The vineyard was started in Spring 2005. It covers three-quarters of an acre and consists of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and sangiovese.

The vineyard required plenty of work to set up. First we installed the anchors and end posts.

Sheldon's dad, Charles, was the engineer. He designed the system of end poles and anchors.

June's brother, Tim, flew down from Massachusetts to help with the work. He said that he came to Texas to do some work on a project at Fort Hood, but he had much more fun mixing concrete. The poles and anchors are buried in 2 feet of concrete. We used the auger to dig the holes, mixed the concrete, and then checked and rechecked our work.

June's aunt and uncle came by and checked on the progress.

Next Sheldon and June used spray paint to mark where the plants would go. Then they used the auger again to dig all the holes. It took a couple days to dig enough holes.

Finally the plants were put into their holes. They woke up immediately from their dormant winter state, and the buds swelled within a couple days. The green wax protects the plant in shipping.

Time to celebrate! Father Tom from St. Joseph's Episcopal Church blessed the baby grapevines on Sunday May 1st.

Everyone toasted to the success of the new vineyard.

See more photos in our GALLERY!