The fourth annual Texas Wine Auction, hosted at the luxurious Albert Hotel in downtown Fredericksburg on April 25, 2025, proved to be a monumental event. This year’s festivities culminated in a live taping of the local show Texas Music Scene, featuring performances from four Texas country music artists, signaling a festive weekend dedicated to charity.
The auction took place the following day at the Arch Ray Resort and raised over $233,000—the highest amount in its four-year history, bringing total contributions from the event to over $1 million. The funds will directly support mental health initiatives, educational programs, and initiatives aimed at supporting women within the Texas wine industry.
One of the standout auction items was a trip to Brooks Wine in Oregon and William Chris Vineyards in Texas, both recognized in the 2024 Top 100 World’s Best Vineyards list, which sold for $15,000. Additionally, an exclusive 15-litre bottle made from contributions by 19 different wineries, sold for $11,000. This unique lot involved a collaborative effort among local wineries to support educational initiatives for students.
Co-founder Valerie Elkins highlighted the growth of the Texas wine industry over the past five to seven years, emphasizing the auction’s mission to offer community support amid a backdrop of new luxury resorts and expanding winery operations. “Recognising that our area lacks enough mental health resources, we decided to raise funds for programs that provide easier access to care,” said Elkins.
The foundation also promotes sustainability and professional development in the wine industry, including programs focused on women in wine, such as Grafted. Co-founder Dave Bryant noted that such efforts not only strengthen the community but also contribute to the industry’s growth and success.
Looking forward, Chris Brundrett, another co-founder and owner of William Chris Vineyards, expressed hopes for increased attendance at future auctions, underscoring their role in fostering recognition and support for Texas winemakers.
Despite a current threshold allowing Texas wines to incorporate up to 25% fruit from outside the state, recent legislative changes aim to clarify definitions of “Texas-made” wine, with Brundrett advocating for a mandate of 100% Texas-grown grapes for wines labeled as such. “Our goal is to have Texas recognized as a premier wine region in the U.S.,” he said.
For more on the Texas Wine Auction, visit Texas Wine Auction Foundation.