It's not too early to start getting excited about the State Fair of Texas, especially when we're talking about wine.

In anticipation of the Fair — which runs September 27-October 20 at Fair Park — you can find out which 12 wines are going to be featured in the State Fair Wine Garden, while also sampling some of the contenders, enjoying light bites, and learning about the Texas wine industry firsthand from the experts.

Internationally recognized wine makers and grape growers will be on hand at the Blue Ribbon Wine Tasting, held from 2-4:30 pm on June 23 at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park, for two panel discussions.

The first features CEO and head winemaker of Messina Hof, Paul M. Bonarrigo; Randy Hester, winemaker and owner of C.L. Butaud; and John Bratcher, director of sales for McPherson Cellars. They're all 2018 Blue Ribbon Selection winners and will be discussing what's on the horizon for winemaking in Texas.

The second panel includes Katy Jane Seaton, executive director of the High Plains Winegrowers Association, and Justin Scheiner, Ph.D., who is assistant professor and viticulture specialist at Texas A& M University. Moderated by the Texas Department of Agriculture, the panel will explore how grapes are one of the Lone Star State's fastest-growing agricultural products and explain why Texas is perfect for growing grapes.

Your $50 ticket includes a commemorative wine glass and samples of up to 10 different Texas wines. If you're craving more vino, plan to return and enjoy the winners — five reds, four whites, and three rosés — during the Fair.

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The Blue Ribbon Wine Tasting is June 23 from 2-4:30 pm at the the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park. You can purchase advance tickets here, and get $5 off with the code 19MAPWINE.