It’s that time of year in Texas for county fairs, rodeos, parades, and ag competitions, and the Austin County Fair has one contest that you will not find at any other County Fair in Texas. And no matter where you live in Texas, you can participate in it!  Produced and coordinated by the Gulf Coast Winegrowers Association, the 16th Annual Texas State-Wide Non-Commercial Wine Competition will close out the Austin County Fair on October 13th at the Fairgrounds in Bellville, TX.  The Wine Show is the only non-commercial wine competition presented by a county fair in Texas that is open to wine entries from non-commercial wine makers living anywhere in Texas.

Regardless of which Texas county you live in, this is your chance to have your own personal wine evaluated in blind tastings by a distinguished panel of 10 judges representing educators in the fields of Enology and Viticulture, commercial grape growers and winemakers, members of the media, and industry related individuals.

Winning wines in ten categories will be awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.  Better yet, three traditional Austin County Fair Belt Buckles will also be awarded to the Overall Grand Champion (giving you bragging rights for the entire state), Reserve Grand Champion (also selected from all entries), and the Austin County Grand Champion (awarded to the best Austin County wine).

The Texas wine industry is growing in stature and size by leaps and bounds, and our commercial grape growers and wine makers are being recognized around the world.  Whether you are interested in starting down that path or just want to showcase your skills as a home winemaker, this is your chance to earn some serious Texas bragging rights.

The Wine Show will be held in the American Legion Hall (988 E. Main, Bellville, TX) on the Austin County Fairgrounds. Judging (closed to the public) begins at 1:00pm with the hall opening to the public after the judging (approximately 3:30-5:00pm) for the presentation of awards, winemakers meet & greet, and free tastings of all entered wines. Parking and admission to the Fair and Wine Show is free on that day. Winners do not need to be present to receive awards.

Early entry and submission of wines will be accepted from September 23rd to October 4th between 8:30am-Noon and 1:00 – 4:00pm at the Austin County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office and day-of-show registration and entry will be, Sunday, October 13th between 10:00am and 12:15pm.  For a complete set of rules, entry form, registration, and wine submittal dates and locations, visit the Austin County Fair website at https://austincountyfair.com/wine-show

2024 Austin County Fair Wine Show Entry Form

2024 Wine Show Rules