Jeff Cope
Michael and Deanna Dickey
We previously showcased Michael Dickey as the original Winemaker Profile for Longhorn Cellars. Both Michael and his wife, Deanna, started in the wine industry with multiple locations for their Veraison Hills Vineyard, so Michael has plenty of experience with growing wine grapes. Their estate vineyard, now at Longhorn Cellars, is just one testament of why you should visit them to experience the wine produced from Michael’s fruit. We are happy to present Michael Dickey again, this time as the month’s featured Grower Profile.
- What did you do before growing grapes?
Before growing grapes, I ran three Urgent Care Centers in the Texas Hill Country, Austin, and Cedar Park as an Emergency Physician.
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
In 2014. We planted 1/2 acre of Tannat.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
We currently have five acres planted. The varietals include Nero D’Avola, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, and Merlot.
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
No other crop farming.
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
Peacefulness and the beauty of working in a vineyard, first and almost as important, the wine that ultimately comes from all the hard work put into the vineyard.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
The toughest challenge for me is Mother Nature, spring freezes, hail, and drought.
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
Although I am currently still working in the Emergency Room and growing grapes, I would love to consult in the vineyard and retire to enjoy the fruits of my labor.
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
I really enjoy tasting through wines in tanks and barrels, going home to watch sci-fi on television, and just relaxing with family.
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
For me, the best part is seeing the end result of all the hard work that has gone into growing the grapes in the final product of a really good wine.
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Research what varieties grow well in the climate and soil you plan on planting in, and to be patient since there are many things that can cause setbacks. It takes perseverance.
If you are a wine grower or winemaker, and have not been featured yet in a Grower Profile or Winemaker Profile, please contact us!
