West Texas Wines

Texas has galloped ahead in the wine world, quickly moving into fifth place for overall production throughout the country. With over 50 wineries across the state, groups will find many of the Lone Star State's finest and largest wineries right in West Texas, facilities which not only offering tastings and tours but also excellent off-site venues for elegant evenings.

Most are located on a plain Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado named the Llano Estacado, the flatlands surrounding Lubbock which offer good growing conditions and soil. With an elevation of 3,400 feet, a semiarid climate, and an annual rainfall of about 18 inches, the area has proven to be ideal for this crop. Lubbock area grapes are shipped to wineries throughout Texas. And their home product has won numerous international awards and been served at state dinners to President Bush, Mikael Gorbechov, and Queen Elizabeth. Here's a look at some of the region's most notable wineries:

Llano Estacado, Lubbock. Named for that famous plain, this winery is one of the state's most celebrated. Founded in 1976, today the winery is the state's largest producer of premium wines, ones sold throughout the United States and in many European countries. This award-winning winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Johannisberg Reisling, Llano Blush, and other varieties. After a tour of the winery operations, groups enjoy a tasting of these fine wines. Tours are offered daily. The winery can also host receptions for up to 50 attendees in the tasting room or up to 200 in the wine cellar. Outdoor functions are also available. 806.745.2258, www.llanowine.com.

Ste. Genevieve, Fort Stockton. Ste. Genevieve is one of the state's largest producers; although tours at the winery are no longer available, the city has a new tasting room located in the historic Gray Mule Saloon downtown with a tasting room, visitors center, and art gallery and can accommodate up to 25 visitors indoors or as many as 200 outside. For information, contact the city tourism director at 432.336.8525 ext. 16.

Pheasant Ridge, Lubbock. Located on the north side of Lubbock amidst 50 acres of vineyards, this family-owned winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, and other wines made from hand-picked grapes. The winery offers tastings and tours Friday through Sunday as well as private space for functions up to 100 persons. 806.746.6033, www.pheasantridgewinery.com.

Cap*Rock, Lubbock. An Old World charm envelopes this winery, one of the state's most beautiful. The Southwestern mission-style architecture is accompanied by 14-foot ceilings and an elegant interior spanning over 23,000 square feet. Receptions for up to 350 attendees or dinner for up to 160 people can be hosted here as well as private meetings. 806.863.2704, www.caprockwinery.com.

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