“Doc” McPherson
The sad news today is Dr. Clinton A. “Doc” McPherson passed away in the early morning on January 25, 2013. He had not been in good health recently. The funeral is in Lubbock Monday morning.
Doc McPherson is often regarded as the father of the modern Texas wine industry. He is the father of noted winemakers Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars and Jon McPherson of South Coast Winery in California.
Doc McPherson and Robert R. Reed started growing grapes around a patio in Lubbock County in the early 1960’s. McPherson was a chemistry professor at Texas Tech and Reed was a horticulture professor. After they were successful getting 200 pounds of grape from the vines, McPherson being a chemist said they should try making wine from them.
The two set up an experimental winery in the basement of the Chemistry Building at Texas Tech. After some preliminary success, they were able to set up a limited partnership and started Llano Estacado Winery in 1976. Time has passed and today Llano Estacado is the second largest winery in Texas.
In the meantime Doc McPherson was the first in Texas to plant Sangiovese in his famous Sagmor Vineyard. McPherson Cellars uses grapes from the Sagmor Vineyard along with some other fortunate wineries.
Since Robert Reed passed away last year, we have now lost two of the real pioneers of the Texas wine industry. Texas wine will miss Doc McPherson, but his legend will live on.
Photo courtesy of Alfonso Cevola of On the Wine Trail in Italy
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I was privileged to meet and visit with Doc several times in Lubbock during the 1980’s-’90’s, especially at some wine festivals. I have always admired his efforts and pioneering spirit. I am also proud to be a fellow chemist who has grown grapes and made wine. All of us in Texas who love wine and support the wine industry will miss Doc McPherson. Sympathy to Kim and Jon and all of the McPherson family.
He is who started me on my wine journey.
Our thoughts and prayers go out the family and friends. Texas and the wine industry has lost a hero……
A true loss ….. prayers for “Doc” and his family.
Our hearts and thoughts are with our friends the McPherson Family from the North to South of California.
thanks for sharing, Jeff.
You’re welcome Kassandra