One popular vineyard in the Texas High Plains is Friesen Vineyards led by John Friesen. John has been growing award-winning grapes for wineries such as Ron Yates and Bending Branch Winery. If you get the chance, have Ron Yates tell you how he found Friesen Vineyards. 😊 Recently, John announced his own private label Friesen Cellars. We are happy to present Freisen Vineyards as this month’s Grower Profile!
- What did you do before growing grapes?
We have farmed row crops since 2006.
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
In 2014 we planted our first five acres of Cabernet Sauvignon.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
We have a total of 33 acres that consist of 7 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 acres of Tempranillo, 3 acres of Merlot, 2 acres of Tannat, 2 acres of Alicante Bouschet, 4 acres of Petite Manseng, 4 acres of Petite Sirah, 4 acres of Petit Verdot, and 4 acres of Cabernet Franc.
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
Yes, we have farmed cotton, peanuts, wheat, milo, sunflowers, and several different hay species, and we own and operate a small cow-calf operation.
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
We felt we needed to grow something of higher value and less water consumption. Grapes seemed to be the perfect fit.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
Finding enough labor to hand harvest every year has been our biggest challenge.
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
I would probably be doing everything else I’m doing now, but it wouldn’t be the same.
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
Going home and pop open a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, grill prime cut ribeyes, and enjoy dinner with my wife and kids.
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
After all the hard work, seeing the fruits of your labor in a finished bottle, and getting to taste and enjoy it with your friends and family. That’s where it’s at.
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Start doing research and talk to other growers who have been successful grape growers. Don’t get in a hurry and start small.
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