If you have been following the Texas wine scene, you’ve probably heard whispers about Desert Willow Vineyard. The vineyard is owned and operated by the Rob and Laurel Warren family in Seminole of the Texas High Plains. You may have heard about them recently since they’re one of the two organic vineyards currently in Texas. The other vineyard is Y Knot Vineyard who we featured in last month’s Grower Profile. Rob Warren answered this month’s questions, and we are happy to present Desert Willow Vineyard as this month’s Grower Profile.
- What did you do before growing grapes?
I have been farming row crops since 2001.
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
We planted our first 10 acres in 2016.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
We have 36 certified organic acres that include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, and Carignan.
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
Yes, we farm organic cotton, peanuts, and wheat, as well as conventional cotton. We also raise commercial hair sheep.
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
Boredom. I wanted to learn how to grow something more romantic than cotton. The deeper I dove into wine grapes, the more I realized it was a great fit for my farm and my family.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
The cliché answer would be the Texas weather, but raising grapes organically has been as challenging as marketing them!
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
It would be pretty cool to be a cigarette boat tester, but I’d probably be too busy farming.
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
Enjoy a home-cooked meal from my wife, then an intense wiffleball game in the backyard with the fam.
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
Seeing an amazing bottle of wine made with our fruit winning awards. Also, drinking that same wine.
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Start small and do LOTS of research on markets, varietals, and site selection.
If you are a wine grower and have not been featured yet in a Grower Profile, please contact us!
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