Kurt & Kathy Banff
Not all vineyards are large, but they are still vital in Texas to grow grapes and provide them to wineries. One such vineyard is Banff Vineyard located in Lago Vista near Austin. Kurt and Kathy Banff own the vineyard, and Kurt provided the answers. They currently are contracted with The Austin Winery. We are happy to feature Banff Vineyard as this month’s Grower Profile!
- What did you do before growing grapes?
I was in the airline business from 1978 to 2020. After retiring from the airline business, I turned the part-time grape growing into full-time grape growing.
- When did you first plant your vineyard, and how many acres did you start with?
We planted an experimental vineyard of 300 vines in 1996. We planted five different varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Ruby Cabernet, Vidal Blanc, and Syrah. We wanted to see what would do well in our rocky limestone and crazy climate. It turned out that the Syrah did really well, so 100% Syrah is what we went forward with after 1999.
- How many acres do you have today, and what grapes are planted?
Today we have 2600 vines on two acres. We replaced the Syrah in 2017 with Lenoir. In 2020 we planted 100 experimental own-rooted Paseante Noir. The Paseante Noir did so well that in 2022 we decided to do an experimental field-chip grafting of Paseante Noir buds onto 30 of the five-year Lenoir vines. Putting two Paseante Noir chip buds on each Lenoir vine, we had a 97% take on the grafts. The following year on those 30 vines we were almost back to full fruit production. Because of the success of the grafting and not having to wait for newly planted vines to get to full fruit production, the decision was made in 2024 to field-chip graft all remaining Lenoir vines to Paseante Noir. It has been amazing. We should be back to getting 6-7 tons of fruit by 2025 or 2026. And by the way, Paseante Noir makes an excellent wine.
- Do you farm any other crops? And if so, what?
We also grow peaches, pears, plums, apples, figs, and pomegranates.
- What first attracted you to growing grapes?
My mother and father are from Germany. We would travel there every summer when I was a kid to see relatives. I loved seeing all the beautiful vineyards. That’s when I decided that one day I’d like to have one.
- What is the toughest challenge about being a grape grower in Texas?
One would have to say our climate and weather. You really have to stay ahead of things in the vineyard. If you get behind, you will never be able to catch up for the growing season. Staying ahead of nutrients and fungal pressure are a must. And, since we are right on Lake Travis, we have more birds than most. Netting must be done perfectly, or you’ll lose fruit fast.
- If you didn’t grow grapes, what would you do?
Travel much more.
- After a long day in the vineyard, what do you like to do?
I am a guitar player and love getting together with my fellow musicians.
- What’s the best part about being a grape grower?
At the end of a hard day’s work, sitting down with a glass of wine enjoying and appreciating the view of the vineyard (the fruits of your labor).
- What advice would you give someone wanting to start a vineyard today?
Don’t jump into grape growing without planning. Find a good mentor who has grape-growing knowledge and experience. Study and learn everything you can about grape growing. Doing that can be the difference between success and failure.