Vingo Vineyards Grower Profile

Steven and Pamela Yoder planted Vingo Vineyards next to their home in Dalhart in North Texas. While much of their fruit is sold to winemakers around the state, a small amount is held for their own label, Yoder Cellars. The historic post office built downtown in 1934 now houses their tasting room. It’s a perfect stop for Texans driving to Colorado to escape the heat this summer. Get to know a little of the story of the Yoders and their vineyard.

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

Steven came from a farming family and grew up farming his whole life. We moved from Ohio to Dallam County, Texas in 1982 to start farming on our own.

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

We started with five acres in 2015.

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

We now have 31 acres of grapes: Grüner Veltliner, Roussanne, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot.

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

Yes, we also grow corn, wheat, rye, soybeans, sorghum-sudan grass, and milo. In the past, we’ve also grown sunflowers, pinto beans, and alfalfa.

5. What first attracted you to growing grapes?

Our son’s degree is Aeronautical Science. After college, he worked for a military contractor. When he found the love of his life, he decided to return to the farm because he wanted to raise his family in a rural environment like he was raised. With the water situation, we wanted to raise a crop that could sustain our family farm for future generations. We chose to grow grapes. Our son and daughter-in-law both attended the Texas Tech Viticulture program.

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

Weather!

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

Framing is a lifestyle you never leave.

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

We love cooking together and enjoying a glass of wine made from 100% Texas grapes.

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

Being part of the Texas wine family. It’s a fabulous group of people.

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

Research. Research. Research. Plus, be prepared for a lot of manual labor.

11. Anything else you would like to add?

Texas is such a large state, so we are able to grow so many different varieties of grapes. We Texans are a proud group, and we strive to make the best of anything we put our hands to…so look for wines with 100% Texas grapes. You’ll be glad you did!