Texas Tech University is turning 100 and what better way to celebrate than with a special wine developed on Texas Tech’s home turf, in West Texas.
Kim McPherson, the owner of McPherson Cellars, located in Lubbock, Texas, has made extraordinary paths in revitalizing the wine produced in the area. Therefore, there was no better person or business to manufacture the Centennial wine to celebrate this historical moment.
“It’s a big honor, so that was a very big thing for us,” McPherson said, “because they came to the best.”
McPherson explained why Texas Tech staff came to the right place when choosing McPherson Cellars. Texas Tech staff, including President Schovanec, came into the McPherson Cellars tasting room and chose three different wines that were bottled for the celebration of Texas Tech’s birthday.
Director of Centennial Coordination for Texas Tech, Blayne Beal, said Texas Tech wanted to go out with a bang because the centennial year only comes around once. This directed the university to create its own wine label, which added the extra touch that everyone wanted.
“McPherson’s family has been key to wine growth within this part of the state, not only from what you see in your bottle but also from a vineyard standpoint,” Beal said. “It was a pretty natural choice to go with McPherson.”
“Making good wines, and keep on keeping on.”
Kim Mcpherson
A photo of Doc McPherson and his son, Kim, hangs in the McPherson Cellars tasting room hallway to honor their strong family roots.
Beal said McPherson Cellars understood the importance of the centennial celebration and rolled out the red carpet for the Texas Tech staff while they made the deciding factors for the wines they wanted to showcase.
The Centennial wine label is exclusive to only centennial events, such as the opening night for the Museum of Texas Tech, Texas Tech’s annual Carol of Lights ceremony, various receptions, and other events at select locations across the state including NASA and Texas Tech Day at the Capitol.
“Lots of compliments and the small things are what people notice,” Beal said. “The Centennial wine label was special to the attendees of the centennial events, they took notice of that, and we are proud of that.”
This bottle of wine represents a lot for Texas Tech and McPherson Cellars. These two have continually expanded the palette for the region and what it means to be a part of the West Texas family.
Like Texas Tech University’s approach to higher education, McPherson Cellars will continue to do what they do best: “Making good wines, and keep on keeping on,” McPherson said.
The Centennial Wine stands strong in the McPherson Cellars tasting room. 
The Centennial wine stands strong in the McPherson Cellars tas?ng room while Kim McPherson educates Texas Tech students on Texas wine. 
Kim McPherson sharing his wisdom about the tenacity of vineyard owners and winemakers in West Texas.