Rowdy and Tameisha Bolen own Bolen Vineyards in the Texas High Plains. The vineyard started making its own wine from its estate grapes in 2019. There was a short hiatus in the producing of their wines, but they are back, and tastings are being held on certain days. Be sure to watch Bolen Vineyards’ social media as to what days tastings are held. We are happy to feature Bolen Vineyards as this month’s Grower Profile.
- What did you do before growing grapes?
Owned a couple of small businesses focused on advertising and marketing.
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
We planted our first vines in 2010 beginning with one acre of self-root Merlot, clone 03.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
We currently have five acres of vines with varieties planted in Merlot, Malbec, Mourvèdre, and Tannat.
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
We do not farm any other crops, but we raise Dorper sheep for stock show and market lamb purposes.
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
We loved the ability to grow a product that would be purchased and consumed by Texans. So much of the crops grown in our area leave Texas and head to Asia to be made into clothing. Grapes grown here, typically are consumed here. It’s a unique crop to grow and we have many people ask how the vineyard is doing when we see them in public.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
There are four grape-growing seasons in Texas: Frost, Hail, Drift, and Birds. When you think you’ve done enough to mitigate all four, you’ll find out quickly how much you haven’t done to protect them. If you can escape all four, then you’re gonna have a great crop!
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
I still have a day job but would probably have a small ranch to run select breeds of cattle. I’m intrigued by the Angus breed and how cross-breeding produces lines of cattle that are ideal for Texas weather. Still would love to do that one day!
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
Drink a big glass of wine as I sit down at dinner with my family!
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
Seeing people enjoy the wine made from the fruit we grow. It catches them by surprise that the grapes are grown locally, wine produced locally, and that the wine quality is amazing. They love to hear the story, from cold March days pruning to long hot summer days managing the vineyard, and how it leads to producing world-class fruit for our wines.
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Location is key and grow something you love. Take the time to chat with growers and listen to the varieties they enjoy working with. Some clones and rootstocks work better than others and they’ll let you know which ones to avoid. Also, don’t be afraid to admit when you’ve made a mistake and reassess a situation. Sometimes, growing a variety because it’s a high-demand grape isn’t always worth the trouble. Our Malbec is that example for me as I’ve struggled to manage canopy, consistent fruit production, and underwire management. It would have been better pulling it up and planting another variety/clone/rootstock early on and save me some grief but, some 12 years later, I still struggle with it.
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