James May-June 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 19
Engelheim Vineyards
ELIJAY
Over the course of about 15 years, Engelheim has
grown from planting their first vines to opening a
12,000 square foot event center called Venue in the
Vines last year, a perfect location for weddings and
other celebrations. The vineyards are also
a mere 15 minutes away from Carters Lake,
continued
Gary Engel spent 27 years in the U.S. Army, ultimately earning the rank of colonel and working as the
Operations Officer during the planning and attack into
Iraq in 2003. Engel managed the logistical command
operations center in Kuwait. He retired from the Army
in 2004 and he and his wife Jan bought the land now
known as Engelheim in 2007. They planted their first
vines in 2009 and harvested the first vintage in 2011.
It may seem anomalous for the head of a vineyard
to come from an Army background but, for Gary, he
also comes from a farming background. Ultimately, a
winery really is a farm. Farming and growing the best
grapes, knowing the best time for proper ripeness and
putting out the best product.
“I grew up farming and this is just farming. I love
what we do and making wine. You’ve got to live your
dreams. I love to grow the grapes and make the wine,”
said Engel.
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