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Texas Hill Country Wineries Earn State’s First Gold Medals at Decanter World Wine Awards

The awards highlight the Hill Country’s growing reputation as Texas wines gain more attention on the world stage

Four Texas Hill Country Wineries members earned Texas’ first gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Four Texas Hill Country Wineries members earned Texas’ first gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards. (Photo courtesy of Spicewood Vineyards)

Texas wine lovers have a new reason to raise a glass: Four Hill Country wineries earned Texas’ first gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards, a global competition that judged nearly 17,000 wines from 58 countries this year. The winning bottles came from Texas Hill Country Wineries members Ab Astris, for its Souzao 2022; Turtle Creek, for its Tannat 2023; Adega Vinho, for its Estate Tempranillo 2021; and Spicewood Vineyards, for its Las Montañas 2022.

“We are thrilled to see Texas wines earn these prestigious medals,” says January Wiese, Executive Director of Texas Hill Country Wineries. “These medals reflect the care and dedication that went into every bottle. We’re incredibly proud of our member wineries and excited to watch the continued growth and success of Texas wines on a worldwide stage.”

Ab Astris Winery in Stonewall, TX, one of four Texas wines to earn the state’s first gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Ab Astris Winery in Stonewall, TX, one of four Texas wines to earn the state’s first gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards. (Photo courtesy of Ab Astris Winery)

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Texas wines make their mark

Texas earned 58 silver medals and 60 bronze medals, and 62 of the 122 Texas wines submitted scored 90 points or higher. According to Texas Hill Country Wineries, that placed Texas second among American wine regions for 90-plus point scores.

The results point to a broader shift in how Texas wine is being judged outside the state. Rather than simply gaining attention as a growing wine destination, Texas is being recognized for specific varieties that thrive in its climate, including Iberian, Italian and Mediterranean grapes.

Texans looking to taste through the region can also use Texas Hill Country Wineries’ Summer Season Pass, available through Aug. 31. The digital pass works like a coupon book, offering one complimentary tasting at each participating winery, along with 10% off purchases of three or more bottles.

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