Llano Estacado Winery Celebrates 47th Anniversary With Grape Day

Llano Estacado Winery started here in Lubbock in 1976.

By 1980, word spread that an upstart West Texas label was making quality wine. They hired former Seagram’s President, Walter Haimann, to steer the winery into our next chapter.

They got their first big award in 1984 for their Chardonnay. Within the next 20 years, Llano's wines could be found in many states outside of Texas—as well as three European markets, Japan, and Russia. It was then that they convinced third-generation California winemaker, Greg Bruni, to take over winemaking and production responsibilities. Shortly after, Mark Hyman joined Llano as the V.P. of Sales & Marketing.

In 1993 they were producing 45,000 cases annually. In 2015, Llano opened a tasting room and event center. A year later their production grew to 170,000.

Now every year the winery holds a Grape Day to pay tribute to the grape harvest, showcasing the culmination of Llano Estacado’s winemaking journey. There will be self-guided tours, art booths, local vendors and live music.

Llano Estacado Winery will celebrate its 47th anniversary at the 29th annual Grape Day celebration on October 21st from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mark Hyman, the President and C.E.O. of Llano Estacado Winery, said, “Grape Day marks the most thrilling time of the year for us here at Llano Estacado Winery. Join us as we celebrate 47 years of pioneering and our significant contribution to the flourishing Texas Wine industry.”

Grape Day is a free event, however, for $35 you receive a commemorative Grape Day wine glass along with two tickets, each redeemable for a glass of wine.