Oklahoma is cooler than most areas of Texas and is having success in making crisper whites such as minerally Pinot Grigio, Rieslings and Chenin Blancs, as well as some Viogniers that are more citrusy and less melony. With these colder temps, Cabs, Merlots and Zinfandels do well too. The challenge Oklahoma is facing now is that they are an immature region coupled with an inexperienced wine industry. This means they don’t have enough grapes and they lack the depth of skill in winemaking. Because the industry is so young, those passionate about wine are doing several jobs, from growing the grapes to winemaking and marketing.

The next big challenge Oklahoma faces is that most of their wineries are selling their wine out of the tasting room, with only a small percentage actually making it to the store. Because they sell at the winery or tasting room and clientele that typically visit wineries tend to like sweeter wines, it often becomes more about what sells than about what the winemaker would like to make.

Another one of the growing pains is that new winery owners don’t really understand how much work goes into a vineyard and running a winery. They find themselves short at harvest and supplementing with California grapes, often creating below average wines and in turn limiting the growth of the Oklahoma wine industry. As I’ve said before, it’s hard for the few good wineries to overcome the stigma of many area wineries making poor wines. On top of that, the state does little marketing and has not done much to support and build the industry. This leaves the wineries doing it all – from growing to winemaking, marketing and sales.

One of the wineries that has done well over the past several years is StableRidge Winery of Stroud, Oklahoma. Built on the foundation of staying true to their commitment to produce quality wines, owners Annetta and Don Neal sat down to talk with me as I stopped through on my Southwest Winery Tour.

StableRidge Winery

Self-proclaimed as a “grown up winery” in Oklahoma’s young wine industry, StableRidge Winery has been around since 2000. When asked what makes their wine unique, Annetta and Don say the quality of the grape. They grow their own grapes and only supplement their harvest as needed within a 70 mile radius, preserving the authenticity of a true Oklahoma wine. StableRidge is currently available in stores and restaurants statewide because of customer demand – a reflection of their commitment to producing quality wines. And the loyalty builds.

When asked what advice you would have for new wineries, Don and Annetta answer:

Oh but what a life it can be!