One small winery in Cleburne with a loyal following is Pollo Rosa Vineyard and Winery. We visited recently, and I was especially impressed by the immaculate vineyard. Owners Duane and Donna Patrick have created a beautiful property alongside a winery producing wines enjoyed by many. We are happy to feature Pollo Rosa Vineyard and Winery as this month’s Grower Profile.
- What did you do before growing grapes?
Duane has been growing Christmas trees since 1997. He was an electrician and a handyman. Donna was a science teacher and was in the classroom for 36 years.
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
We started building and planting our vineyards in 2021. We planted about two acres the first year.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
We are adding one more small vineyard, so we will probably max out at six acres. We are growing Blanc du Bois, Lenoir (Black Spanish), and we are propagating Wild Mustang, Champanel, Lomanto, and several TV Munson varietals. We have a 1/2-acre vineyard at Sunset Hill Tree Farm, and we are working on the small vineyard at Jellystone Park.
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
Christmas trees, peach, and pear trees, and we have an extensive vegetable garden at our house.
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
We love the gift of growing things. The challenges and rewards of working with living things are our passion. The grapes are off-season from the Christmas trees, and we fill our year with caring for plants.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
Same as being a Christmas tree grower: the weather. You just never know.
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
Christmas trees for sure. We would be growing something.
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
Drink a beer and cook something on the grill.
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
Definitely the process. Taking a stick and getting bottles of wine from it. It is mentally and physically challenging, and the community that goes with it is a blessing.
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Research other vineyards and wineries and ask questions. Find out what they like best and what their challenges are, and ask, “If you were starting over today, what would you do differently? ”
If you are a wine grower or winemaker, and have not been featured yet in a Grower Profile or Winemaker Profile, please contact us!
Thank you for the article and your visit. Can’t wait for your next visit.