Selma's Gary & Ann Garnett gratified by growing variety of great wine grapes
Gary & Ann Garnett (Photo by Scott Jorgensen, Illinois Valley News)
During the late 1980s, Gary and Ann Garnett knew that they wanted to trade the hustle and bustle of Southern California for something quieter.
Gary started thinking about owning a vineyard, although he was hardly an expert in the field.
“I didn’t know that much about grapes,” he said. “But it was something I really wanted to try.”
The couple began looking for property in California’s famed Napa Valley, noted for its assortment of vineyards. But that area’s high real estate values proved to be cost-prohibitive, and in September 1988, the Garnetts began looking to Oregon.
Now, nearly two decades later, Ann is glad that they did.
“This area is perfect for pinots,” she said.
Deer Creek Vineyards, at 2680 Deer Creek Road in Selma, grows grapes for chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris wines. The 8-acre property wasn’t always used for such a purpose, though.
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“It was a hay farm when we bought it,” explained Gary.
The Garnetts began planting their first grapevines in 1991. That came after a solid two years of converting the property for vineyard use, including installation of drip irrigation.
“We put in the entire vineyard by ourselves,” said Ann, with a hint of pride.
During 1993, Deer Creek Vineyards had its first harvest. All the grapes were picked by hand, just as they are now, and put into totes that hold anywhere from 1,000 to 13,000 pounds.
Deer Creek Vineyards grows a total of 25,000 grapevines, all of which are pruned by hand.
“It’s one of the most labor-intensive crops there is,” Gary said.
Although the harvesting occurs during the fall, the Garnetts spend the entire year weeding, mowing and performing other maintenance. Last year, the vineyard produced 150 tons of grapes. Once they’re harvested, the grapes are shipped to Foris Vineyards in Cave Junction for processing.
During 2005 the vineyard added a tasting room, featuring a variety of merchandise. Also, Deer Creek Vineyards recently has began hosting weddings.
The wine-tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during summer. During wintertime, it is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, visit deercreekvineyards.com or phone 597-4226.
