Feb Chapter 2026 Meeting - Texas Native Grapevines by Victoria Raven of the Esperanza Winery

Описание: The Lindheimer Chapter’s February meeting featured Victoria Raven with Esperanza Vineyard and Esperanza Winery, speaking on native grapes. Located in Blanco, Texas, at 115 Main Street, the mother/daughter owners are highly adept in their craft, using a lifetime of honed skills.

Our lecture covered the importance of native Texas grapes, which have been hybridized into rootstocks used in vineyards worldwide to prevent infestations such as (1) the Phylloxera infestation in European vineyards caused by almost microscopic, pale yellow, sap-sucking insects, or (2) Pierce’s Disease, caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which is spread by xylem-feeding leafhoppers known as sharpshooters. There are 13 native grape species and 100 named varieties of wild grapes in Texas, more than any other state!

Voted Best Winery in Blanco County for 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, Esperanza Winery has developed important skills in grafting rootstock to obtain palatable varietals. Also, knowing the soil type and elevation a particular type of grape prefers is crucial for the vine to thrive.

Don’t take my word for it. Tastings are available at the Blanco, Texas location. You are encouraged to go see for yourself! Explore your options at https://www.esperanzawinery.com