Lubbock's First Annual Wine Festival

Texas wineries can actually trace their origins back to the 1600 when Spanish missionaries began cultivating grapes near present-day El Paso. Prohibition forced the closing of all Texas wine operations in 1919. In 1933, after Prohibition was repealed, the Texas wine industry began again on a much smaller scale. Today, the wine industry is exploding in Texas and, with new laws in place; Lubbock is in full swing to present its First Annual Texas Wine Festival.

There are over 180 wineries located in Texas and this event will showcase more than twenty of those wineries. This event will be among the first where the new Texas state law allows wineries to obtain special permits and will be able to sale their products directly to the public.

Billed as "The 'Giant Sip' of Texas", it will be held November 6 though the 8^th at the Louise Underwood Center for the Arts located at 511 Ave. K, Lubbock. Though everyone is welcome, only those 21 years and older will be able to partake in the wine tasting and purchasing.

The three day event promises to be full of music, art, food, and, of course, wine. There will be over 100 delectably different wines available. The different vintages of wine will be available for purchase by glass, bottle or case at the event.

This event will also be raising funds for several local groups including Lubbock's Meals on Wheels, Marine Corps' Toys for Tots, and the Sheriff's Fallen Officer's Fund.

If you are not into wine, there is still plenty to enjoy with artist booths, live music and even beer tasting from Lubbock's Triple J Chophouse and Brewery.

Friday's hours are from 5:30 to 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 5:00. A valid ID will be required to enter the festival. For other restrictions and up to date info, check out their website.

Tickets will be around $20 per person. Tickets will be available online at their website or at the gate.

The Texas wine industry is growing. According to Texas Agricultural Commissioner Todd Staples, Texas is currently the fifth-leading wine producing state in the United States and is looking to climb higher in the rankings. A recent economic study shows this agriculture sector impacts the Texas economy by $1.35 billion dollars annually. More than 9,000 are employed in the Texas wine industry and it draws an astonishing 1 million tourists and visitors per year.

Sources:
Todd Staples, Texas Agricultural Commissioner, http://commissionertoddstaples.blogspot.com/2009/07/texas-wine-industry-continues-to-grow.html

Go Texan Wine Organization, www.gotexanwine.org

The Lubbock Wine Festival: www.lubbockwinefestival.com