Most of the grapes grown in Texas come from the High Plains, particularly the Lubbock area. One couple that has been farming grapes there for many years is Steve and Cindy Newsom. They are often mistaken for another Newsom Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, but they operate a distinct and independent vineyard. Their vineyard, appropriately named Steve and Cindy Newsom Vineyards, is the grape source for one of the most decorated wineries in the region, English Newsom Cellars. In addition to the High Plains winery, English Newsom Cellars operates other tasting rooms throughout Texas, such as the one in Fredericksburg. Steve and Cindy grow several unique grape varieties, including Picardan and Sagrantino, which are used to produce award-winning wines. We are pleased to feature Steve and Cindy Newsom Vineyards as this month’s Grower Profile.
- What did you do before growing grapes?
I’m a career farmer and have farmed since college.
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
2008. Our original planting was five acres of Merlot.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
We have close to 100 acres, which include, but are not limited to:
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Viognier
- Albariño
- Tempranillo
- Riesling
- Moscato Giallo
- Malbec
- Sangiovese
- Picardan
- Trebbiano
- Mourvèdre
- Montepulciano
- Sagrantino
- Teroldego
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
Cotton, corn, peanuts, grain sorghum, wheat, etc.
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
We were originally drawn to the fact that the water usage was lower for the amount of income we could produce per acre, but we also really liked that we knew our buyers, and you could know most of the supply chain from grower to consumer, since it was all in-state. We enjoy dealing with Texans.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
Our biggest challenge is growing the consumer demand for Texas wines and thus increasing demand for Texas grapes.
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
I love farming; that’ll always be our family focus. Grapes are a great fit for that.
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
Hang out with my wife, Cindy.
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
Definitely the people we get to interact with in the industry, including both our grape and wine customers. Texas is a great place to grow grapes and to live.
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Have a contract. Passion and hard work used to be enough to succeed with a vineyard, and even 10 years ago, you could plant without worrying about a home for your grapes. I want every grower to be successful, and so you need to have a home for your grapes before you plant.
If you are a wine grower or winemaker, and have not been featured yet in a Grower Profile or Winemaker Profile, please contact us!
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