Texas High Plains

Lubbock and the elevated vineyards of the Llano Estacado. The agricultural engine of Texas wine, where high elevation, dry air, broad temperature swings, and deep farming knowledge support much of the state's grape suppl
2Wineries
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Best Varietals
Cabernet, Tempranillo
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Peak Season
Aug - Sept
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Elevation
3,000-4,000 ft
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Location
Lubbock, TX
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Avg Tasting Fee
$10-$25
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🤓 Did You Know?
The Texas High Plains, centered around Lubbock, sits at 3,000-4,000 feet elevation, higher than most California wine regions, giving it cool nights that help grapes retain acidity even in intense summer heat.

About the Region

The agricultural engine of Texas wine, where high elevation, dry air, broad temperature swings, and deep farming knowledge support much of the state's grape supply.

Wino Notion organizes Texas by practical visitor geography while retaining the official AVA names that explain origin and terroir.

Featured Winery Profiles

See all 247 Texas High Plains wineries →

Grapes to Know

Regional variety

Tempranillo

Look for this grape in tasting flights and ask whether the fruit was grown locally or sourced from another Texas region.

Regional variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Look for this grape in tasting flights and ask whether the fruit was grown locally or sourced from another Texas region.

Regional variety

Sangiovese

Look for this grape in tasting flights and ask whether the fruit was grown locally or sourced from another Texas region.

Regional variety

Viognier

Look for this grape in tasting flights and ask whether the fruit was grown locally or sourced from another Texas region.

Regional variety

Mourvedre

Look for this grape in tasting flights and ask whether the fruit was grown locally or sourced from another Texas region.

More Texas High Plains Guides

Best WineriesBudget GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Time Visitor GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonHidden GemsRomantic GetawayWeekend GuideWine Tasting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Texas High Plains known for?

This vast AVA on the plains around Lubbock grows the majority of Texas wine grapes, with Tempranillo, Rhone varieties, and other warm-climate Mediterranean grapes especially prominent.

What makes its growing conditions distinctive?

High elevation of around 3,000 to 4,000 feet brings hot days, cool nights, and abundant sunshine, producing ripe, structured fruit that supplies wineries across the state.

How does it relate to the Texas Hill Country?

Much of the fruit grown on the High Plains is made into wine in the Hill Country, so the two regions are closely linked in the Texas wine industry.

When is the best time to visit the Texas High Plains?

Spring and fall are the most comfortable, though the region is more of a growing area than a tasting-room destination compared with the Hill Country.