Introducing the 100% Texas Grown Emblem Program

There have been discussions in recent years regarding Texas wines that are made from 100% Texas grapes and how there should be a way to identify those wines especially to consumers. Various efforts have been made throughout the years by some wineries on a way to do this. The Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA) has been working on a program and it has now been officially launched.

The 100% Texas Grown Emblem program was approved by the TWGGA Board of Directors for use by all members of the Texas wine industry, not just TWGGA members.

There are two documents required for participation in the program. The eight-page Certification Agreement outlines the structure and expectations of the program. The other document is a one-page Annual Enrollment form.

The Agreement document’s beginning pages describe in detailed legalese how the program works and the rights and requirements for participation. Then comes information starting with the graphic of the Certification Mark. The official black and white Certification Mark may be used if the participant’s wine is made from grapes grown entirely (100%) within the state of Texas with the exception of high proof spirits used for fortification and concentrate used as an addition.

The Certification Mark shall be reproduced only in the official black and white images. Requests for use of the mark in colors other than the official black and white marks must be pre-approved in writing by TWGGA. The Certification Mark must be either printed on the product label or attached to the bottle as a sticker.

The term of the Agreement is one year with an automatic renewal for each successive year. Each year the winery will need to provide a list of products they would like to enter in the program and an electronic copy of the TTB COLA (Certificate of Label Approval/Exemption) for each of those products.

The fees to participate in the program are as follows.

TWGGA Member Fees

• One-time, flat Membership Fee of $200 to participate in the program
• Annual fee of $20 per participating TTB COLA per year

TWGGA Non-Member Fees

• One-time, flat Membership Fee of $250 to participate in the program
• Annual fee of $25 per participating TTB COLA per year

Once $1,000 in fees have been collected, the 100% Texas Grown website page will be created and launched. Once an additional $2,000 of fees have been collected, limited paid, social media and online promotions will begin.

To request a copy of the Certification Agreement and the Annual Enrollment form, please e-mail [email protected].

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