A Prestigious Wine Competition Every Texas Vintner Needs to Enter

If you've been to the Texarkana Twice as Fine Wine Festival, then you know how good Texas Wines are. Now, Texas vintners have a chance to earn top honors as the 2026 Texas Vintners Cup is now accepting entries.

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The competition, held by Uncork Texas Wines through the Texas Department of Agriculture, is now in its sixth year and is considered one of the top wine competitions in the state. It focuses on selecting the 12 best wines made in Texas.

Deadline Coming Soon for Texas Wineries to Enter

Wineries and vintners interested in entering must submit their wines by Friday, June 5, 2026.

Winning wines will receive major statewide recognition, including a special 10-page feature in Texas Monthly and promotion through a social media campaign led by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Expert Judges to Pick Top Wines

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, this year’s judging panel includes wine journalist Jessica Dupuy, along with Master Sommeliers Jack Mason and Craig Collins. Their experience in the wine industry will help decide which wines make the final “Best in Texas” list.

Special State Fair Ceremony for Winning Texas Wineries

Winning wineries will also receive a custom Texas Vintners Cup belt buckle from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller during a special ceremony on Friday, September 25, at the GO TEXAN Pavilion during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

Did you know we have one winery in Texarkana and several close by? Fay J's in Texakana and O'Farrell Country Vineyards in Atlanta. In East Texas, a little further out, there are even more. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards just down the road in Pittsburg, Walkers Mill Vineyard & Winery and Enoch's Stomp Vineyard & Winery both in Harleton near Marshall,  and more.   

For official rules and how to enter, click here. Do you have a favorite Texas winery? Let us know!