Raise a Glass to Texas Wine

We celebrate Texas wine culture through education, promotion and charitable efforts.

Our Missions

Our mission is to promote the appreciation and understanding of wine through immersive experiences at local wineries, educational events, and by supporting the next generation of wine professionals through scholarships in the field of oenology and viticulture.

We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all those who share an interest or passion for wine.

Visions

  • We believe that the wine culture of Texas is rich, diverse, and deserving of recognition. Through tastings, seminars, and social events, we provide opportunities from beginners to wine enthusiasts to explore and experience the many different styles and varieties of Texas wine. Our goal is to raise awareness of the unique qualities and qualities of Texas wine and to help people understand and appreciate the art and science of winemaking.

  • Education is a key part of our mission at the Wine Society of Texas. We believe that wine education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level. Our goal is to educate both experienced wine tasters and those just starting to explore the world of wine. We provide a range of educational opportunities, including tastings, seminars, and social events, that are designed to help people learn about wine in a fun, engaging, and accessible way.

  • The Wine Society of Texas is committed to promoting the winemakers and grape growers who help to make Texas wine so special. We believe that these talented individuals play a critical role in the wine culture of Texas, and we are dedicated to supporting their efforts. Through marketing and promotion, we aim to raise awareness of the many different winemakers and grapegrowers who contribute to the rich and diverse wine culture of Texas.

  • We believe that understanding the science and art of winemaking is essential for appreciating wine, and we are committed to helping people learn about the many different aspects of oenology and viticulture. Through educational opportunities, we aim to provide people with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and appreciate the many different aspects of winemaking.

  • The Wine Society of Texas is dedicated to helping in charitable activities. We believe that it is important to give back to the community, and we are committed to using our resources and expertise to help those in need. Whether it's through fundraising events, volunteering, or other activities, we aim to make a positive impact in the community and to help those who are less fortunate.

  • We believe that wine should be enjoyed in moderation and that it is important to drink responsibly. Through education and promotion, we aim to help people understand the importance of responsible wine consumption and to encourage them to drink wine in a way that is safe and responsible.

History

The Wine Society of Texas was founded in 1994. The Society was later chartered in 1996 in Arlington, Texas. The founding idea was to develop an organization that would bring together people who were interested in (1) increasing their enjoyment of wine and (2) assisting in the development of a consumer base for the Texas wine industry.

During the first two years, WST primarily grew in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex area. Ultimately, chapters were also formed in Houston and Permian Basin.

“We are people who enjoy learning about wine in a relaxed social setting and welcome people with all levels of knowledge and taste.”

In December 1999, approval was granted by the Internal Revenue Service allowing the WST to operate under the 501c(3) regulations as a Non-Profit Educational Organization. Through our non-profit status WST established a scholarship fund in 2004 and offered scholarships to worthy students or individuals pursuing wine and winery education, internship, field study, research work, grape growing, wine making and marketing in the state of Texas.

Our Society continues to grow with new chapters approved in El Paso and Austin. All chapters  hold regular events such as wine tastings, wine and food pairing dinners and seminars, and travel to grape growing areas all over the world. Wine Society members are not only interested in knowing about Texas wines but fine wines from other areas in the U.S. and world renown areas in other countries.

Meet Our Board

Shirley Choate

PRESIDENT

Worked in the Oil and Gas Industry of West Texas since the 1980’s as a Petroleum Landman.  Started learning about wine in early 2000’s and became a Charter Member of the Permian Basin Chapter in 2003.

Edward Dent

SECRETARY

Edward Dent has worked as a microbiologist for Cincinnati Milacron and sales and marketing for Shell Oil and Motiva Enterprises, retiring in 2006. He and his wife joined the Wine Society of Texas in 1997 as charter members and he currently serves as chairperson of the scholarship committee and Greater Houston Chapter.

Kent Oberle

TREASURER

Kent Oberle is the Treasurer of The Wine Society of Texas and a charter member of the Permian Basin Chapter. He retired in 2017 after working as an accountant in the oil and gas industry.

Helena Cheng

BOARD MEMBER

Helena Cheng was working as an investment banker when she made her first trip to the Champagne region of France in 2010. Today her certifications include WSET III, CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine), IWP (Italian Wine Professional). She also serves as a judge for the International Wine Competition at the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Dexter Harmon

BOARD MEMBER

Dexter Harmon is a retired Exploration Manager with 42 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He and his wife Susan have been members of The Wine Society of Texas since 2008 and he joined the board in 2013.

Chris Estrada

BOARD MEMBER

Chris a wine distributor in El Paso, passionate about connecting wine lovers with unique and exquisite wines such as the brooding reds that whisper of lost loves to the crisp whites that sing of new beginnings. Organizing wine tastings, educational events, and wine-centric gatherings that bring people together to share their passion for the grape.

Ross Asher

BOARD MEMBER

Along with his wife Dawn, Ross was a charter member of the Greater Houston Chapter of the Wine Society of Texas in 1997. He has served as both Co-Chairman of the chapter as well as Membership Chairman and has served several terms on the state Board of Directors. A lifelong Texan, Ross celebrates all things Texas, especially Texas wine!  

Elizabeth Lutton

BOARD MEMBER

Elizabeth Lutton is currently the Dallas Fort Worth Chapter Chair and has been a member since 1998.  She is a state board member and past state president. She joined the Wine Society after having a wine epiphany. She went to Italy for the first time where she discovered what wine was really supposed to taste like.  After returning home, she enjoyed a 10 year old Barbaresco which permanently cemented her love of great wine.  Professionally, she is an attorney who specializes in practicing Labor and Employment law.  Her hobbies are wine and travel.  Her motto is that life is too short to stay at home when you could be drinking wine all over the world!

Robi McAllister

BOARD MEMBER

Neta Cornelison

BOARD MEMBER

Neta is a semi-retired oil and gas professional. She and her husband, Dan enjoy learning about and drinking wine from various parts of the state as well as other areas. Neta enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with family and friends.