The Wine CEO Episode #213: Is Texas America's Next Great Wine Region? Podcast Interview with Ab Astris + Adega Vinho

Is Texas becoming America's next great wine region? Two neighboring Texas Hill Country wineries just earned Gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards, and today we're talking about what that recognition really means for the future of Texas wine.

I'm joined by Kristen from Ab Astris and Andy from Adega Vinho, two producers located right down the road from each other in Stonewall, Texas. We talk about what it takes to grow grapes and build a successful winery in an emerging wine region, how neighboring wineries differentiate themselves, and whether international awards actually translate into more sales for small producers. We also dive into the grapes that may ultimately define Texas wine, why Texas doesn't need to become the next Napa Valley, and what needs to happen for consumers outside of Texas to start taking the region seriously.

If you've ever been curious about Texas wine or the Texas Hill Country, this episode is a fascinating look at a region that may be just getting started.

In this episode:

• The rise of Texas Hill Country wine

• What winning a Decanter Gold means for a small winery

• Tempranillo, Souzao and the grapes thriving in Texas

• Building a winery in an emerging wine region

• Competition vs. collaboration between neighboring wineries

• The business behind Texas wine

• Where the Texas wine industry goes next

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZpsdoCMDDnw

Today's Guests:

Ab Astris: https://www.abastriswinery.com/

Adega Vinho: https://adegavinho.com/

2026 Decanter Gold: https://awards.decanter.com/DWWA/2026/search/wines?_gl=1%2A1u9sq6i%2A_gcl_au%2ANDM3MTc2NDk0LjE3OTEzMDUyNjk.%2A_ga%2AMjgzNjk0MjUyLjE3OTEzMDUyNjk.%2A_ga_130J98WCTM%2AczE3OTEzMDUyNjgkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTEzMDUyNjgkajYwJGwwJGgw&award=Gold&competitionType=DWWA

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