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Wine Tasting Deep in the Heart of Texas
By: Eve White	<< back   Page 3 of 3

The final bell rang and our group moved outside the tasting area, dropping our People’s Choice ballots into the box and moving to the end of our weekend at GrapeFest 2004. After attending so many “serious” wine-tasting events recently, I was reminded that events like GrapeFest - a fun-filled weekend, jam-packed with food, entertainment and wine, are beneficial to promoting wine as a lifestyle suitable for everyone – not just an elitist group of “wine snobs”. On my way back to Los Angeles, I secretly hoped my favorite Texas wines would be Gold medal winners, but regardless of the outcome, the Texas wine industry is poised to be a player in the serious wine world, while remaining true to its regional market. And, the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, more about fun and exploration, than serious analysis and critique, is in the end, what is healthy about the wine industry today. Let the people decide what is good! The great Robert Mondavi said it best, “Drink what you like and like what you drink!” I agree, and so do the wine-drinkers deep in the heart of Texas. A list of featured wineries and more information about GrapeFest below. GrapeFest 2004 http://www.grapevinetexasusa.com Click on GrapeFest and People’s Choice link for a full listing of winners Cap Rock Winery Lubbock, TX www.caprockwinery.com (800)546-9463 Wine Maker: Kim McPherson Introduced in 1992, the wines have won numerous medals in some of the most prestigious wine competitions in America and Europe. Hot days, cool nights and sandy loam soil produce some of the best grapes in Texas. The winery features Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Orange Muscat. Fall Creek Vineyards Tow, Texas www.fcv.com (915) 379-5361 WineMaker: Ed Auler Started in1975 as an ambitious project to determine whether high quality wine grapes could be grown in the soil and terrain surround the ranch. After years it became clear that the high caliber grapes could result in top quality wine. And the pursuit of excellence has put Fall Creek at the forefront of the Texas wine industry. Top awards for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Lllano Estacado Lubbock, Texas www.llanowine.com (806)745-2258 Wine Maker: Greg Bruni Founded in 1976, the winery is the best selling “premium” wine brand from the state of Texas. Innovation creativity and successful leadership have helped pioneer Texas wine both nationally and abroad with more awards and accolades over the years than any other Texas winery. Top awards for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature Red and White. Messina Hof Winery Bryan, Texas www.messinahof.com (979)778-9463 Wine Maker: Paul Bonarrigo Founded on the values of family, romance an tradition, by owners Paul & Merrill Bonariggo. Messina Hof pioneered the Texas Wine industry when they planted the vineyards in 1977. From its initial production of 1300 gallons in 1983 it has grown at a breath-taking pace, topping a production level of 112,500 galls in 1996. The winery has received top awards for Johannisberg Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Texas Hill Vineyard Johnson City, Texas www.texashillsvineyard.com (830) 868-2321 WineMaker: Gary Gilstrap Wines from Texas in the style of Italy! Gary & Kathy Gilstrap and son Dale have a dream of maturing into a Texas focal point. Texas Hills always advocates environmentally correct way, by growing in a sustainable organic fashion. They use the least amount of chemicals tha the Texas Hill Country will allow. Producing Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and blush. Bistro Blends of Texas www.bistro-blendsstexas.com Custom blended oils, balsamic vinegar and more.

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