Texas Hill Country Wineries (THCW) will once again bring the industry together for the Hill Country Wine Symposium, returning to Horseshoe Bay Resort January 12–14, 2026. Since its debut in 2015, this annual gathering has become one of the most anticipated events for Texas wine professionals, offering education, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. The 2026 Symposium continues that tradition while introducing exciting new features designed to enrich the experience for attendees.
This year’s theme, Texas Wine Rising: Innovation, Growth, and Excellence in the Hill Country, highlights the momentum of the Texas wine industry and the collective commitment to raising standards across every part of the vineyard to bottle journey. Over the course of two immersive days, participants can expect a variety of seminars, lectures, and panel conversations. More than 20 sessions have been carefully curated within three dedicated tracks: Vineyard, Winery, and Business. Whether you are looking to refine your vineyard practices, expand your winemaking knowledge, or strengthen your business strategy, the program offers a thoughtful lineup of topics and speakers.
New for 2026
A key enhancement to this year’s format takes place immediately after every session. Speakers, moderators, and panelists will move to the Travertine Ballroom for extended Q&A and networking. This creates a unique opportunity for one-on-one conversations, deeper discussions, and meaningful connections with industry experts.
The Symposium will once again utilize the Conf.app Symposium App to help attendees navigate the event. The app includes session descriptions, speaker bios, sponsor and exhibitor information, and tools to help you create a personalized schedule. Early download is encouraged so you can set up your account and begin planning your days in advance.
2026 Winter Winemakers Dinner
One of the highlights of Symposium week is the annual Winemaker Dinner, hosted at the Yacht Club. This intimate evening on Tuesday, January 13, will feature a six-course menu paired with seven standout Texas wines crafted by wineries represented on the THCW Board. Each pairing is designed to showcase not only the skill of the winemakers but also the innovation and cooperation that define Texas Hill Country wine today.
The Symposium will also feature special presentations during both lunch breaks. These will include the 2024 Texas Hill Country Wine Industry Scholarship Awards, supporting students across Texas who are pursuing wine-related fields of study, as well as the THCW Industry Awards.
Three major honors will be presented: the Tall Texan Lifetime Achievement Award, the Gilstrap Innovator Award, and the Wine Industry Person of the Year Award. Each award recipient is nominated by Texas Hill Country Wineries members and selected by the THCW Board of Directors. To date, more than 90,000 dollars in scholarships have been awarded to emerging wine professionals, helping strengthen the future of the Texas wine industry.
A Valuable Start to the New Year
With its blend of education, networking, hands-on discussion, and celebration, the Hill Country Wine Symposium remains an essential gathering for Texas winegrowers, winemakers, and industry leaders. Registration is open now, and early planning helps ensure the best experience. Download the Conf.app guide, review the growing session list, and prepare to be part of the continued rise of Texas wine in 2026. See the Texas Hill Country Wineries website for more information and to purchase tickets.
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