Today's guest is Garrett Strickler, vineyard manager at Salt Lick Vineyards and wine director at Salt Lick Cellars. We talk about regenerative agriculture, what makes Salt Lick Vineyards such a prime spot for viticulture, and why Texas Hill Country rose should be on your list. In Texas wine news, I'll discuss the plans for the first ever Hill Country Wine Camp, share fun news about another Texas winery using alternative packaging, and announce TEXSOM conference dates. Cheers to all of the fun Texas wine events happening this spring and summer!

My guest for this episode is Fran Pontasch, who along with co-authors Drs Russ Kane and Justin Scheiner, is writing a book about the most planted white grape variety in Texas, Blanc Du Bois. No other state has embraced Blanc Du Bois as warmly as Texas, and we will talk about all the reasons why. You'll also hear Doug Lewis of Lewis Wines discussing Swim Spot, his very popular effervescent wine made from Blanc Du Bois. In Texas wine news, I'll discuss Maryam Ahmed's new article for Bon Appetit that's getting people talking about drinking local, not just eating local. Plus, there's some troubling news about bankruptcy filings by two wine companies in Texas. And it's time to enter the Vintners Cup competition. Finally, I've got some tickets to give away for both Hill Country and North Texas events. Listen to find out how to enter. Cheers!

My guest on this episode is Chase Jones, co-owner and general manager of Slate Theory Winery in Fredericksburg. Maybe you've seen Slate Theory's provocative wine labels or heard about the incredible cave. But I've learned that there's much more to Slate Theory than that. In our interview, you'll hear about Slate Theory's dedication to Texas viticulture, the artistry of their winemakers David and Tyler, and their desire to be a safe place to start a conversation around mental health. In Texas wine news, TEXSOM Awards results are out, and Texas wineries did quite well. Plus, several new tasting room are in the works for Fredericksburg, and there's one winery rebranding that caught my attention. Finally, I've got a ticket giveaway for the Texas Hill Country Wineries Road Show in Houston on May 8. Listen to find out how to enter! Cheers y'all!

On episode 113, in addition to recapping some recent Texas wine news stories, you'll hear my interview with Seth Urbanek of William Chris Wine Company and Elisa Jones of Elisa Christopher Wines. These two are at the forefront of the rapidly developing traditional method sparkling wine scene in Texas. They join me to talk in depth about sparkling wine production, the lessons they've learned and what comes next. Thanks for listening! Cheers y'all!

On episode 112, I sit down with Janet and Mark Miertschin, owners of Portree Cellars in the Texas Hill Country. This boutique winery has been very well received by critics and guests since opening two years ago. Listen to find out how Mark and Janet's many skills create something special at Portree Cellars. But first, Texas wine news includes a weather situation, plans for a major North Texas winery to open its first "destination vineyard", international recognition for several wineries, and more. Thanks for listening! Cheers ya'll!

On episode 111, listen for the latest Texas wine news, including plans for Austin Wine Week, new tasting rooms coming to the Hill Country, and an article focusing on low alcohol wines. Then I visited Torr Na Lochs in Burnet for a conversation with Blake DeBerry and Colby O'Brien. I'm excited to share the new Viticulture & Enology project that's going on at Texas Tech University and highlights from Blake's recent term as President of Texas Hill Country Wineries. Plus, this episode includes a return of Demerits and Gold Stars! Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all!

On episode 110, in addition to recapping Texas wine news, I'm sharing an interview with Zachary Raines, head winemaker at Augusta Vin Winery in Fredericksburg. Zachary's wines have been earning top medals at wine competition and receiving praise from critics. We talk through how he ended up in Texas, parallels between Paso Robles and Texas wine industries, and how he approaches winemaking at Augusta Vin. Cheers y'all!

On episode 109, you'll hear a rundown of recent Texas wine news, event updates and discount codes for tickets. The main event is an interview featuring Krista and Scott Hartman from Red River Wines and Provisions in the Texoma AVA. They are going all in on Texas viticulture, thoughtful winemaking, and a very personal and educational hospitality experience. I can't wait for you to hear what they're cooking up in North Texas! Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all!

This is episode 108, and it's the first podcast of 2026! Today's episode includes Texas wine news, wine competition results, and a replay of the closing session of the Hill Country Wine Symposium. The symposium was filled with great information and tastings, but this closing panel was mostly for fun. It's a walk down memory lane for 6 long-time Texas wine professionals. Their best advice is "Make really good friends," and you can tell that they have. Thanks for listening, and cheers y'all! Image by Peary Photography

In this final episode of 2025, I'll share the top Texas wine stories of the year and unveil the winners of the 2025 TexasWinePod Awards! Listen in to catch up on all the highlights (and a few low points) that defined this year in Texas wine. I'll also share listener-submitted highlights and some podcast stats. Cheers to a great year in Texas wine!