The GO TEXAN Explores podcast series aims to engage and inform listeners about GO TEXAN products. In 2024, the podcast debuted with a six-episode series about high-quality Texas whiskey and bourbon produced in the state.
In 2025, GO TEXAN Explores is back with six new episodes focusing on the dynamic Texas wine industry. The wineries and vineyards featured are Sandy Road Vineyards, Farmhouse Vineyards, Llano Estacado Winery, William Chris Vineyards, Kerrville Hills Winery, and Blue Ostrich Winery. Host Shelly Wilfong takes listeners behind the scenes to appreciate Texas wine.
William Chris Vineyards' co-founder and grape grower ChrisBrundrett joins host Shelly Wilfong for the series finale. Chris shares the story of how he and William "Bill" Blackmon founded William Chris, explains why having more AVAs is good for Texas wine drinkers, and explores how Texas wine is received throughout the world. The podcast includes educational resources so that listeners can continue their Texas wine journeys.
Mentioned on the podcast:
William Chris Vineyards: https://williamchriswines.com/
Learn more about Texas wine here:
Hill Country Wine Academy's Texas Wine AmbassadorCertification: https://hcwineacademy.com/
The Texas Wine School's Specialist of Texas Wine Courses:
https://thetexaswineschool.com/products/specialist-of-texas-wine?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=f48a99589&pr_rec_pid=9562468581666&pr_ref_pid=9562469040418&pr_seq=uniform
Wine Folly's Texas Hill Country Regional Guide:
https://texashillcountry.guides.winefolly.com/wineries/
Jessica Dupuy's book "Wines of Southwest USA: A Guideto New Mexico, Texas, Arizona and Colorado":
https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/the-wines-of-southwest-u-s-a?_pos=3&_fid=b8efc10aa&_ss=c
GO TEXAN: https://www.gotexan.org/
GO TEXAN ad features H-E-B: https://www.heb.com/
For more Texas wine news and interviews, check out This IsTexas Wine podcast.
Link: https://www.thisistexaswine.com/
23 Oct 2025
John Rivenburgh of Kerrville Hills Winery
Episode five features John Rivenburgh of Kerrville HillsWinery. John has a long history of leadership in the Texas wine industry and started the first wine incubator in Texas. As president of Texas Wine Growers, John is a strong advocate for 100% Texas grown wine.
Mentioned on the podcast:
https://kerrvillehillswinery.com/ (https://kerrvillehillswinery.com/)
https://texaswinegrowers.com/
Recorded on location at Vagabonds on Pecan: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44616560?source_impression_id=p3_1760397373_P3AMFudlKPPjPoVt (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44616560?source_impression_id=p3_1760397373_P3AMFudlKPPjPoVt)
GO TEXAN: https://www.gotexan.org/
GO TEXAN ad features Texas Iberico: https://texasiberico.com/
For more Texas wine news and interviews, check out This IsTexas Wine podcast.
Link: https://www.thisistexaswine.com/
16 Oct 2025
Bret Perrenoud of Llano Estacado Winery
Episode four looks back at key moments in Texas wine historyand explores the future plans for Llano Estacado Winery, the largest and one of the oldest wineries in Texas. Bret Perrenoud is part of the Llano Estacado ownership team and is also the General Manager. Find out more about Llano'splans for expansion in Lubbock and in the Texas Hill Country.
Mentioned on the podcast:
https://llanowine.com/ (https://llanowine.com/)
https://llanowine.com/airisele-vineyards/
Recorded on location at Vagabonds on Pecan: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44616560?source_impression_id=p3_1760397373_P3AMFudlKPPjPoVt (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44616560?source_impression_id=p3_1760397373_P3AMFudlKPPjPoVt)
GO TEXAN: https://www.gotexan.org/
GO TEXAN ad features Texas Iberico: https://texasiberico.com/
For more Texas wine news and interviews, check out This IsTexas Wine podcast.
Link: https://www.thisistexaswine.com/
10 Oct 2025
Julie and Patrick Whitehead of Blue Ostrich Winery and Vineyard
Episode three showcases the dynamic wine scene in NorthTexas. Julie and Patrick Whitehead are the managing partners of Blue Ostrich Winery and Vineyard in St. Jo. Patrick is also the winemaker. Host Shelly Wilfong talks with the Whiteheads about their Texas wine journey includingtheir strong desire to maintain strong partnerships with grape growers and the bonds they form with their wine club members. Blue Ostrich Winery is a greatexample of a thriving, family owned Texas winery.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Blue Ostrich Winery and Vineyard: https://blueostrich.net/
North Texas Wine Country: https://northtexaswine.com/
Texas Hill Country Wineries:https://texashillcountrywineries.org/
Texas Wine Lover: https://txwinelover.com/
GO TEXAN: https://www.gotexan.org/
GO TEXAN ad features Tunsuok: https://tunsouk.com/
For more Texas wine news and interviews, check out This IsTexas Wine podcast.
Link: https://www.thisistexaswine.com/
2 Oct 2025
Katy Jane Seaton of Farmhouse Vineyards
Episode two takes us to the Texas High Plains, the region responsible for approximately 80% of the wine grapes grown in Texas. Katy Jane Seaton is one of the owners of Farmhouse Vineyards and joins us to share more information about the region, her mission as a vineyard owner, and the important partnership between a Texas vineyard owner and a winemaker.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Farmhouse Vineyards:
Vagabonds on Pecan (Johnson City rental): https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44616560?source_impression_id=p3_1757899636_P3K256YxkQpa_73X (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44616560?source_impression_id=p3_1757899636_P3K256YxkQpa_73X)
AgriStress Helpline: https://www.agrisafe.org/agristress-helpline/
GO TEXAN: https://www.gotexan.org/
GO TEXAN ad features: Susan Shaw: https://susanshaw.com/
For more Texas wine news and interviews, check out This Is Texas Wine podcast.
Link: https://www.thisistexaswine.com/
25 Sept 2025
Bryan Chagoly of Sandy Road Vineyards
In the first episode of GO TEXAN Explores, host ShellyWilfong interviews Bryan Chagoly, co-owner of Sandy Road Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country. Their conversation includes Sandy Roads' new tasting room, the perils and the joys of Texas viticulture, and how Texas wine tourism haschanged over the years.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Sandy Road Vineyards: https://sandyroadvineyards.com/
Top Texas Wines: https://toptexaswines.com/
GO TEXAN: https://www.gotexan.org/
GO TEXAN ad features: A Second Round Glass: https://a2round.com/
For more Texas wine news and interviews, check out This IsTexas Wine podcast.
Link: https://www.thisistexaswine.com/
25 Sept 2025
An Introduction to GO TEXAN Explores: Texas Wine
Welcome to GO TEXAN Explores: Texas Wine! This podcast isdesigned to showcase the dynamic Texas wine scene. Each week, come meet the people behind the wine, hear their stories, and discover the craftsmanship in every bottle. Join host Shelly Wilfong to celebrate Texas viticulture and winemaking. You'll be inspired to answer the question: What does Texas taste like in a wine glass?
GO TEXAN: https://www.gotexan.org/
31 Oct 2024
1845 Distilling Company
In the sixth and final episode of GO TEXAN Explores: The Texas Whiskey trail, we talk with Bob Petitt, co-founder of 1845 Distilling Company. Tune in to learn the "why" behind Bob's family business and what it takes to make some of the best bourbon in the world.
24 Oct 2024
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
In the fifth episode of GO TEXAN Explores, we talk with Josh Gardner, Head Distiller at Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling. Ranger Creek started from the idea that the South Texas terroir, with its humidity, high temperatures and deep limestone beds, would be an ideal foundation for bold bourbon. Since then, Ranger Creek has been known for its range of award-winning Texas whiskies.
17 Oct 2024
Andalusia Whiskey Company
In the fourth episode of GO TEXAN Explores, we talk with Ty Phelps, co-founder of Andalusia Whiskey Co. based in the Texas Hill country, Blanco, Texas. From Ty's early beginnings in beer brewing to whiskey distilling, we find out why Ty and his business partner Tommy Erwin took the plunge into the world of whiskey.
10 Oct 2024
Ironroot Republic Distillery
In the third episode of GO TEXAN Explores, we talk with Robert Likarish, co-founder of Ironroot Republic Distillery. As a genuine family operation, Robert, his brother Jonathan, and their mother Marcia Likarish — affectionately known as "the mother of Texas Whiskey" — bring a wealth of knowledge to running their distillery.
3 Oct 2024
TahWahKaro Distilling Company
In the second episode of Go Texan Explores, we talk with Justin Jackson, co-founder of TahWahKaro Distilling Company based Palestine, Texas. TahWahKaro prides itself on being a grain-forward distilling company with a true grain-to-glass distilling process.
26 Sept 2024
Garrison Brothers
In the premiere episode of GO TEXAN Explores, we talk with Dan and Nancy Garrison, the founders of Garrison Brothers Distillery. You may have heard of them. They have lots of Texas Pride and “Dan and his team were hell-bent on doing whatever it took to make the very first, legal bourbon in Texas.”
23 Sept 2024
GO TEXAN Explores: The Texas Whiskey Trail Trailer
Subscribe to The GO TEXAN Explores: Texas Whiskey Trail podcast and dive into the rich world of Texas whiskey and bourbon! Each episode takes you on a captivating journey through the state’s finest distilleries, including Andalusia Whiskey, Garrison Brothers, Ranger Creek, Iron Root, Tahwahkaro, and 1845 Distillery. Join host Mando Rayo—taco journalist, cultural ambassador, and host of United Tacos of America—as he shares the fascinating stories behind these unique brands and the passionate people who create them. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the heart of Texas whiskey—subscribe now!
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