Varietals like Malvasia Bianca, Tempranillo, and Viognier all grow exceptionally well in the Texas climate. With multiple small producers to choose from, our Texas natural wine section is always stacked with the newest and best Texas has to offer.
Quick geography lesson, y'all. Most Texas grapes grow way up on the High Plains around Lubbock, where the altitude and cool nights keep things fresh. The Hill Country west of Austin brings the limestone. The folks making natural wine here keep it hands-off in the cellar, so the wines taste like Texas: sunny, warm and a little wild. And no, they don't all taste like oak and jam.
Where to start
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Orange, Texas style: The Austin Winery Ocho (Viognier and Marsanne from the Salt Lick vineyard in the Hill Country) and Soto Vino Peyote Ugly (Blanc du Bois).
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Porch pounder: The Austin Winery Friends With Benefits, a High Plains co-ferment of Muscat and Picpoul Blanc. The name says it all.
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Reds: The Burg Vin Rouge, Grenache and Mourvèdre from Hill Country limestone, and LØNG LIVE Tinto Fino Tempranillo from Robert Clay Vineyard fruit.
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For the weirdos (we love you): Alta Marfa Maderized, an oxidative, Madeira-style wine, or C.L. Butaud Sparkling Grenache from the High Plains.
How to drink it
These were made for Texas heat. Chill the whites, orange and rosé, and give the lighter reds 20 minutes in the fridge. Then take them to the barbecue and show off a little.
