Most of the vineyards in Texas are in the High Plains near Lubbock, however, there are other vineyards in the state that are growing wonderful grapes. They may not be huge vineyards, but they are an instrumental part of providing grapes for those wineries who prefer to let the growers with the expertise handle the growing while the winery handles the winemaking. One of those smaller vineyards in North Texas is Breaking Bud Vineyard owned by Rusty and Lisa Mauldin. Rusty took time during pruning to provide the answers for this month’s Grower Profile.
- What did you do before growing grapes?
After graduating from UT El Paso in 1983, we lived in Garland, TX for 35 years where Rusty worked for Texas Instruments, then Raytheon as an engineer, then manager, and Lisa taught middle/high school math and earth science. Skills learned in both of these career fields have been useful in developing a vineyard!
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
Utilizing a process learned at Grayson College, we spent two years sampling soil and water on properties across the Texoma AVA looking for just the right combination. We bought our little slice of heaven in 2018, moved on to it in 2019, and planted our first half acre “test vineyard” in 2020.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
We have two acres of Picpoul Blanc, 1.5 acres of Syrah, and a few rows of Mourvèdre and Albariño.
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
2,900 grapevines and eight beehives keep us plenty busy!
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
We became fascinated with the Texas wine industry in the early 2010s, and when we read the T.V. Munson story, and realized a vibrant, growing “Grape Paradise” existed in nearby Texoma, we jumped in. Lisa obtained certificates from Grayson College in Viticulture and Oenology; we bought this small 10-acre farm and started the vineyard. We love the grape growing life!
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
October and April freezes, too much, then too little rain, hail, high wind, and bird/deer predation. Trials produce character, making Texas grapes and growers full of character.
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
Raise bees, spoil grandkids more, travel, improve bow hunting skills, and fish Lake Texoma.
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
Relax and prepare to get after it the next day.
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
Being part of a growing local community of fun and dedicated growers, wine producers, and educators, who are committed to quality over quantity, education, community, and properly developing the taste of Texoma.
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Grape growing is not for sissies! Bring your resilience, dedication, tenacity, and persistence. Don’t try to grow grapes by yourself. Get your education first, then continue to learn until you are through growing. Volunteer at established vineyards to learn best practices. Develop early a partner relationship with your buyer; recognizing their success is your success. Understand the value they want and bring it. A viticulture consultant is an investment with a strong return (ask me for a recommendation)! Your local AgriLife representative will bring great value; get to know them! And don’t try to grow too many varieties!
Can’t wait to visit someday! Loved talking with cousin Lisa and husband! Would love to help picking grapes in the vineyard someday.
Rusty, my wife and I would like to come visit your facility !!
Cheers, Chris cigainero