Russ Kane at the Vintage Texas blog has the details -- the Virginia wine business has called out the Texas wine business, and the latter is nowhere to be seen. The Virginia agriculture secretary doesn't mince words:
Two of our closest competitors in the U.S., New York State and Texas, are actually cutting their wine marketing and education budgets and cutting back the things they are doing to support their industry. It doesn’t make any sense to us but we’re not arguing. If they want to take those steps backwards, that’s all for the better of Virginia. We are committed to growing this industry.
There is even video (courtesy of the great Todd Godbout at VirginiaWineTV). Frankly, if this challenge doesn't move the Texas Legislature to restore marketing and research funding for the Texas wine industry, what will? I've tried being reasonable, and I've tried being funny. Neither, apparently, made much difference.
Now, the Virginia agriculture secretary is questioning their manhood. It's High Noon, fellows, Frank Miller is getting off the train, and Grace Kelly isn't around to help. (Video courtesy of TheWesternReview via YouTube.)
Jeff,
The High noon video was great. Did you notice that Gary Cooper plays the role of Marshall Will Kane! He's probably my long lost great-great Texas uncle.
Posted by: Russ Kane | May 02, 2011 at 05:39 PM
One can never have too much High Noon, Russ. Maybe we can dress you in a 10-gallon and six-guns, and you can call out the Texas Legislature?
Posted by: Jeff Siegel | May 03, 2011 at 05:55 AM