Texas Hill Country Winery Recognized by USA TODAY 10Best Awards
August 3, 2026 (Driftwood, TX) — USA TODAY’s 10Best Awards 2026 has named Duchman Family Winery the No. 3 best wine tasting room in the country, recognizing the winery’s welcoming tasting room and its estate’s celebrated Italian varieties.
This marks the second time Duchman Family Winery has earned the distinction, having ranked No. 6 in 2021.
The award adds to Duchman Family Winery’s growing list of accolades, following an impressive showing at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards. The 2023 Vermentino and the 2019 Aglianico each earned outstanding score of 94 points, while the 2023 Tempranillo received 91 points and the 2023 Roussanne earned 90 points – further highlighting the quality, diversity and potential of Texas-grown wines on the international stage.
“This national recognition, paired with these wine accolades, speaks to what we set out to do every day: create genuine hospitality and pour wines that give people a reason to gather,” said Tommy Wellford, general manager at Duchman Family Winery. “It’s a reflection of our whole team’s commitment to our guests and to this region.”
The honor comes alongside another 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Award: the Texas Hill Country was named the No. 3 Best Wine Region in the country. Duchman Family Winery is located in Driftwood, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
“The Texas Hill Country keeps earning recognition, not just for our hospitality but for the quality of wine being made here,” Wellford said. “Texas had 12 wines score 94 points or higher in this year’s Decanter competition and we’re incredibly proud that Duchman Family Winery produced two of those 12 wines. It’s a testament not only to our winemaker, Dave Reilly, and his team, but also to the growers behind Texas agriculture. That kind of consistency shows that Texas wine can stand alongside some of the best wines in the world.”
The 10Best Wine Tasting Room winners were selected by a panel of judges and finalized through a public reader vote.
2026 Best Wine Tasting Rooms, Full List:
- Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, Oregon)
- Davis Estates (Calistoga, California)
- Duchman Family Winery (Driftwood, Texas)
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)
- Aquila’s Nest Vineyards (Sandy Hook, Connecticut)
- Brooks Wine (Amity, Oregon)
- Stoller Family Estate (Dayton, Oregon)
- Los Milics Vineyards (Elgin and Scottsdale, Arizona)
- Epoch Estate Wines (Paso Robles, California)
- Final Girl Wines (Solvang, California)
About Duchman Family Winery
Duchman Family Winery crafts distinctive wines that celebrate the character of Texas. Working closely with some of the state’s premier growers, Duchman produces wines made from 100% Texas-grown grapes, with particular focus on Italian varieties exceptionally well suited to the Texas climate.
From Vermentino and Sangiovese to Montepulciano and Aglianico, each wine is crafted to showcase varietal character, vibrant fruit and a true sense of place. The result is a portfolio of balanced, expressive wines that reflect Duchman’s commitment to quality.
Founded in 2004 by Drs. Stan and Lisa Duchman, Duchman Family Winery has become one of the Texas Hill Country’s most recognized wine destinations, bringing together thoughtfully crafted Texas wines, warm hospitality and a beautiful Tuscan-inspired estate in Driftwood.
100% Texas Grapes. 100% Texas Wines.
