Now that TEXSOM 2026 is in the books and I’ve had time to reflect on my experience as a first-time attendee, here are a few thoughts and observations:
PURPOSE: TEXSOM is well known for its wine competition, called the TEXSOM Awards, but the conference is considered by many to be the flagship event under the TEXSOM umbrella. According to the website, “TEXSOM was founded in 2005 as the Texas Sommelier Conference… [and has] evolved into an international event for beverage professionals from all tiers of the industry.” Attendees include sommeliers, Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, students on a wine certification path, distributors, beverage directors, restaurateurs, educators, retailers, winery representatives, beverage journalists, wine writers, podcasters, and serious enthusiasts. As one whose insight into the industry has been mostly limited to vineyard and winery operations at an observer level, it provided an interesting and educational broadening of my personal perspective.
EXPOS: Trade tasting and exhibition sessions are scheduled several time a day and provide attendees an opportunity to visit with producers and suppliers from around the globe to taste and learn about their wines and services. Of special interest to those studying for exams, the trade show also features booths from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Commonwealth Wine School, and Wine Scholars Guild.
SEMINARS: These are the meat and potatoes of the conference with educational sessions on a wide range of topics such as specific wine regions, studying tips, blind tasting, wine law, service demonstrations, wine pairing, state of the industry, etc. Time is the limiting factor. You can only attend a handful of sessions over the two days, so choose wisely.
LUNCHEONS: Each buffet luncheon over the two-day event is theme-driven with speakers highlighting a particular region or topic. And, of course, a variety of wines related to that topic are available to taste during the course of the meal.
TIPS:
- Registration to sessions and luncheons fill up early. Register for your favorites as soon as registration becomes available.
- One of the things you learn very quickly is to pace yourself. Wine is everywhere. You’ll be tasting at the expos, the seminars, and the luncheons. Spitting is not just recommended, it is imperative if you want to survive even half a day.
- Drink responsibly and stay local. At the end of the day, you do not belong behind the wheel to get home or to your hotel.
- Observe the code of conduct and be professional at all times. The TEXSOM conference is fun and engaging but not intended as a party event.
TEXSOM is one of the country’s premier beverage trade shows and is highly anticipated each year. For those who work in or around the beverage industry, the conference offers valuable networking opportunities and a chance to broaden perspectives.
