Dear Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association Members,
As we prepare to close the books on 2024, I find myself reflecting on not only the incredible progress we’ve made this year, but also the privilege it has been to serve as your Board President. In these final weeks of my term, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside this passionate and dedicated community, united by our shared commitment to the growth and success of the Texas wine industry.
We’ve made deliberate strides in advancing TWGGA’s strategic priorities in Legislative Advocacy, Membership Engagement, Education, Strategic Partnerships, and Governance. These initiatives have built a solid foundation for our future, and I’m confident they will continue to flourish under the leadership of Julie Herbort as we move into 2025.
Here’s a closer look at what we’ve achieved this year.
Legislative Advocacy
Our leadership team and Legislative Committee worked closely with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to provide critical feedback on the TABC Winery Permit Study. This collaboration ensures that our industry’s voice is represented and any potential outcomes detrimental to our sector are mitigated.
Another key milestone was the launch of the TWGGA Political Action Committee (PAC). This initiative positions the Texas wine industry as an active and influential force in state and federal legislative and regulatory conversations.
Membership Engagement
We made meaningful strides in enhancing our membership experience by launching a new process to foster stronger relationships and more effective communication. We introduced refreshed membership materials and streamlined our staffing model to better meet your needs.
New members now receive a comprehensive welcome packet with resources to help them maximize their membership benefits, along with a TWGGA member sticker. Displaying this sticker in a prominent location is a small but impactful way to show your commitment to advancing the Texas wine industry.
We expanded and rebranded the TWGGA Exchange as a hub for connecting grape growers and winemakers, facilitating the exchange of bulk wine, bulk grapes, winery and vineyard supplies, equipment and services, and job opportunities. Whether you’re buying, selling, or seeking employment, the TWGGA Exchange is your gateway to valuable resources and connections within the Texas wine industry.
TWGGA’s Lone Star International Wine Competition continued to bolster Texas wineries by validating their craft and providing a platform for industry accolades. These efforts collectively build credibility, foster consumer trust, and support the ongoing growth of the Texas wine community.
Education
TWGGA’s educational initiatives achieved new levels of impact. The Annual Conference & Trade Show delivered thought-provoking sessions and unparalleled networking opportunities, bringing together leaders from every corner of our industry. This year we planted seeds to expand our Texas conference into regional super-conference with the support of both vendors and wineries in multiple states. Additionally, our regional events in the Hill Country and North Texas, as well as Grape Camp in the High Plains extended these benefits statewide, making education more accessible to all members.
We heard your feedback about the challenges of event participation and took meaningful action to address them. For 2025, we’ve significantly reduced registration fees for the Annual Conference & Trade Show, making it more accessible to all members. At the early bird rate of just $375, your registration now includes all lunches, networking receptions, and a ticket to the Harvesting Dreams Awards Celebration.
Strategic Partnerships
Partnerships are essential to TWGGA’s mission, and 2024 was no exception. This year, we continued strong collaborations with organizations like Fredericksburg Food & Wine and GrapeFest. New collaborations with groups such as Women for WineSense, Houston Rodeo, TEXSOM, and the Artisan Vineyard Coop have opened doors to exciting opportunities for our members and the industry at large.
Governance
Strong governance is the bedrock of our association’s future. Over the past 2 years, TWGGA has made transformative progress, including a comprehensive bylaws revision and the implementation of a Policy and Procedures Manual.
Looking Ahead
As we look to 2025 and beyond, the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines TWGGA will guide us. From legislative advocacy to expanded education and strengthened partnerships, the future is bright for our association and the Texas wine industry.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Your dedication, passion, and support make everything we achieve possible.
Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
With gratitude,
John Matthews
President, Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association