Think Globally, Drink Locally

We already know you love wine ...but how often do you choose Texas wine? If you're like us, you may have shied away from Texas wine in the past for a number of reasons - lack of familiarity with brands, limited availability or even *gasp* a bad past experience. We've been there; we feel your pain.

But today we propose you take another look at wines from the Lone Star State. Why? For starters, Texas wineries have been bringing better products to the table with each passing year. The wines are delcious and complex and affordable to boot! (Get it? Boot? Texas? Save your groans 'till the end, please...) Toss in the fact that local products are in vogue for their lower carbon footprints and you have every reason to give one - or more - of our suggestions a try. We've sampled more than a few, and listed our faves below to help you figure out where to start the next time you're at the wine shop.

Also, please comment on any Texas wines or wineries that you recommend - we'd love to hear about 'em!

DallasEats Recommended Texas Wines:

Becker Vineyards

http://www.beckervineyards.com/

The 2006 Iconoclast Cabernet Sauvignon is a friendly wine at a great price - medium bodied and not too dry. Becker Viognier is a light-bodied white that will be perfect in the spring and summer months.

Peregrine Hill

(no website)

Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are both consistently well reviewed. The distinctive Peregrine Falcon on the label is native to far west Texas' Escondido Valley, where the wine is grown and bottled.

Messina Hof

http://www.messinahof.com/

This is a personal favorite of ours - especially Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. We recommend all vintages, as we've never had a bottle we didn't like.

Brennan Vineyards

http://www.brennanvineyards.com/

This up-and-coming Central Texas winery's Viognier just won the prestigious title of Top Texas Wine at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Int'l Wine Competition. If you see it, snap it up.