Ron & Jessica Yates, Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate, Glena Yates
The 2019 “Tall in Texas” Award is presented by the city of Grapevine to a winery in recognition of the winery’s leadership role in the dedication to, support of, and promotion of the Texas wine industry. The distinguished award was presented on September 7th at the Texas Wine Tribute Gala Dinner and Auction to winery Spicewood Vineyards. The event is part of the 33rd Annual GrapeFest – A Texas Wine Experience in Grapevine, Texas.
The award was presented to owners Ron Yates and Glena Yates, and Texas Senator Jane Nelson recognized Spicewood Vineyards with a Senate proclamation in honor of their receipt of the “Tall in Texas” Award.
An industry panel of academics and Texas wine leaders was established to select the award recipient. The panel members are:
- Tim Dodd, Director of Texas Wine Marketing Research Institute, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University
- Michael Zerbach, Chair, Lone Star International Wine Competition and past President and former Board Member of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association
- Dacota Haselwood, Executive Director, Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association
- Paul W. McCallum, Executive Director, Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Proceeds from the Texas Wine Tribute benefitted Metroport Meals On Wheels.
Edward and Madeleine Manigold founded Spicewood Vineyards in 1992 with the goal to produce wines made only with estate-grown grapes. In 2007, Ron Yates and family purchased the winery. The Yates family continues the tradition of making fine wines that have won state, regional, national, and international competitions.
The winery has expanded since the original purchase to include 32 planted acres and grows several varieties of wine grapes including Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, Graciano, and Merlot. Todd Crowell has been Spicewood’s winemaker since 2012.
The 33rd Annual GrapeFest – A Texas Wine Experience, presented by Bank of the West, will take place September 12, 13, 14, and 15 in Historic Downtown Grapevine. For tickets or more information about the 33rd Annual GrapeFest, call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-410-3185 or visit GrapeFest.com.
Photo courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
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