Ty Wilmeth Grower Profile

We have received great feedback on our long-running Winemaker Profile each month. At the same time, we’ve also been asked to feature profiles on grape growers and winery support staff. We have so many dedicated growers in Texas and submitted requests to six of them right off the bat. Big thanks to Ty Wilmeth for being the first to submit his responses allowing us to create our first Grower Profile. Ty Wilmeth is the co-owner of Diamante Doble Dos in Tokio, Texas!

1. What did you do before growing grapes (if anything)?

Farm – what else is there?

2. When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?

In 2015 with 15 acres: 10 of Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 Viognier.

3. How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?

58 acres Cab, Viognier, Tempranillo, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Mourvèdre, Malbec, Albariño, Teroldego, Carménère, Semillon, Petite Sirah, Malvasia Bianca, Negroamaro.

4. Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?

Cotton, peanuts, wheat, milo, hay, cucumbers, peppers, and watermelons. I don’t farm these every year, but have grown them all in the past.

5. What first attracted you to growing grapes?

Grapes require less water use than other crops.

6. What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?

Weather – by far!

7. If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?

Travel

8. After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?

Veg out! (But we don’t think that’s literal, even though he grows veggies!)

9. What’s the best part about being a grape grower?

Seeing people enjoying wine made with our grapes. I also just enjoy looking at the vineyard whenever it’s looking good!

10. What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?

Spend lots of time planning and investigating LOTS.

11. Anything else you would like to add?

KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid (Ty’s underlying motto in life!)