Attention Road Trips Foodies: October celebrates both Texas pecans and Texas wines.

To celebrate, the Texas Pecan Board will host a virtual pecan and wine tasting, in collaboration with Texas Fine Wine, led by Sommelier Jessica Dupuy and Texas Culinary Expert and Food Historian Melissa Guerra from 6:30 to 8 p.m. October 21, 2020.

While pecans and wine are equally enjoyable on their own, they make a delicious duo when paired together. The virtual pecan and wine tasting, “A Toast to Texas Pecans”, will feature Texas pecan recipes and wine pairings to help wine and food enthusiasts get the most out of these authentically Texas products. The interactive session will make participants feel like they are in the room with Dupuy and Guerra as the two experts talk about what wine pairs with pecans and the rich history and ties each have with the state of Texas.

“Considering the history and culture behind Texas pecans and Texas wine, it’s only fitting that we bring the two together to celebrate their place in Texas cuisine,” said Dupuy. “This tasting will be a great way to look at the different grape varieties that are doing well in Texas and taste how wines from these varieties are complemented by Texas pecans.”

To participate in this educational tasting, purchase a tasting kit through Texas Fine Wine by October 9, 2020. Each kit is $125 (includes shipping) plus tax and includes five bottles of wine, a one-pound bag of raw pecans, and a tasting sheet, recipes and other information produced by the Texas Pecan Board to be used during the event.

Featured wines include Brennan Vineyards Viognier, Duchman Family Winery Dry Rosé, Spicewood Vineyards Tandem (Syrah and Carignan), Pedernales Cellars Tempranillo and Bending Branch Winery Tempranillo, Newsome Vineyards. Once a tasting kit is ordered, purchasers will receive information confirming their kit will arrive in advance of the tasting, and they will receive an invite to the virtual tasting.

“Texas pecans and Texas wines are essential when celebrating the holidays in our Lone Star State. Locally grown and sustainable, they make great gifts to share!” said Guerra. “Best of all, when the guests have all gone home, you can relax on your porch with an amazing glass of Texas wine paired with rich Texas pecans – a true Texas experience!”

Native, homegrown pecans have a rich history in Texas, with family-owned pecan orchards and wild pecan trees speckled throughout the spacious Lone Star State. Pecans are integral to Texas food culture. Their distinct flavor and versatile culinary application are why pecans continue to be America’s original super nut, nourishing families with their wholesome, heart-healthy nutrients for hundreds of years. Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a proclamation in support of Texas Pecan Month and recognition of the important role of Texas pecan growers.

“We hope all Texans will join us for the month of October in celebration of these two great Texas agriculture products, grown, cultivated and processed by hardworking Texans,” said Bob Whitney, executive director of the Texas Pecan Board. “In addition to participating in the tasting, I encourage every Texan to visit their closest pecan orchard and winery to discover what makes Texas pecans and Texas wines so special.”

The Texas Pecan Board is the pecan grower checkoff and the state agency for pecans in the State of Texas. Through the financial support of each and every Texas pecan grower, the Texas Pecan Board does research, education and promotion of the healthiest, most nutritious food on earth – Texas Pecans.

Established in 2014, Texas Fine Wine is a group of five wineries making quality, benchmark wines from Texas grapes and sharing winery experiences. Texas Fine Wine includes Bending Branch Winery in Comfort, Brennan Vineyards in Comanche, Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood, Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall, and Spicewood Vineyards in Spicewood.

(Photo courtesy of Texas Pecan Board)