Spanish missionaries begin cultivating grapes near present-day El Paso.
1800s
European settlers to South and Central Texas start vineyards using
grapevine cuttings brought over from their native countries.
1843
Thomas Munson is born in Astoria, Illinois.
1876
Thomas Munson moves to Denison, Texas.
1883
Frank Qualia founds Val Verde Winery at Del Rio. It is the oldest
bonded winery currently in operation in Texas.
1888
The French government presents Thomas Munson with the French Legion of
Honor Chevalier du Mèrite Agricole award for his Texas-grown,
phylloxera-resistant rootstock which saved France's wine industry.
1900
As the century turns, Texas has a thriving wine industry with 25
wineries in operation.
1909
Thomas Munson publishes Foundations of American Grape Culture. It
becomes the handbook for U.S. grape growers.
1919
Prohibition forces the closing of Texas wine operations
1933
Prohibition is repealed, and the Texas wine industry begins again on a
smaller scale.
1970s
Bobby Smith starts a vineyard in Springtown and the Sand Land Grape
Growers Association launch operations west of Lubbock. A new
generation of Texas winemaking begins.
1986
Llano Estacado Winery wins a double gold award at the prestigious San
Francisco Fair Wine Competition, putting Texas wine on the world
stage.
1986
The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival is launched, creating a
high-profile showcase for Texas Wine
2001
The Texas Legislature creates the Texas Wine Marketing Assistance Program.
2004
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo launches its first International Wine
Competition.
2005
Texas has eighty-five wineries in operation and an additional nineteen
in development.
2005
The Texas Legislature approves a bill allowing wineries to ship their
wines anywhere in the state.