Bringing people together to explore and enjoy exceptional Texas wines through guided tastings.
Real Texas Wines.
Imagine stepping into a space filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the rich, inviting aromas of carefully selected Texas wines.
I curate wine tasting experiences that are as much about connection and discovery as they are about the wines themselves. Each event is a journey through Texas wine country—a themed exploration that may move from the forested character of East Texas’s Piney Woods to the evolving high plains expressions of North Texas, introducing guests to distinctive blends, emerging varietals, and bold interpretations of grapes grown in Texas soil. In intimate groups of six to fifteen people, guests are guided through a flight of exceptional Texas wines, learning to recognize the subtle notes, textures, and stories behind each bottle in an approachable, informal masterclass setting.
There’s laughter, conversation, and those moments when someone pauses, savoring a sip, realizing they’ve discovered a new favorite they didn’t expect to find in Texas. Every event is designed to spark curiosity, deepen appreciation for Texas terroir, and turn wine tasting into a joyful exploration rather than a formal lecture.
For me, the thrill comes from watching strangers become friends, seeing faces light up at the first taste of something extraordinary, and knowing that each glass shared leaves guests with not just new knowledge, but lasting memories tied to a place many are only just beginning to discover. It’s about more than wine—it’s about celebrating the growing culture of Texas wine, and the simple pleasure of discovering it together.
Curated tastings exploring the emerging wine culture of East and North Texas.
Curated tastings exploring the emerging wine culture of East and North Texas are designed as guided, story-led experiences that introduce guests to one of the most overlooked and fast-developing wine landscapes in the United States. Rather than a standard tasting, each event is carefully curated around regional identity, showcasing wines that reflect the unique conditions of East Texas’s Piney Woods and the varied climates and experimentation found across North Texas.
Guests are taken beyond the glass to understand how local geography, climate, and growers are shaping a distinct Texas wine voice—ranging from forest-influenced, aromatic styles in the east to bold, climate-adapted varieties emerging in the north. These tastings are intended for sommeliers, chefs, and curious wine enthusiasts who want to discover authentic, place-driven wines early in their evolution, before they become widely recognized in national markets.
WHAT IS A WINE TASTING EVENT?
A guided, curated wine tasting event is an immersive and interactive experience where guests are led by a knowledgeable host through a carefully selected collection of wines from around the world.
Each wine is intentionally chosen to showcase unique flavors, regions, and winemaking techniques, creating a cohesive journey that highlights contrasts, similarities, and stories behind each bottle. Participants are guided on how to look, swirl, smell, and taste like a professional, learning to identify aromas, flavor profiles, and the characteristics that make each wine special.
The experience is both educational and social, encouraging conversation, shared discoveries, and a deeper appreciation for wine. Guests also have the opportunity to purchase wines they enjoy, making the event not only a tasting but a memorable journey of discovery that connects people to wine, culture, and each other in an engaging and enjoyable setting.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN DURING THE EVENT?
At the event, guests will gain a deeper understanding of how to taste and appreciate wine like a connoisseur, learning to identify the key elements of appearance, aroma, flavor, and texture in each glass.
They will explore the diverse character of Texas wines, from the forest-influenced expressions of East Texas’s Piney Woods to the bold, sun-driven and innovation-led wines of North Texas, discovering how local climate, soil, and grape selection shape each bottle. Participants will compare and contrast Texas varietals and blends, understand the differences between regional styles and vintages, and develop confidence in pairing Texas wines with food—from smoked barbecue and Southern cuisine to modern fine dining.
Beyond technical skills, guests will gain insight into the stories behind Texas vineyards, winemakers, and the rapidly evolving wine culture across the state, providing a richer context for every sip. By the end of the tasting, attendees will not only have refined their palate and expanded their understanding of Texas wine, but will also have discovered bottles they genuinely enjoy and feel confident selecting, sharing, and serving in their own homes.
WHAT MAKES IT FUN AND WORTHWHILE?
What makes the experience truly fun and worthwhile is the combination of discovery, social connection, and sensory enjoyment that each tasting provides.
Guests get to explore a diverse selection of carefully chosen wines, from sparkling and crisp whites to bold reds and unique boutique bottles, creating a sense of adventure with every pour. The guided format encourages conversation, laughter, and shared discoveries, turning strangers into friends over a shared love of wine.
Interactive elements, like blind tastings, comparisons, and food pairings, add excitement and engagement, while the storytelling behind each wine — from the vineyard to the winemaker’s vision — gives context that makes each sip meaningful. Beyond tasting, the event is an opportunity to develop confidence in selecting and enjoying wines, take home memorable favorites, and leave with new knowledge, appreciation, and a sense of accomplishment, making it both educational and genuinely enjoyable.
About us
Crafting the Modern Tasting Experience.
Estate & Vintage was founded on a simple belief: wine is best experienced, not just consumed. We curate guided wine tasting events that bring together distinctive,
EVENT THEMES.
Piney Woods Discovery Tasting.
A deep dive into the wines of East Texas.
Focus:
Forest-influenced terroir.
Humidity-driven styles.
Small family wineries.
Wines featured:
Muscadine (modern dry expressions)
Blanc du Bois.
East Texas rosé styles.
Experimental hybrids.
North Texas High Plains.
A structured tasting exploring the experimental edge of North Texas wine.
Focus:
Altitude and wind exposure.
Drought-resistant grapes.
Innovation vs tradition.
Wines featured:
Tempranillo.
Tannat.
Mourvèdre.
Viognier.
Texas Tempranillo Tasting.
A focused varietal tasting.
Wines Featured:
Tempranillo from North Texas.
Tempranillo from Hill Country (for comparison).
Barrel-aged interpretations.
“Why Spain’s signature grape thrives in Texas soil.”
Sommelier’s Guide to Texas Wine.
Trade-focused masterclass.
Audience:
Sommeliers.
Restaurant buyers.
Wine directors.
Content:
Key producers.
Pricing structures.
By-the-glass strategy.
pairing potential
“How to confidently place Texas wine on a wine list.”
Piney Woods: Story & Sensory Night.
More atmospheric, experimental event.
Format:
Storytelling + tasting.
Forest-inspired setting (or themed décor).
Focus on East Texas identity.
“Wine shaped by forests, humidity, and Southern heritage.”
Texas & Southern Food Pairing.
Highly commercial and event-friendly.
Menu pairing examples:
Smoked brisket + bold red blends.
Fried catfish + crisp whites.
Oecan desserts + fortified or off-dry wines.
“Texas wine with Texas food.”
SPOTLIGHT ON :
PINEY WOODS WINE.
NORTH BY NORTHEAST.
The Texas Piney Woods AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a distinct wine-growing region in East Texas known for its warm, humid climate. It excels in producing heat-resistant grape varietals such as Blanc du Bois, Black Spanish (Lenoir), and traditional sweet Muscadine wines.
SPOTLIGHT ON:
TEXAS HIGH PLAINS.
The undiscovered wine destination.
The Texas High Plains AVA (American Viticultural Area) is the agricultural engine of the Texas wine industry, growing approximately 85% of all wine grapes in the state. Located on the Llano Estacado plateau, this sprawling region features an ideal high-altitude, dry climate perfect for producing world-class wine. [1, 2, 3]
“I run hosted wine tasting evenings that help restaurants bring in guests on quieter nights — the venue sells the tickets and serves the wine, and I lead the tasting.”
How the Experience Works.
Events take place at carefully selected restaurants or hospitality venues that provide the setting, service, and welcoming atmosphere for the evening.
The venue manages reservations, hospitality, and the overall guest experience while providing the staff, glassware, and comfortable surroundings needed for a successful event.
THE WINES.
Each tasting showcases a curated selection of wines from featured wineries or trusted wine merchants.
Selections may highlight a particular region, grape variety, or producer, allowing guests to explore wines with a clear theme and narrative throughout the evening.
Examples of tasting themes might include:
Discovering Nova Scotia Wines
Cool Climate Pinot Noir
Old World vs New World
Sparkling Wines of the World
THE HOSTED TASTING.
Your host guides the evening through a relaxed and informative tasting experience, including:
introduction to each wine
the story behind the producer or region
tasting techniques and flavour exploration
food pairing insights
informal discussion and questions
The emphasis is on approachable wine education and enjoyable conversation, not formal lectures.
COLLABORATION WITH WINERIES AND VENUES.
These evenings are made possible through collaboration with hospitality venues and wine producers who share a passion for great wine and memorable guest experiences.
Together we create events that combine:
excellent wines
welcoming venues
engaging storytelling
The result is an evening that feels both educational and entertaining.
INTERESTED IN HOSTING A WINE TASTING?
These evenings are made possible through collaboration with hospitality venues and wine producers who share a passion for great wine and memorable guest experiences.
Together we create events that combine:
excellent wines
welcoming venues
engaging storytelling
The result is an evening that feels both educational and entertaining.
Contact Info
Aitken Pearson.
Get in touch !