Bob Landon, a winemaker from Texas, has made waves in the global wine scene by securing the top spot for his tempranillo at an international competition, outshining many Napa Valley wineries. His journey from a small Missouri town to a successful winery in McKinney, Texas, highlights the growing influence of Texas in the wine-making world. Landon’s unique approach, combining small-town savvy with a deep understanding of the craft, has positioned Texas wines as serious contenders in the international market. His tempranillo, which recently won first place, is a testament to the state’s potential in the wine industry.
Although Americans mostly associate California with wine country, Texas deserves credit, Landon said. Texas is now the third-largest wine-producing state, and it’s on the way to being No. 2. The climate mirrors Spain’s Rioja region, home to the tempranillo grape. ‘A lot of people think of Texas as being hot, which it is during the day, but it gets really cool at night,’ Landon said. ‘Pinot [Noir] loves that.’
Landon’s 2019 tempranillo took first place in its category at an international competition, a feat that landed him on the cover of Forbes magazine. ‘I think a lot of people were surprised that a Texas wine would take No. 1 in the world,’ he said. Landon produces an exclusive tempranillo for the Fox News Wine Shop under the ‘Legacy’ label. It’s also featured in the introductory case to Fox News American Wine Club members. ‘I would say if you haven’t tried [Texas wines] in a while, you need to try them again,’ Landon said. ‘We’ve really come a long way on what grows well.’
Landon’s background in accounting and financial management has played a crucial role in the success of his winery, ensuring both stability and growth. The financial planning has made the difference between survival and growth for the Texas winemaker, he said — and his wife used to require him to submit business cases before every big expense. ‘She’s always back here in the back of my head,’ Landon said. His journey from a childhood experiment in seventh grade, where he fermented grape juice into wine, to a thriving winery in Texas, illustrates the power of passion and perseverance in the world of winemaking.