Houston Rodeo Names 2026 Champion Wines, Spotlighting Growing Texas Wine Industry

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced its champion wines for the 2026 Rodeo Uncorked! competition, giving wine lovers and local businesses across Houston an early look at the varietals that will headline one of the city's most popular culinary events. The annual judging brings together wine producers from across the country and around the world, but Texas wineries once again secured key awards.

This year's competition evaluated thousands of bottles through a panel of expert judges. The top winners will appear at select Rodeo Uncorked! events, including the Roundup & Best Bites Competition and the Champion Wine Auction in early 2026.

Top Honors and Local Standouts

While the full list of winners includes national and international labels, several Texas wineries earned major recognition. Their presence continues to reinforce the state's growing influence in the wine industry. The champion titles include distinctions such as Grand Champion Best of Show, Reserve Grand Champion, and category winners across reds, whites, and sparkling varietals.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will feature these winning wines throughout rodeo season. Visitors will be able to taste many of them during public events, which typically draw tens of thousands of guests.

Why It Matters for Houston

The announcement carries weight for restaurants, distributors, and hospitality groups across Houston. Many businesses leverage the Rodeo Uncorked! winners to build seasonal promotions and attract customers seeking exclusive or limited-release bottles.

• Restaurants often update wine lists to include champion selections.
• Local retailers may see increased demand for the winning labels.
• Texas wineries benefit from greater visibility and tourism interest.

Because the rodeo remains one of the largest annual events in the region, these awards help shape consumer preferences ahead of the spring season.

What’s Next

Planning for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is already underway, and organizers expect strong attendance. The winning wines will be showcased during exclusive tastings, charity auctions, and public festivities that lead into the rodeo's official opening.

Houston-area businesses are preparing early, as champion wines often sell out quickly once the public becomes aware of the selections. Many business owners are using the announcement to begin crafting promotions for early 2026.

This article is a summary of reporting by The Business Journals. Read the full story here.