William Chris Vineyards has been named one of the World’s 50 Best Vineyards, earning a place among the most celebrated wine destinations in the world at Number 31 on the list. The Hill Country estate is the first and only Texas winery to make the list, marking a defining moment for Texas wine and its growing recognition on a global stage.

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William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Texas in the heart of the Texas Wine Country.

Founded in 2008 by Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett, William Chris has become a leader in Texas wine through a “grown, not made” philosophy that honors Texas fruit, Texas growers, and the communities who support them. The award from the World’s Best Vineyards Academy — made up of more than 700 respected wine and travel experts worldwide — recognizes the estate’s quality, sense of place, sustainable practices, and exceptional hospitality.

The achievement also highlights the work of the Wine Atlas Collective, a national alliance of regionally focused, terroir-driven wineries. William Chris is a founding member of the Collective along with Brooks Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Brooks also secured a place on this year’s Top 50 list. Having two founding members recognized among the world’s best reinforces the Collective’s shared pursuit of excellence and enhances the value offered to wine club members through reciprocal benefits and elevated experiences across all partner wineries.

Chris Brundrett, Co-Founder and CEO of William Chris Wine Company, shared:

“Being named one of the Top 50 Vineyards in the world is a proud moment not just for us, but for Texas. This recognition shines a light on what our community, our growers, our fans, and our team have believed for years—that world-class wine can, and is, grown and made right here in the Lone Star State.

The heart, grit, and dedication it takes to farm these vineyards and share these wines with true Texas hospitality runs deep, and having that commitment recognized on a global stage means more than we can express.

Here’s to our team who pours their soul into this work, to the families who grow with us, and to the fans who’ve stood by us from day one. And thank you to World’s Best Vineyards for this incredible honor—we’re humbled, proud, and grateful.”

Evan Falbaum, Director of Marketing for William Chris Wine Company, added:

“Seeing a Texas winery ranked 31st in the world and 4th in the U.S. will surprise some people—but it shouldn’t. For a long time, Texas wine hasn’t been taken seriously by the broader industry, and many wine drinkers either haven’t tried it or haven’t revisited it in years. That perception is changing fast. Our hope is that William Chris can be a leader in that shift and, for many people, their first real introduction to what Texas wine is capable of.”

About William Chris Vineyards

Founded in 2008 in Hye, Texas, William Chris Vineyards crafts wines that reflect the character of Texas through sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. The estate is known for its terroir-driven blends, thoughtful guest experiences, and deep roots in Texas agriculture. William Chris is also a founding member of the Wine Atlas Collective, a national alliance connecting members with exceptional wines and vineyard experiences across the U.S. Learn more at williamchris.com.

William Chris Vineyards Brand Video:

https://youtu.be/P-41doujpeg

William Chris Vineyards Media Photos:

https://moviesauce.pixieset.com/williamchrismedia/

William Chris Vineyards Press Kit:

https://williamchriswines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WCWC-Press-Kit.pdf

2025 World’s 50 Best Vineyards list:

https://www.worldsbestvineyards.com/list/1-50

World’s 50 Best Media Kit:

https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/#/item/ByZNV3iE4rZArvYedA39op?relatedHierarchy=Media%20Centre/The%20World%E2%80%99s%2050%20Best%20Vineyards/Media%20Kit

Recent Coverage:

Texas Monthly:

https://www.texasmonthly.com/sponsored/the-great-grape-shift/

Decanter:

https://www.decanter.com/premium/discover-why-texas-wine-is-poised-for-prime-time-563389/

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The Hill Country estate is the first and only Texas winery to make the list