The Quiet Rise of the Winemaking Industry in the Rio Grande Valley
- lifeinthe956
- Jul 14
- 5 min read
By Claudia V. Lemus Campos, APR
When people think of the Rio Grande Valley, they often picture citrus groves, palm trees, and rich cultural traditions — but did you know the Valley is also home to a growing community of vineyards, wineries, and wine lovers?
From estate-grown grapes to curated tasting rooms, the RGV is carving out its place in Texas’ booming wine industry — and there’s never been a better time to sip and support local.
Why the Texas Wine Industry Matters
According to the 2025 National Economic Impact Study by the National Association of American Wineries, Texas has grown into the nation’s fifth-largest wine-producing state, supporting more than 600 producers, over 136,700 jobs, and attracting an estimated 2.6 million wine tourists each year — all contributing to an annual economic impact of more than $24 billion.
Regions like the Texas High Plains and the Hill Country have put Texas wine on the map, proving that our diverse soils, climates, and pioneering spirit can create truly incredible wines. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, Texas grape acreage has steadily grown, with hybrid varieties like Black Spanish (Le Noir) and Blanc Du Bois thriving in warm, humid regions like the Rio Grande Valley.
Among these expanding regions, the Rio Grande Valley stands out for its unique potential. The Valley’s fertile soil, larger and more affordable tracts of farmland, and year-round growing season could give winemakers room to innovate and expand in ways that few other Texas regions can match. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, hybrid grape varieties like Black Spanish (Le Noir) and Blanc Du Bois thrive in warm, humid conditions like ours — and ongoing research is helping local growers improve irrigation, soil health, and sustainability.
This growing base of local knowledge, combined with partnerships through UTRGV and the USDA, means the RGV is well positioned to transform underused farmland into thriving vineyards that support the region’s agricultural diversity and economic growth.
Local Vineyards and Tasting Rooms to Explore
Dos Rios Winery – Rio Grande City
A shining example is Dos Rios Winery, a family-owned 15-acre vineyard whose roots go back five generations in the Valley. They grow 100% estate grapes like Black Spanish, Blanc Du Bois, and Chardonnay — plus they’ve successfully grown blooming olive, peach, and pear trees, proving the diversity and potential of the land.
Dos Rios works closely with UTRGV agricultural researchers and the USDA to explore sustainable growing practices that benefit the entire region. Their bilingual vineyard tours and tasting room mean everyone in the community can share this experience — and every bottle truly captures the essence of the RGV.
Dos Rios Winery | 1905 W Main St, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 (956) 645-4793
Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard – Los Fresnos
Further east in Los Fresnos, Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard made history as the first winery in Cameron County. This 16-acre farm blends fruit grown locally and from the Texas High Plains, giving their wines a unique range.
They grow hybrid grapes like Walker, Camminare Noir, and Ambulo Blanc — varieties suited for warm climates according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Add wood-fired pizzas, local produce, and live music, and Bonita Flats is proving that farm-to-glass agritourism can thrive in the RGV, too.
Bonita Flats | 32071 FM 3069, Los Fresnos, TX 78566 | (956) 479-3845 Watch highlight video.
RGVino – Hidalgo
If you’d rather taste than tour, RGVino in Hidalgo is your spot. This wine bar and bottle shop focuses on carefully curating Texas and Mexican wines. Proud Valley natives and Founders Aldo Hernández and Arianna Vázquez-Hernandez wanted to create a relaxed, welcoming place for Valley locals to explore wines they might not find anywhere else as highlighted in the Texas Border Business.
Aldo was even awarded a Texas Wine Ambassadorship at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa in Johnson City — showing just how dedicated they are to bringing expert wine knowledge back home. From tasting flights to winemaker dinners, RGVino is a reminder that building a wine scene is about stories, community, and local pride. RGVino | 902 S Second St Suite 3, Hidalgo, TX 78557 Watch video highlight.
Rubiano Vineyards — Harlingen
Rubiano Vineyards, in Harlingen, is another hidden gem. They’ve revived historic Convent grapes, originally planted by nuns over 160 years ago — a unique link to the region’s agricultural heritage.
Though they don’t have a regular tasting room, Rubiano Vineyards opens their beautiful space for private events, making it an unforgettable setting for wine lovers seeking something truly local.
Rubiano Vineyards | 4300 Park Bend, Harlingen, TX 78552
Doce Wine Tasting Room — Mission
Now located in Mission, Doce Wine Shop is a tasting room offering curated wine flights, charcuterie, and an ideal setting for relaxed, social gatherings. Whether you're pairing a glass with friends or exploring new varieties, Doce provides a cozy yet refined atmosphere. Doce Wine Shop | 214 Tom Landry St, Mission, TX 78572
The Vineyard Wine Company — McAllen
In McAllen, The Vineyard Wine Company is a boutique wine shop and tasting room that connects the community to small-lot producers from Texas and beyond. Think local flights, seasonal pairings, and casual tastings that make wine accessible to everyone.
The Vineyard Wine Company | 125 E Pecan Blvd Ste B, McAllen, Texas 78501
Wright Vineyards — Near La Feria
One more to watch is Wright Vineyards, a family-run operation near La Feria. They’ve been growing grapes since 2017 and produce unique labels like Ocelot Blanc Du Bois and Rattlesnake Rosé, all from Valley-grown grapes (Texas Coast Wine Trail).
Wright Vineyards | La Feria | (956) 562-9463
The Opportunity Ahead for the RGV
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, wine is one of the fastest-growing segments of the state’s agriculture, creating jobs, boosting agritourism, and fueling economic development (Go Texan). For the RGV, this means tapping into our fertile soil, warm climate, and resilient grape varieties to craft a wine story that’s uniquely ours.
So what sets the Valley apart? We have larger parcels of farmland at more accessible prices, a year-round growing season with abundant sunlight, and dedicated viticulture support through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Hybrid grapes like Black Spanish and Blanc Du Bois — bred for disease resistance and warm conditions — are already proving successful here.
When you buy a local bottle, book a tour, or sip a tasting flight, you’re supporting the next generation of winemakers, farmers, and entrepreneurs building something new—right here in our very own Valley.
Cheers to Local Flavor!
It’s inspiring to see so many families, farmers, and community members pouring their hearts into this emerging wine scene. From estate-grown grapes to historic convent vines, from cozy wine bars to farm-to-glass pizza nights — the Rio Grande Valley is proving that Texas wine’s future could bloom right here.
So next time you’re looking for something new to explore, remember: You don’t have to travel far to find great wine. It’s already growing in our backyard.
Have you visited any of these local wine spots? Let us know your favorites! 🍇✨
Are there any others we missed? Send us an email to lifeinthe956@gmail.com
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