One day Garrett Kellermeier approached his father-in-law, Dr. Bo Brock, wanting to plant something on some of the family’s 60-plus acres of untapped land in Lamesa, Texas to which Dr. Brock agreed. After giving careful consideration to the options, Garrett settled on planting a vineyard and the rest is history. It was that decision that has led us to this month’s Grower Profile featuring Garrett Kellermeier of Lilli of the Vine Vineyard, named after one of Garrett’s daughters and Dr Brock’s first granddaughter.
- What did you do before growing grapes?
I worked in the grain industry and grew row crops which I still do.
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
We planted our first three acres of vines in 2014.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
Today we have 20 producing acres: Merlot 6 acres, Tempranillo 5.5 acres, Cabernet Sauvignon 5 acres, Cinsault 3 acres, Malbec 1/3 acre, Pinot Noir 1/4 acre.
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
Yes, we also farm watermelons, cantaloupes, cotton, and wheat.
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
I liked the challenge of learning how to grow a new crop and being able to taste the final product.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
The unpredictable Texas weather.
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
I would still be farming!
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
Enjoy supper around our table with my family followed by a glass of wine with my wife on our back porch while our kids play in the yard.
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
Being able to drink the final product and share it with friends.
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Find some mentors who have been growing grapes for years and learn from their advice.
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