerful music will culminate in our joining Panoramic Voices in singing The Hallelujah Chorus. Featuring our very special “ surprise ” guest! Messiah HANDEL’S
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Voice, Art Lessons, Preschool Classes
MUSIC BOSS Music/Art School
info@musicbosstx.com www.musicbosstx.com
Sunday, December 22nd at 4:00pm Georgetown Klett Performing Arts Center 2211 N Austin Ave, Georgetown
All ages and levels
4871-2 Williams Dr, Ste 205 Georgetown 78633 • 737-900-3986
25
GEORGETOWN EDITION
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