Texas Department of Agriculture Uncorks First-Ever 'GO TEXAN WineCast'

Austin, TX (PRWEB) May 7, 2009 -- Bringing Texas wines to multi-screens, the Texas Department of Agriculture is launching a new online video series called the GO TEXAN WineCast. The inaugural six episodes introduce the Texas wine industry and feature some of Texas' distinctive grapes in three- to five-minute episodes.

In the GO TEXAN WineCast, Tanji Patton, longtime Texas broadcast journalist and host of goodtastewithtanji.com, speaks with different Texas winemakers. The discussions focus on emerging varietals well suited to Texas' climate, each grape's characteristics, food pairings and interesting Texas wine history. The episodes highlight award-winning and recognized Texas wines made from these signature grapes.

"Wine blogs and wine information are overflowing on the Web," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "This is a good opportunity for people across the globe to click on a link and learn more about Texas wines. The WineCast series covers the state's native Black Spanish grape as well as some Mediterranean and Rhone-style varietals that love Texas' hot days and cool nights, and produce exceptional wines."

The series kicks off with an introductory episode May 5. Subsequent episodes will be released on May 12, May 19, May 26, June 2 and June 9 and will feature Viognier, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and red Rhone blends, Black Spanish, Port and dessert wines.

"Celebrating local foods and wine is so important, particularly to Texans who enjoy a bounty of foods produced in the Lone Star State, from Texas shrimp and grapefruit to artisan cheeses and Hill Country peaches," Patton said. "Texas wines are a huge part of this movement as more and more consumers prefer and ask for Texas wines."

Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/GoTexanWine to view the GO TEXAN WineCast. To learn more about Texas wines, visit www.gotexanwine.org.

All TDA press releases are also available via the Internet at www.TexasAgriculture.gov/newsroom.

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