The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo [FWSSR] and Botanical Research Institute of Texas [BRIT] has named the winners of the inaugural Texas Sustainable Winegrowing Competition.
Bending Branch Winery in Comfort, TX in combination with Tallent Vineyards in Mason, TX were named the top honorees as Grand Champion.
Nice Winery in Houston in combination with Alta Mira Vineyards in Anderson, TX won the Reserve Grand Champion award.
The first-of-its-kind wine competition honors both the wine producer and the grape growers. The wine producers needed to use at least 75% Texas-grown grapes to be eligible to participate in the competition.
“Recognizing the collaborative efforts of grape growers and winemakers spurs innovation,” Stock Show Presiden Brad Barnes said. “The sustainability effort benefits our environment and consumers get to enjoy award-winning Texas wines.”
A panel of experienced wine professionals took on judging responsibilities. Texas wines submitted by applicants represented 12 different grape varieties plus wines blended from multiple grapes.
Dr. Bob Young is the owner of Bending Branch Winery. The winery teamed with Drew Tallent of Tallent Vineyards to create their Tannat Rosé.
Nice Winery is operated by owners Ryan Levy and Ian Eastveld, who worked with Jon and Denise Bowden of Alta Mira Vineyards to produce their Texas Blanc.
The competition winners will be formally recognized during BRIT’s Vine to Table awards dinner and fundraising event on January 15 at Dickies Arena.
“This is a first for Texas wine competitions and we are most pleased with the results,” said Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and executive director. “Texas wine organizations are as passionate about their sustainable practices as they are about making great bottles of Texas wine.”