When we went to Texas over Labor Day, we visited the Delaney Vineyards and tried their refreshing Texas Rose. It was so good that I even brought a bottle home with me and decided to make it the Wine of the Week. I had no idea that Texas had a wine industry, but according to the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, Texas is the site of the first vineyard established in North America by Franciscan priests circa 1662. Who knew? Imagine my surprise when we had a delightful day at the vineyard in Texas. I just thought it would be too hot to grow grapes there, but the climate is actually a lot similar to California’s climate.

The Delaney Vineyard is over 20 years old and Jerry Delaney owns two vineyards, one in Grapevine, the other in Lamesa. The Texas Rose wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli and Petit Verdot grapes from their Lamesa vineyard. It’s received a number of medals in wine competitions and I can see why. It is a fresh blend with fruit and honey notes.

Texas Rose would be great with some Texas BBQ and they even came up with a fun drink called the “Jerry Delaney.” Think Arnold Palmer and mix ½ Texas Rose and ½ lemonade. In the cold winter of Michigan, I’m already dreaming of summer with a Jerry Delaney in hand. If you have a chance to visit the vineyards, I highly recommend it! The winery looks like an 18th century French chateau and is a fun place to hang out with friends for the day.

Have you tried any of the Delaney Wines or any other Texas wineries? Let me know your favorites.

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.