Big Tex chooses Texas wines for Fair

By Karissa Condonianis

In keeping with the State Fair of Texas mission of promoting agriculture, education and community involvement, involvement, the Fair is introducing its new Blue Ribbon Wine Selection program. Sponsored by GO TEXAN and in partnership with the Texas Wine Advocate, 12 of Texas’ best wines were selected from a pool of more than 100 entries. In addition to supporting local agriculture and educating visitors on the best Lone Star wine, this program brings communities of people together to enjoy a glass of great Texas flavors at the State Fair Wine Garden.

 A panel of nine wine experts blindly judged 94 wines from across the Lone Star State and selected 12 of the best to receive the “GO TEXAN Blue Ribbon” distinction. 

 “I raise my glass and toast the winners of this year’s GO TEXAN Blue Ribbon Wine Selection Competition. For the second year in a row, Texans can be proud that the majority of winners were GO TEXAN members,” said Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner. 

“I’d like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s competition and thank our friends at the State Fair of Texas.  And of course, I’d remind all Texans that whether visiting the State Fair of Texas this year, or shopping for that perfect bottle of wine, taste the best of Texas and remember Texas agriculture matters!”

 These ribbon-winning wines represent 11 different wineries across the state, with a mix of red, white and sparkling wines — something for everyone. Selected wines showcase the best Texas has to offer and are available for tasting and purchase all 24 days of the Fair. The State Fair Wine Garden, located between the GO TEXAN Pavilion and Pan Am Arena, will have a special tasting station to showcase the 12 Blue Ribbon wines, which will be sold in two-ounce samples, by the glass and by the bottle. 

The State Fair of Texas is happy to announce the 2019 GO TEXAN Blue Ribbon Wine Selection winners:

 Bending Branch Winery “Texas Tannat®” (Red) 

 C.L. BUTAUD Rosé (Rosé)

Cassaro Winery and Vineyard “Avante Rosé” (Rosé)

Farmhouse Vineyard “West Texas Sweet” (White)

Haak Vineyards and Winery “Amorcito Sweet Red” (Red)

 Haak Vineyards and Winery “Semi Dry Blanc du Bois” (White)

Kiepersol “Flight” (Rosé)

McPherson Cellars “Verde Verde” (White)

Messina Hof Winery Sangiovese (Red)

Pedernales Cellars “GSM Mélange” (Red)

Spirit of Texas Winery “Welcome” (White)

White Fox Vineyards “Texas Red” (Red)

Visit the BigTex.com/Wine, for more information on the GO TEXAN Blue Ribbon Wine Selection program.

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