Author: Hannah Hill

As October comes to a close, we can’t help but reflect on Texas Wine Month and how fortunate we are to live in the great state of Texas, where there is an entire month dedicated to wine. Everything is bigger in Texas, and our vineyards are no exception. 

When people think of west Texas, I’m almost positive “wine” is not the first word that comes to mind. I’m sure people think of tumbleweeds, flat land where you can see miles into the distance, or even cotton. However, many people don’t know that the west Texas terrain is perfect for producing award-winning wines. In fact, the vast majority of Texas wine grapes are grown in the High Plains, with around 4,000 acres planted within this one region. Approximately 50 of those acres belong to Krick Hill Vineyards.

Burklee Hill Vineyards is a family-owned winery and bistro in the heart of Lubbock, Texas, for those of you who are new here. Chace and Elizabeth Hill opened the bistro in 2020 at the historic Kress building in downtown Lubbock, but the legacy of the family vineyard, Krick Hill, began in 2002. Located 10 miles west of Levelland, Krick Hill sits on land that has been farmed by the Hill family for five generations. Chace has managed and cultivated the vineyard since its inception with the help and support of his parents. The Hill family also appreciates the quality wine grapes grown by their friends and sources additional grapes from other vineyards located on the Texas High Plains. Burklee Hill is dedicated to producing wine made from 100 percent Texas-grown wine grapes.

The Texas High Plains has not only produced outstanding wines for the people of Lubbock and the surrounding areas but has even been recognized in other cities and states, where Burklee Hill has won numerous awards.

In March 2021, Burklee Hill Vineyards participated in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and won Best of Class for their 2019 Reserve Tempranillo. This was a tremendous accomplishment for Burklee Hill and was just the beginning of the prestigious awards the vineyard has received this year.

Burklee Hill celebrated Texas Wine Month in the best way this year. Earlier this month, their Reserve Tempranillo and Montepulciano received Class Champion awards at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition. The Hill family is honored to receive such prestigious awards and I know the city of Lubbock is excited to see what the future holds for the local family vineyard.

If you find yourself in Lubbock, come visit us and see for yourself. We are raising a glass as we celebrate Texas Wine Month, and the Texas High Plains. Cheers!