Haywire and The Ranch Showcase Texas Wine During Judgement of Texas

In 1976, a blind wine tasting called “Judgment of Paris” took place, pitting California wines against French ones. The top honors went to a white and red wine from California, effectively putting the state, and specifically Napa Valley, on the map as a top winemaking destination. Similar to this event, Haywire and The Ranch at Las Colinas are teaming up in hopes of re-imagining perspectives on Texas wine through Judgement of Texas.

“Not everyone thinks of Texas as the go-to state for best-in-class wine or exploring vineyards,” said Judd Fruia, vice president of operations for Haywire and The Ranch. “As true Texas restaurants with award-winning cellars, Haywire and The Ranch are extremely passionate about bringing awareness to how incredible Texas wine can be. Both restaurants boast some of the most exclusive wine collections in DFW, recently earning Wine Spectator’s ‘2020 Award of Excellence’ at The Ranch at Las Colinas and Wine Spectator’s ‘2020 Best of Award of Excellence’ at Haywire. We really focus on highlighting wineries throughout the state, so now we’re asking participants to join us in recognizing these hidden gems as we strive to make them well-known across the country.”

On Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 6-8 p.m. at Haywire and Thursday, Jan. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at The Ranch, Texas Wine Ambassador Jason Hisaw will lead attendees through an interactive wine tasting. There will be eight socially distanced stations where participants will blind taste 16 wines, one being a Texas wine and the other being a non-Texas, region-specific wine of the same varietal. Heavy and light hors d’oeuvres and palette cleansers will be served between tasting sessions.

Jason Hisaw

Attendees will take notes at each station as they taste and cast their votes on official ballots certified by Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller. At the end of the event, the top wines will be announced, and all attendees will be a given a certificate from Sid Miller and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

During both events, Texas winery owners and representatives, as well as sommeliers, will be onsite to answer questions. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to order wines from their favorite Texas wineries to take home.

Judgement of Texas tickets are $70 per person, and reservations are required. Guests can reserve their spot by calling the Haywire Sales Team at 972-781-9473 or The Ranch Sales Team at 972-506-7262.

In addition to enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures at Haywire and The Ranch, both restaurants will put guests’ safety as their highest priority. Both events will be held on the patio—Box Garden Terrace at Haywire and the Pavilion at The Ranch—weather permitting. Each station will be socially distanced and team members will serve all wine and food to reduce any contact points.