|
October is Texas Wine Month
Texas Wine Month is celebrated each October as the harvest concludes at most Texas wineries. The entire month has grown into a statewide wine promotion that includes sales incentives, winery tours, wine festivals, in-store tastings, restaurant pairings and other activities in communities across Texas. Check out the GO TEXAN calendar of events to find Wine Month events near you.
The number of wineries in the Lone Star State has grown from 85 in 2005 to more than 350 in just 10 years. This is big business that brings in more than $1.8 billion to the Texas economy annually. Texas wines are now regular recipients of top awards at international wine competitions throughout the world. According to Orbitz Travel, the Texas Hill Country is the second most visited wine region in the United States, coming in only behind Napa Valley.
All of these factors are combining to boost an already growing industry, and that is just the beginning of the good news. With a record rainfall this past spring followed by the typical summer Texas heat; local vineyards are experiencing a bumper crop for this year’s harvests.
“Too much rain in the vineyard can cause a lot of problems,” said Jay Knepp, vineyards operations manager at Salt Lick Cellars. “We had a nice wet spring, and the rain turned off at the perfect time.”
This allowed the grapes to ripen at the optimal rate, according to Knepp.
“We've increased the size of the winery by about 40,000 gallons this year,” said Paul Bonarrigo, CEO at Messina Hof Winery and Resort. “The crop that we're going to be bringing in is about three times larger this year than it was last year.”
A July article from the Huffington Post touted Texas as the “new Napa,” and in a recent article in Wine Enthusiast magazine, the Texas Hill Country was listed as one of the top ten wine tourist destinations in the world. While these accolades are impressive, Bonarrigo notes Texas has even more to offer.
“Even in those really prestigious wine areas,” Bonarrigo said, “a lot of times you don't really run into a lot of hospitality. In Texas, we're all about hospitality, so whenever people come to the winery to visit, they get a whole other type of experience.”
“Texas wineries are a special part of the Lone Star State, and they are the perfect blend of agriculture and tourism,” said Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “More than 1.5 million tourists flock to the over 350 wineries across the state each year. Head over to
gotexan.org to watch our new wine trail promotional videos and find a wine trail near you to get ready to taste your way across Texas.”
Congratulations to all of our GO TEXAN wine industry members — from wineries to retailers to restaurants that serve Texas wine. Make plans to celebrate Texas wine this month by getting out and seeing what your fellow GO TEXAN members are doing. Click here to see a month full of Texas wine events.
|
|
TDA and USDA Heading to Africa to Expand Export Opportunities
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden will lead a trade mission to Accra, Ghana, Nov. 17-20, to expand export opportunities for U.S. agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Two years ago, I led a mission to southern Africa to launch USDA’s Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Initiative, which aims to expand U.S. agricultural and commercial ties in the region,” Harden said. “I am excited to return to Africa with a new group of U.S. agricultural leaders to further explore market opportunities, especially for small, minority and women-owned businesses.”
The delegation will meet with potential customers from more than a dozen countries across sub-Saharan Africa, forging relationships and learning about the market conditions and business environment in the region.
Participants will include representatives from companies comprising a wide array of U.S. food and agricultural products, as well as leaders from state departments of agriculture and U.S. agricultural organizations. TDA is proud to have Deputy Commissioner Fearneyhough representing Texas on this trade mission.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)-sponsored international trade missions open doors and deliver results for U.S. exporters, giving them the opportunity to forge relationships with potential customers, gather market intelligence and, most importantly, generate sales. Additional information about the mission, including application materials, is available here. Applications are due Oct. 2, 2015.
|
|
TDA Launches Farm Fresh Fridays
TDA is launching Farm Fresh Fridays as part of Commissioner Miller’s five-point plan to combat childhood obesity. This latest effort provides Texas students with a direct connection to agriculture and represents cooperation between TDA, Texas schools, individual communities and local agricultural producers. Like the GO TEXAN program, it celebrates local products, in this case those in Texas area schools.
Farm Fresh Fridays is launching ahead of National Farm to School Month in October. Farm-to-school initiatives bring together Texas students and agriculture, and serve as a way to connect communities with locally grown food and the people who produce it. Additionally, in October, TDA will kick off its annual Local Products Challenge, which encourages schools to use more Texas products in their meals. All of this is part of TDA’s efforts to bring Texas agriculture into the classroom.
“Farm Fresh Fridays is about teaching our kids where their food comes from and why it is important to make healthy choices,” Commissioner Miller said. “Our farmers and ranchers work hard every day to produce the food we eat. Then, members of the food service teams at our schools work hard to create healthy meals that kids enjoy. By fostering these connections and serving healthy, locally grown meals, we are building a stronger future for our state. Texas agriculture matters in each of our lives, and I’m excited to see it take a more prominent seat at the table in schools across the Lone Star State.”
This increased awareness regarding locally sourced food is especially good for GO TEXAN members involved in the food industry as it relates to school lunches. Take a look at the Local Products Challenge that TDA issues to schools challenging them to use more local products in their daily menus. For more information on getting involved with local schools with your product, fill out TDA’s survey to become a part of our new producer database.
As part of Farm Fresh Fridays, TDA has launched a new website, FarmFreshFriday.org. The website offers many tools and resources to establish and foster connections between Texas farmers and ranchers, schools, child care providers and local communities. Resources include: Ideas for making fresh Texas foods part of a nutrition plan; the Texas produce seasonality wheel, which teaches kids when fruits and vegetables are in season; recipes using Texas-grown products; and much more.
“Our children are our greatest natural resource, and we need them to be healthy if they are going to lead the state to a brighter future,” Commissioner Miller said.
|
|
Texans Helping Texans
Kellie’s Baking Co., a GO TEXAN member since 2014, has been closed for more than three months due to the damage caused by the Memorial Day floods. Soon after the flood, the air conditioning unit died and the catering equipment went missing. To push on and keep going, they are having an old-fashioned bake sale with their line of “Brookies” and Austin Mural cookie gifts. This is a nice and tasty way for Texans to help Texans. To help, visit their website and purchase Brookies or Austin Mural Cookie Gifts. The treats will be available for pickup until Oct. 3. Nationwide shipping and local courier services are available, too. The profits will be applied to the new AC unit, repairs to the walls, replacing packaging, supplies and catering equipment.
“We are still taking orders and I will be happy to extend a week or two, if needed,” said owner Kellie Moore. “We are and have been creating custom orders since the flood, but our big dream is to reopen our retail store.” For more information, visit their website.
|
|
Go Vote. GO TEXAN.
Get your GO TEXAN company (and others) noticed! Vote in the Best of 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards in Prime Living magazine. Feel free to use this promotional graphic to share this opportunity via social media. Voting will remain open until the end of November. Click here to vote.
|
|
A Brother’s Memory in Each Jar
Names are important and 2 Brothers Salsa is no exception. “My son Wayne was a chef in the restaurant business for twenty years,” said owner Alton Brawley. “Wayne developed a chipotle flavor salsa that his friends and family loved, especially his older brother, Wes. Wes constantly tried to push Wayne to package his salsa. ‘This is good stuff,’ he would say. We lost Wes in 2004 from complications resulting from a double lung transplant. In 2006, after winning the amateur division in the Houston Salsa Festival, we decided to start selling 2 Brothers Salsa to the public as a tribute to Wes. That’s why we have the two little chili peppers on the label, one of which is an angel.”
The popularity of the GO TEXAN registered service mark on a myriad of products is what attracted the small company to the GO TEXAN program. “It was also the help from the programs to the producer,” said Brawley. “Our regional GO TEXAN field representative, Michelle Bobo, sent me the information for the Central Market Vendor Showcase in 2013. Our product was featured at this show and now we enjoy our product on the shelves of Central Market Stores.”
For more information on 2 Brothers Salsa, go to their website or Facebook page.
|
|
Members in the News
Argus Cidery, Ranger Creek, Treaty Oak and Real Ale were all highlighted in the Austin American-Statesman.
Arro, Hops & Grain, The Backspace, Parkside, Jacoby’s Café, 24 Diner and Easy Tiger were all spotlighted on Eater Austin.
Bentley's Batch 5 was highlighted in a Dallas Observer story.
Blue Bell’s return made the news all over. Here is an article on Eater Austin that highlights a singing pastor extolling the virtues of this fine Texas ice cream.
Dough Pizzeria Napolitano was featured on Thrillist.
Congratulations to Dripping Springs Vodka, who won the People’s Choice Award at the Dripping with Taste Wine & Food Festival.
Garrison Brothers was highlighted on Eater.
Groovy Dog Bakery was profiled on Yelp.
H-E-B, Texas Legato and Dancing Bee Winery were mentioned in a story on the 7th Annual Food, Wine and Brew Festival in the Harker Heights Herald.
Rahr and Sons Brewing and fellow GO TEXAN member Eagle Mountain Cheese were highlighted in The Dallas Morning News for a pairing event they did together.
Congratulations to Ranger Creek, who won big at Whiskies of the World Expo.
Swift Distillery, San Luis Spirits and Twisted X were interviewed on KVUE.
Congratulations to Taste Elevated, who were featured in Food & Wine magazine.
Texas Pride Barbecue was listed as one of “15 Restaurants Outside SA that are Worth the Drive” in San Antonio Current.
Town in City Brewing was spotlighted in the Houston Beer Guide.
Wholly Cow Burgers was highlighted on Thrillist.
Yaga’s Café was listed as a “Top Ten Brunches in Galveston” on Culture Trip.
|
|
Mark Your Calendar
What: Hutto Olde Tyme Days
When: Oct. 16-17
Where: Hutto
Details: Hutto’s Olde Tyme Days is a two-day event held Friday, Oct. 16 through Saturday, Oct. 17. There will be a carnival going both days and Charlie Robison will be performing at the street dance, along with other musical acts and plenty of events for children and adults of all ages. GO TEXAN members receive a 10 percent discount on a vendor booth. For information on becoming a vendor, contact Emily Holmes at (512) 759-4400.
What: The United Estates of Texas Wine Festival
When: Oct. 17, Noon-3 p.m.
Where: Florence
Details: The Vineyard at Florence is hosting this event indoors in Villa Ella Amore. Visitors get a souvenir wine glass, complimentary tote and 10 wine pours of their choice from local wineries for only $15. The good news for GO TEXAN members is that The Vineyard at Florence is inviting GO TEXAN wineries and companies selling wine festival appropriate products to staff a table and sample their products to the public. Wineries will need to obtain a festival permit from TABC, pour at least 3 wines for guests and sell by the glass or bottle/case (your choice). There is no charge for companies to participate. The event will provide an 8’ table, ice buckets and ice. More than 300 visitors are expected. For more information, contact Kambrah Garland at (512) 924-7447.
What: Bacon Bash
When: Oct. 17
Where: Cranfills Gap
Details: This big bacon cook off is shaping up to be the biggest, baddest and "baconiest" ever. They have already sold twice the number of tickets as of this time last year. Join this GO TEXAN event as a fan, team competitor or sponsor. For more information, visit the website.
What: Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest
When: Oct. 24
Where: Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg
Details: This is the 25th anniversary of the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest. It is a full-course celebration of Texas food, wine, beer, music, specialty booths, food court and fun for all! Plus fabulous events: Friday's Celebration of Texas Food & Wine and Saturday's Patron Party on Marktplatz. Sponsored by the City of Fredericksburg, the proceeds go to the Market Square Improvement Project. There are still openings for Texas specialty food booths. Interested GO TEXAN food members should contact Deborah Farquhar-Garner at (830) 997-8515 for an application.
What: 28th Annual Hogeye Festival
When: Oct. 24
Where: Elgin
Details: The Hogeye Festival will feature over 120 artists with handcrafted wares, delicious food vendors, great music throughout the day and a wonderful children’s area with activities and games. It is advertised throughout central Texas and attracts up to 20,000 attendees each year. GO TEXAN members will receive a 20 percent discount on vendor fees. For more information, click here or email or call (512) 229-3217.
What: Houston Chili Cook-Off
When: Nov. 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Watson's House of Ales, Houston
Details: The Houston Chili Cook-Off opens to the public at 11 a.m. Chili cooks and cooking teams are invited to enter this third annual competition. For information, visit the event website or contact Michael Briggs at (832) 788-7071.
What: Costa Rica Inbound Mission
When: Nov. 12
Where: Oklahoma City, OK
Details: At this exclusive opportunity, your company will get one-on-one meetings with pre-qualified Costa Rican retail and food service buyers. The "best prospects" categories of productsinclude: poultry, pork and beef, dairy, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, condiments and sauces, snack foods, tree nuts, prepared food and pet food. The participation fee is $50. There is also another inbound mission happening on Nov. 9 in Richmond, VA, if the Nov. 12 date does not suit your schedule. The registration deadline is Oct. 5. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: Hill Country Olive Fest
When: Nov. 14, 12-7 p.m.
Where: Dripping Springs
Details: Rescheduled from the May date due to severe weather. Food and wine tasting, gourmet chefs, cooking classes with entertainment for the whole family. For vendor information, contact Cara Gambini at (512) 607-6512.
What: Texas Hill Country Cork ‘N Fork
When: Nov. 14
Where: Bandera
Details: The Arthur Nagel Community Clinic special event committee wants to give you the opportunity to promote your brand by joining us on Saturday, November 14 at the beautiful Purple Sage Ranch in Bandera for a fundraising event benefiting a worthy cause. The Arthur Nagel Clinic is a nonprofit clinic that provides Bandera County with free healthcare to those residents who can’t afford insurance. It is totally funded by donations and grants. Our committee invites restaurants, wineries and distilleries to present at the event. We ask you to choose one of your signature items to provide samples to the attendees. We encourage restaurants to sample out dishes featuring Texas wild-caught Gulf shrimp. Each restaurant participant will be provided with two covered 8 x 2 foot tables. Wineries and distilleries will be provided with either a covered round table or covered 8-foot table. We are very excited about the opportunity to present your fine products to supporters in Bandera County who give so generously to support the Arthur Nagel Clinic. For more information, contact Genie Strickland at (210) 215-1225.
What: Canada Inbound Trade Mission
When: Nov. 15
Where: Chicago, IL
Details: Companies interested in private label sales are encouraged to register with SUSTA to meet one-on-one with key buyers from Canada. One-on-one meetings will be held in a dedicated meeting room in a hotel adjacent to the PLMA convention site on the day prior to the show. The product focus is on: high value/processed foods, gluten free, ethnic selections, healthy and organic, snack foods, nuts and candy. The participation fee is $25 and the registration deadline is Oct. 1. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: Panama Outbound Mission
When: Nov. 17-18
Where: Panama City, Panama
Details: At this event your company can get one-on-one meetings with pre-qualified buyers; tours of retail facilities in Panama; in-country transportation and interpreter services; up to $500 reimbursement of product sample shipping costs; and reimbursement of hotel accommodations for 3 nights for one company representative during the dates of the mission. The registration fee is $400 and the deadline for registering is Oct. 2. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: IPM Essen
When: Jan. 16
Where: Essen, Germany
Details: Suppliers of plant and nursery products from the SUSTA region are invited to exhibit at IPM Essen, the largest horticulture trade event in the world. Participation fee includes a furnished 8’ x 8’ booth, as well as shared areas and interpreters available in the U.S. pavilion. Hotel reservations are at a discounted rate if booked before Dec. 1, 2015. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: 2016 Fruit Logistica
When: Feb. 3-5
Where: Berlin, Germany
Details: Fruit Logistica is the leading international meeting place for the fresh produce trade, bringing together more than 2,700 exhibitors and over 65,000 visitors. Product focus is on fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. Southern U.S. suppliers are invited to exhibit in SUSTA's pavilion at the show, where they will receive a fully furnished 8’ x 6’ booth space and up to $500 for shipping of product samples with proper documentation. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: 2016 FOODEX Japan
When: March 16
Where: Tokyo, Japan
Details: Exhibit with SUSTA at this show and receive furnished booth space, interpreter services, in-country consultation on marketing and importing requirements, and up to $1,000 of sample shipping costs from a consolidation point in the U.S. to the trade show through SUSTA’s freight forwarder. Product focus is on high value/processed foods, organic and fair trade, produce, sweets and snacks, and more. Participation fee is $2,000. A New Exporter Showcase package is available for $500. These companies must be first-time exhibitors and new to the Japanese market. Registration deadline is Dec. 1. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: 2016 ExpHoRe
When: May 31 – June 2
Where: Heredia, Costa Rica
Details: Costa Rica has achieved the highest level of economic development in Central America. Exports of food products from the SUSTA region to Costa Rica have increased from $225 million in 2013 to nearly $300 million in 2014. The participation fee for this trade show is $1,815 for a full booth or $908 for a half booth. Furnished booths come with electricity, signage, badges and booth clean-up services. Interpreter services are available, as needed. Up to 100 pounds of sample shipping from a consolidation point in the U.S. to the show using SUSTA’s designated freight forwarder. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
|
|
Show Your Texas Pride: Wear GO TEXAN.
Did you know all GO TEXAN merchandise is always available at gotexan.org with free shipping? Go shopping and pick out some GO TEXAN apparel for your or your loved ones to wear and show the world that you GO TEXAN.
|
|
Tell Your Story: Shine a Spotlight on Your Company
Would you like to see your GO TEXAN company featured in one of our publications (like this one)? Go here for information on how to send us your story for publication consideration.
|
|
Meet Your Field Representatives
Mouse over their photo to see which region each Field Representative serves and click on their photo to send them an email.
 
 
 
 
 
|
|
Spot the Mark
Want a fun way to share the best things in Texas with the world? It’s easy!
GO TEXAN uses social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to post GO TEXAN events, share member news and increase the awareness for the wide variety of products grown or made right here in the Lone Star State.
Challenge: If you spot the GO TEXAN mark in public, let us know. Send us a picture of the GO TEXAN mark on a product, sign or printed materials and let us know where you saw it. You may send us that information by using the GO TEXAN Twitter hashtag (#GOTEXAN), so we can easily retweet your message or send us an e-mail.
And speaking of the GO TEXAN mark, as a valued member, please ensure you're using the correct GO TEXAN mark. We updated the mark to include a registration symbol (®) and all members should now be using the new mark.
If you don't have the latest version of the GO TEXAN mark, email us to get high-quality digital copies of the mark to use on your labels, merchandising materials, website and more.
|
|
