Austin Co. couple sets sights on grape production

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Four acres of grape production at the Watsons' vineyard are sold to three wineries. To harvest the grapes, the Watsons invite friends (above) for a grape-picking good time, with music and food. - Courtesy photo

October 23, 2003 -- Over 20 years ago, Jerry and Cozette Watson knew what they wanted to do after his retirement, and it didn't include staying in Houston!

The Watsons purchased land in the Cat Springs area, had a weekend house, and made plans for their future. That future included the development of grape vineyards.

In 1986, they started with one acre of Blanc DuBois grapes. In the past years, the vineyards have reached four acres in size and now, also, include Black Spanish and Cynthiana grapes.

The Blanc DuBois can be made into either dry or sweet white wines, and the Black Spanish makes good Port, along with a red wine from the Cynthiana grapes, according to Watson.

After retiring in 1999, the Watsons devoted their time to the vineyards, and, today, sell the harvested grapes to three wineries: Lehm Berg in Giddings, Pleasant Hill in Brenham, and Haak in Santa Fe.

He estimated a "good" year's harvest, conducted from early July to early August, produces four tons of grapes per acre, which would equal about 12,000 bottles of vino a season.

"The wine industry has really taken off in Texas," said Watson.

At the turn of the century, there were six wineries between Brenham and Columbus, but the "true European grapes" could not survive in the rainy, damp climate of South Central Texas. As many who have tried raising grapes know, Pierce's disease (PD) made it impossible to grow many older varieties of grapes. The native Mustang grape was able to survive the leaf hoppers and their spread of PD, explained Watson.

Watson added that, today, there are six or eight vineyards in Austin County with about 30 acres of grapes planted. He said each year, more grape producers come on board, and credit is given to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs for her support of the grape/wine industry in the state.

Since 1995, there are between 50 and 60 vineyards in Texas, with another 20 or so in the process of becoming active, Watson stated, and he expects to see 100 vineyards in the next two years.

Currently, there are around 450 members of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, and they recently had their annual meeting in Junction.

When asked what advice he would give those starting a vineyard, Watson recommends they "start small" - around 100 grape vines. He believes by the time a producer gets through the first season, he will have a better idea if that's what he really wants to do, since it is very time intensive.

One example of the time- and labor-intensive chores is in January and February, the Watsons' grapevines are trimmed back about 90 percent, and re-trained as they grow through each season.

When he and his wife started their vineyard, they learned a lot from professors and Texas Cooperative Extension agents from Texas A&M University, Watson relayed, and they still rely on the specialists for information and educational field days. Plus, Watson said they have enjoyed meeting other people with the same interests and sharing ideas and information.

A unique event the Watsons host during harvest season also puts the couple in contact with other grape-enthusiasts. The Watsons invite friends and family to pick the grapes, furnishing food and even a band in the evening. They've made it a yearly affair, and have enjoyed getting to know everyone, better.

As far as getting rich with a vineyard, he said it's "about like cows!" Some years are good ones, when the price is up, and sometimes it's not.