{Media passes were provided, but no other compensation. Thoughts and opinions are my own.}

Temperatures hovering around 80 with just enough of a breeze. Texas tunes and plates. Cerulean blue in the sky, an array of pink in my glass. Is there a better way to spend a day?

As the Texas Wine industry continues to flourish, we continue to refine and expand on what does well in our climate, with our terroir. I knew rosé was gaining in popularity and diversity. I just didn’t realize the scope and depth until last Sunday when I tasted dozens of 100% Texas wines from around 40 producers at the Texas Wine Revolution.

Events such as these can tire your palate quickly, so my plan is always to find those I haven’t tried and can’t easily get a hold of first. There were even a few premieres at this event so that is where I began.

As to be expected, Rhône varieties dominated the bottles. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and now, even Counoise. There were rosés from Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, and Cab Franc.

I tasted a GSM from Siboney Cellars, the inaugural wine by Miguel and Barbara Lecuona, and oaked Mourvedre by Brennan Vineyards, rosé on tap by Vinovium. Sponsors William Chris provided the expected, with a Grenache rosé, and the unexpected with a Pet Nat of mostly Merlot and cans of Sway rosé, a side project with Andrew Sides. Farmhouse Vineyards premiered their sparkling Counoise, Lost Draw Cellars shared their flat from Farmhouse grapes. Lewis poured one from the Hill country, one from the High Plains. Rae Wilson poured Dandy and the Grower Project Sangiovese Rosato, another produced with Andrew Sides.

There were perennial favorites. There were producers that were new to me that I can’t wait to explore further (I’m coming for you C.LButaud). There was so much good wine that I had a hard time sticking to my take-home budget.

At a seminar before the event, host Chris Brundrett said that we can now say the first chapter of Texas wine has been written but the story is still developing. After this event, I can say that as each chapter unfolds, Texas wines are sure to hold your attention. Prepare for a best seller. Or should I say, “cellar?”