Although California receives the most recognition for wine production in the United States, Spanish missionaries began producing wine in Texas around the 1700s -- almost a century before California vineyards were established.
In fact, over half on the species of grape worldwide are grown in Texas. German and Italian immigrants are credited with starting Texas winemaking. When a blight struck over six million acres of European vineyards rootstock resistant to the disease was sent from Texas and grafted to the European varieties.
Wineries in Texas suffered their own setback as a result of the Prohibition passed by the 18th Amendment in 1919. The wine drought lasted until 1935 with repeal of the Prohibition.
With approximately 40 wineries in Texas the state ranks fifth in wine production -- the top wine states are California, New York, Washington and Oregon respectively. That's not to say they produce the best wine. More than a few Texas wineries lay claim to that privilege.
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