Texas Hill Country Wine Industry Awards

Each January, Texas Hill Country Wineries members shine a spotlight on excellence within one of the nation’s fastest‑growing wine regions. As part of THCW’s multi-day symposium, the Hill Country Wine Industry Awards, established in 2024, honor standout professionals and visionaries shaping the future of Texas wine. The awards include the prestigious Tall Texan Lifetime Achievement Award, the Gilstrap Innovator Award, and the Wine Industry Person of the Year Award—all awarded annually based on nominations from THCW members and final selections by the association’s board. New in 2026, THCW will award the Bunny Becker Women in Wine award. These recognitions highlight leadership, creativity, and meaningful contributions to elevating Texas Hill Country’s wine pedigree. 

Industry Awards

Tall Texan Lifetime Achievement

The Tall Texan Lifetime Achievement awards is presented to an individual nominated from the Texas wine industry for their outstanding contributions to the Texas Hill Country Wine industry and Texas wine.The nominee should be a longtime industry member whose commitment to and influence upon Texas wine has changed the face of the industry on a local, regional and state-wide level. The recipient's history of involvement withTHCW, experience and contributions to Texas wine, and demeanor should exhibit the highest degree of professionalism, dedication and passion for Texas wine.
Gilstrap Innovator Award

Named in honor of Gary Gilstrap, who along with his wife Kathy, were the driving force behind the inception of THCW. The Gilstrap Innovator Award is presented to an individual nominated from the Texas wine industry who has made an impact and a long-lasting change to the industry. The nominee should
be an industry member whose commitment and passion has led to a positive effect on the industry through their leadership and professionalism.
Wine Industry Person of the Year

The Wine Industry Person of the Year is presented to an individual nominated from the Texas wine industry who has exemplified the spirit of Texas wine with outstanding leadership and vision in promoting the
region. The nominee should be an industry member who has consistently shown the
highest standards of professional excellence and achieved success in their career while in service to the Texas wine industry.
Bunny Becker Women in Wine Award

This award recognizes a woman in the wine industry who is dedicated to quality in all that she does, shows tenacity when facing even the most daunting of challenges, and models grace and courtesy while making her contribution to the Texas wine and grape industry.