Texas Wine Industry Leader Arrested for DWI with Illegal Weapon

Prominent Winemaker Faces Serious Legal Troubles

John Rivenburgh, a prominent Texas wine maker and president of nonprofit Texas Wine Growers, was arrested in Kerrville on charges of DWI and unlawful carrying of a weapon after his blood alcohol content was nearly double the legal limit. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Texas wine community, where Rivenburgh has been a leading figure for nearly two decades.

The Kerrville Police Department told MySA that the wine maker was arrested after a traffic stop along the 100 block of West Main Street in Kerrville. The stop reportedly occurred around 11: 43 p.m.on Friday, March 20. A firearm was also found in his vehicle during the stop, leading to the second charge. He was booked just after midnight Saturday.

Rivenburgh's winery brand includes the Wine Incubator, Kerrville Hills Winery and Hill Country Spirits. He currently owns Kerrville Hills Winery, a tasting room and Texas' first wine incubator, a communal space for learning low intervention winemaking. His professional standing in the industry made the arrest particularly notable within Texas wine circles.

Escalated Charges and Legal Consequences

His high BAC — more than or equal to 0.15% — escalates the DWI charge to a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by fines of up to $4,000 and up to one year in prison. This elevated blood alcohol level significantly increases the potential penalties compared to a standard DWI charge.

In particular, a person may be charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon if they have possession of a weapon while committing the offense of driving while intoxicated. In Texas, driving while intoxicated is also considered a criminal offense and may constitute a predicate offense that can support a charge of unlawful possession of a weapon if you are found in possession of a gun or other weapon when you are arrested for DWI.

Rivenburgh's charges carried $3,500 and $1,500 bonds and he was released the same day, records show. If you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor for unlawful possession or carrying of a weapon, you may face a sentence that can include up to one year in county jail and a potential fine of up to $4,000.

Industry Impact and Professional Standing

John has won dozens of wine awards on the state, national, and international level with multiple Texas brands. He has been very active in leading legislation to advance and protect the Texas wine industry. His leadership roles have made him one of the most recognizable figures in Texas winemaking.

Google lists Rivenburgh Wine as "temporarily closed." The timing of this closure in relation to the arrest raises questions about the immediate impact on his business operations. John is extremely active in the Texas wine industry, he has gone through multiple rounds of being the VP and President of Texas Hill Country Wineries. He has lobbied and assisted in the creation of legislation relating to the Texas wine industry, and serves on an advisory board for the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Looking Ahead

The case highlights how Texas law treats weapon possession differently when combined with other criminal charges. However, to enjoy the Motorist Protection Act's benefits, an individual may not be actively committing any offense above a Class C traffic misdemeanor. The grading for a charge of driving while intoxicated starts at a Class B misdemeanor. This legal framework means that otherwise lawful gun owners can face additional charges when arrested for DWI.

For someone of Rivenburgh's stature in the Texas wine industry, the legal proceedings will likely be closely watched by industry peers and could have lasting implications for his leadership roles and business ventures. The case serves as a reminder that even prominent community figures must navigate the same legal consequences as any other citizen when facing criminal charges.