Texas Vineyards Update
The hard task of recovering from the devastating Texas weather in the Texas Hill Country is just beginning as rescue crews are finalizing their grim jobs. The flood damages have been severe so Texas wineries and vineyards On July 10 Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa hosted a special screening of PBS’s “Hidden Gems of Texas Hill Country” and raised more than $8,700 to support disaster response organization Team Rubicon and victims of the recent floods that devastated parts of the Texas Hill Country.
Held in Carter Creek’s event pavilion, members of the community, local leaders and partners including Garrison Brothers Distillery and Wildseed Farms gathered for an inspiring night of film, philanthropy and camaraderie. Guests enjoyed small bites, award-winning wines, craft beverages and live music as they supported Texas Hill Country residents and survivors.
Jeremy from Adega Vinho in the Texas Hill Country wants everyone to know, “Firstly, our hearts are with the people of Kerrville, and everyone affected by the deadly flooding over the 4th of July weekend. It was a tragic event, and we pray for our community. 2025 has been a challenging vintage. Between a handful of hailstorms during the spring and the massive amounts of rain we have seen over the past few weeks, we have had to be quite diligent in the vineyard, but with great results. Overall, the vintage should shape up to be a good one overall, with wines of balance, lower alcohol, softer tannins and slightly higher acid due to the rains and lower than typical summer temperatures. Cheers, and drink more Texas wine!”
Casie Ward with Lost Draw Winery said, “A wet late spring and early summer has us looking green and healthy in the vineyard. We are completely through veraison through in the vineyard, so grapes are starting to build sugars. If ripening stays on track, we will likely be looking at starting harvest in the vineyard before the end of July. Once we are through harvest in the vineyard, folks can keep their eyes out for the return of the sheep.”
Jon McPherson for Carter Creek Winery in Johnson City advised me, “Carter Creek’s Johnson City vineyards experienced sporadic weather during the bloom period which has led to poor fruit set across our estate vineyards, and as a result, we’re anticipating significantly lower yields this season.” Jon further added about Carter Creek’s Lubbock vineyards, “Veraison is underway across the Texas High Plains, with crop levels averaging a moderate 2.5 to 4 tons. However, continued rainfall is a concern — the vineyards need time to dry out. If conditions remain wet, we anticipate increased pressure from mildew in the coming days.”
Susan Johnson with Texas Heritage Vineyard reported, “Our 14.5 acre vineyard is located in Gillespie County off of Grapetown Road. We have eight different varietals growing at this location.
This year has been a challenge! We had some freeze damage on April 7…we estimate about 25 to 30% loss. This was our first year (9 years) to experience any freeze damage, so I guess we should not complain.
The ongoing rains, of course, are a blessing and a curse for the vineyard. The vines LOVE real rainfall. The growth has been outstanding. However, with the amount of ongoing rain we have experienced, we have had issues getting in to spray. AND, it is so humid. But, so far, no mold or rot that we see.”
Look for more vineyard happenings in Texas in next week’s edition of Wine Walk.
