"Grape Man of Texas"

by: Sherrie S. McLeRoy and Roy E. Renfro, Jr.

 

Known as the "Father of Texas Wine," McLeRoy and Renfro trace the life of pioneer vintner, Thomas Volney Munson (1843-1913) and his establishment of the early Texas Wine Industry. Munson was an internationally known horticulturalist who developed over 300 varieties of new grapes for the American Southwest and established a industry that continues today.

Munson's horticultural pursuits are credited with saving the grape industry of the world, with work he did in fighting the late nineteenth century phylloxera epidemic, that threatened to destroy grapes around the world. He won the Chevalier du Merite Agricole designation from the French Legion of Honor, for his efforts.

The authors trace Munson's life and extensive work through a period of history that little has been written about and gives the Texas History enthusiast a rare chapter in the history of our great state.

The book is a perfect read for anyone interested in agriculture, Texas History, or the wine industry.

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