GROWING TEXAS GRAPES SINCE 2015
Tony and I both grew up on the farm. Each of our families have farmed for over 3 generations in Terry, Dawson and Gaines counties. Tony attended Angelo State University and graduated in 1986 with degrees in Finance and Accounting. In 1996, we looked to our families as role models when we were given the opportunity to begin our own farm life. Tony’s background in the public sector as an accountant and in City Administration has been a valuable tool on the farm. We have grown cotton, peanuts, wheat and black eyed peas. The most concentrated efforts in cotton production. In 2013 we started to think about diversifying our farming operation even further. The vineyard industry was just starting to explode in Texas but more specifically in Terry County. A vineyard seemed like the perfect next step.
The idea of owning and caring for a vineyard felt like it was only a dream. In 2015, that dream became a reality when we planted our first 10 acre block: 5 acres of Sangiovese and 5 acres of Touriga Nacional. The following year, 2016, we were able to expand with another 10 acre block: 2.5 acres of Muscat Blanc, 2.5 acres of Roussanne and 5 acres of Cinsault. During this time Madonna began the course work in the viticulture certification program. In 2017, she completed her Professional Viticulture Certificate from Texas Tech University. The knowledge gained through this program is definitely an asset in the vineyard.
In 2019 we seized the opportunity to plant our third 10 acre block when we added 5 acres of Mourvèdre, 2.5 acres of Chenin Blanc and 2.5 acres of Graciano. We were able to plant our fourth block in the spring of 2023: 5 acres of Teroldego, 2.5 acres of Alvarinho and 2.5 acres of Picpoul Blanc. This acreage completed our original plan of establishing a 40 acre vineyard.
We look forward to what the future holds as we continue to grow and work with some of the finest winery partners in Texas. Even more, as third generation Terry County farmers, we are excited to share our love and stewardship of the land with our children, Amanda and her husband, Josh; and Weston and his wife, Sarah. We also look forward to the day when we can share our legacy with our grandchildren: Wrenn, Garner, Troy and Charlotte.
TIMELINE
Planted in 2015
Sangiovese (5 acres)
Touriga Nacional (5 acres)
Planted in 2016
Muscat Blanc (2.5 acres)
Roussanne (2.5 acres)
Cinsault (5 acres)
Planted in 2019
Graciano (2.5 acres)
Chenin Blanc (2.5 acres)
Mourvèdre (5 acres)
Planted in 2023
Teroldego (5 acres)
Alvarinho (2.5 acres)
Picpoul Blanc (2.5 acres)