It is always fun learning about Texas wineries from around the state. Some wineries in Texas are devoted to using 100% Texas grapes, and Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard is one of those wineries, which was founded in 2017. That year, they planted their vineyard of Blanc du Bois. And later in 2022, they added some of the Walker varieties. Besides using grapes from Rio Grande growers, they also use grapes from the Texas High Plains. At the helm of the winemaking at the southernmost Texas winery is Dorado Delgado, who we are pleased to present as this month’s featured Winemaker Profile.
The toughest challenge for me is the unpredictable weather. A heavy rain can really put us behind schedule during harvest.
Is winemaking an art or a science or both?
I’m of the opinion that winemaking is both an art and a science. Wine can be so subjective, yet there are absolutes that are proven to create great wine.
Favorite food and wine pairing has to be a 12 oz. rib eye medium rare with a nice bold red, perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Tannat.
If you didn’t make wine, what would you do?
If I wasn’t making wine, I’d have gone to school for Anthropology or History. I still have thoughts about going and getting a master’s in either, just for fun.
What first attracted you to winemaking and how long have you been doing it?
My first peek into winemaking came when I was 14 years old as my parents had been batting around the idea of eventually opening a winery. I’ve been making wine every year since that first batch we made in our kitchen. This season will be my eleventh harvest.
What is the most common question you are asked as a winemaker?
Believe it or not, people ask me if I drink wine pretty often. I always reply, “Well, I’d be S.O.L. if I didn’t.”
After a long day in the winery or vineyard, what do you do?
After a long day, I really love taking my dog Lola for a walk or having a drink with my girlfriend.
What’s the greatest part about being a winemaker?
The greatest part for me (this sounds egotistical, and it is a little bit) is when patrons of the winery compliment my wine and they don’t know I’m the winemaker, or they don’t believe I’m the winemaker.
What is your winemaking philosophy, that is, what are you trying to achieve with your wines?
Where I’m from, there is a bit of a stigma about wine being a woman’s drink. I’m trying to educate my community that wine is for everyone.
Anything else you would like to add?
Please come visit Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard, located on Highway 100 headed towards South Padre Island. Thanks for reading, and to all the winemakers, hope y’all have a great harvest!
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