Texan winery achieves organic certification

Newly-opened winery Halter Ranch Texas has become the first producer in the region of Fredericksburg to be certified as organic.

Fredericksburg is quickly becoming the epicentre of the burgeoning Texan wine industry, with more than 60 producers in the region.

Halter Ranch, which is based in Paso Robles, California, officially opened its Texas winery in May of this year. Before this opening, the new site underwent numerous checks, and it has now been announced that it has achieved certification through California’s Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) for 1.17 acres (0.5 hectares) of land.

Winemaker Kevin Sass said of the process: “Organic farming requires many inspections and audits, but most importantly, it requires patience. All geographical environments are different and, with careful evaluation, we hope to produce an outstanding wine representative of Hill Country terroir. We’re excited to trial Blanc du Bois as the first 100% organic grapes planted at Halter Ranch Texas and in the Fredericksburg region at large.”

Blanc du Bois is a hybrid white grape that is increasingly important in Texas, and is particularly liked by viticulturists due to its resistance to Pierce’s disease, a bacterial disease that can kill vines by blocking their xylem.

“At Halter Ranch, we believe that organic farming not only produces superior grapes but also contributes to the preservation of our land for future generations,” added Halter Ranch general manager and vice president Bryce Mullins. Halter Ranch’s Paso Robles vineyards achieved organic certification in 2023.

While no Halter Ranch Texas wine has been produced yet, the tasting room currently serves wines, including a rosé and a sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon, which were produced in partnership with other organic grape growers and Texas’ Bending Branch Winery.