Predictions for the Texas wine industry in 2014

(YHN) - Looking into 2014, I see Texas experiencing several benchmark events in the wine industry.

I predict Texas will continue to experience skyrocketing winery growth, reaching more than 400 wineries by the end of the year. In 2005, Texas had only 50 wineries so this growth has been phenomenal.

I predict Texas wines made from Texas grapes will continue to increase in abundance with many Texas wineries being recognized with Double Gold Medals for their outstanding 100-percent Texas wines.

I predict these great wines will finally be recognized by national and international authorities like “Wine Spectator.”

However, the bad news is that Texas still consumes several times more wines than it produces so this in-state consumption will still cause outsiders to not enjoy our great Texas wines. Texas now has four colleges which have degrees for people to learn/earn in the fields of wine-making and grape growing.

This higher education coupled with the ongoing education programs of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association will produce the talented winemakers and grape growers that Texas needs. However, I predict it will be another two to three years before grape vineyards will become more plentiful.

Since the last state legislature cut incentive funds for establishing vineyards, I predict the banks will come forward with agriculture loans. Grapes will still be the highest-earning cash crop in agriculture in Texas though. Hopefully Texans will realize there is a demand for such grapes. I predict the Texas High Plains will continue to lead the way in grape production with several families of Texas cotton farmers converting from cotton to grapes.