The Leadership Powering Texas Wine Growers

Blog contributed by Kelly Olson, Executive Director, Texas Wine Growers

Left to Right: Doug Lewis, Tate Gregory, Bryan Chagoly, John Rivenburgh, & Blake DeBerry

Photo Courtesy of Bill Peary, Peary Photography

At Texas Wine Growers, our mission to champion 100% Texas wine would not be possible without the dedicated volunteer leaders who help guide our work year after year.

Our Board of Directors is there to represent all types of TWG members across the state.  Each member contributes time, expertise, and perspective to strengthen Texas agriculture, advocate at the Capitol, and expand education for both industry professionals and consumers. Their leadership connects our members to one another, to policymakers, and to the broader conversations shaping the future of Texas wine.

As we approach our February 25, 2026 member meeting and board elections, we want to pause and recognize the individuals who have served, and those who will continue to help lead Texas Wine Growers forward.

Thank You for Your Service

We extend our sincere gratitude to Blake DeBerry and Doug Lewis, who are completing their terms on the Board.

Blake is wrapping up six years of service that began as Vice President, continued through his term as President, and is now concluding as he wraps the last two years as Past President. His leadership helped guide Texas Wine Growers through a period of growth, increased visibility, and expanded advocacy. Blake’s long-standing commitment to Texas-grown wine has left a meaningful and lasting impact on our organization.

Doug concludes his term as Member at Large, where he brought an important and respected point of view to the Board. As noted by President John Rivenburgh at a recent TWG event, Doug consistently examines issues from multiple angles and offers thoughtful, sometimes contrarian perspectives that strengthen decision-making within the Board. His ability to articulate both grower and winemaker points of view added depth and balance to Board discussions.

We are deeply grateful for the time, care, and insight both Blake and Doug have given to Texas Wine Growers.

Continuing Leadership and What’s Ahead

We are also excited to recognize Board members who will continue serving in ongoing leadership roles.

John Rivenburgh will move into the Past President role following to pivotal years of leadership as President. John played a key role during the 2025 legislative session, helping guide advocacy efforts around the Farm Winery Permit and ensuring policymakers understood the importance of Texas-grown grapes to our state’s agricultural economy. In the year ahead, we look forward to John continuing to represent Texas Wine Growers across the state, speaking with economic development groups, chambers of commerce, convention and visitor bureaus, rotary clubs, and other civic organizations, in addition to the industry and consumer-focused speaking John also enjoys. 

Bryan Chagoly will step into the role of President for the next two years. Bryan has been a strong champion of initiatives that elevate Texas wine and strengthen industry partnerships. He has played a central role in advancing TWG’s curated Best of Texas Wine List and deepening collaboration with the Texas Restaurant Show to help restaurants better discover and feature Texas-grown wines. Looking ahead, Bryan is also focused on promoting Texas wine through participation in key wine competitions that raise visibility and reinforce quality on an international stage.

Tate Gregory will continue serving as Treasurer. Tate provides steady leadership that supports responsible growth and fiscal accountability. His oversight helps ensure Texas Wine Growers remains strong, sustainable, and focused on delivering value to our members.

Why Board Leadership Matters

The work of the Texas Wine Growers Board goes far beyond meetings and governance. Board leadership is critical to connecting members and prospective members across a large and diverse state. It ensures informed representation at the Capitol and with state agencies. It also helps build lasting relationships with educators, tourism partners, and industry organizations.

Most importantly, the Board helps set the strategic direction that guides advocacy, education, and outreach. This leadership allows Texas Wine Growers to consistently elevate the voice of Texas-grown wine and support real economic opportunity for Texas agriculture.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to gathering in person for our upcoming TWG Membership Meeting at Lewis Wines on February 25, 2026, where we will hold elections for the Vice President and Member at Large positions on the Board.

To our Board past, present, and future: thank you for your service and your leadership. Your work behind the scenes continues to shape the future of Texas wine and makes everything we do possible.