The Graff vineyard was established in 2016 with an initial experimental planting of 25 different varieties. Our vineyard sits at almost 4,000 ft elevation just south of Dalhart, Texas.
At Sod Cellars, we understand that good wine begins with thoughtful farming.
The journey of wine begins with farming. It starts with digging a hole in the soil and tenderly packing the earth around the roots of a young vine. Protecting it through its first hailstorm, blistering winters, and the many hungry critters it may encounter. As the vine matures over the years from a tender young plant to a sturdy trunk and canopy, farmers must listen, observe, and guide its growth - constantly watching and managing countless factors beyond their control. At Sod Cellars, we understand that good wine begins with thoughtful farming.
We named our winery and vineyard, Sod Cellars, after the thick layer of soil held together by the dense root systems of the prairie grasses that blanket the Great Plains. Just as the soil is supported by these roots, we believe that the communities of farmers and ranchers in the Panhandle are united by our shared history, traditions, and connection to the land. Sod is closely associated with the history of settlement on the Great Plains, reflecting the unique challenges and adaptations faced by early farmers from Texas to Canada.
SOD CELLARS is named after the thick soil layer formed by dense prairie grass roots of the Great Plains.
We cherish where we are and what we do, and we believe that passion is evident in our wines.
Sod Cellars specializes in elevated Texas wines in the Panhandle of our great state. Growing grapes in this remote part of Texas presents unique challenges; however, owners James and Sawyer Graff view this work as a labor of love. Bringing together their family backgrounds in the service industry and farming - James and Sawyer were married in the Graff family vineyard in October 2023. James Graff was born and raised in Dalhart, Texas, where his family has been involved in row crop farming since the late 1970s. After graduating from Texas Tech University, James returned home to start his farming career with a very different type of farming - a high elevation vineyard. The first vineyard acres were planted in 2016, testing what would thrive in this tormentingly hot and bitterly cold part of Texas. In September 2020, James’ operation became a partnership with his then-fiance, Sawyer, who transitioned from her job as a federal risk-management bank examiner to work full-time at the vineyard. Together, they faced several heartbreaking springs together as variety after variety struggled to endure the harsh Panhandle winters. Nevertheless, they persevered. determined to discover which varieties would flourish on their land and produce delicious wines. Through learning from their mistakes, their deep connection to the land, and the support of other Texas grape growers, James and Sawyer identified the grape varieties that thrived for them.
The Graffs are committed to bringing the heart of the Panhandle to life through their vineyard, capturing its wildness and tenacity in their wines.
Each of our wine labels features elements that represent our love for the vast prairie land we call home - a never-ending sunset, a Texas horned-toad, common quail, a handed down ladder-back chair from the family kitchen, or a spectacular thunderstorm stretching across the horizon. We cherish where we are and what we do, and we believe that passion is evident in our wines. Through fierce resilience and artistic grit, Sod Cellars wines demonstrate that from hardship comes delicious victory. Experience our bold wine and carry a piece of the wild Texas spirit home with you.
