Our family’s vineyard was started in 2016 as an ambitious trial of 25 different varietals. The vineyard sits at over 3,800 feet above sea level between Dalhart and Hartley, Texas.
At Sod Cellars, we understand that great wine begins with thoughtful farming.
SOD CELLARS is named for the thick soil layer of dense prairie grass that blankets this part of Texas.
Sod Cellars was born from a deep appreciation for the Texas Panhandle - its wide horizons, resilient people, and the prairie that has sustained generations. Named for the living layer of native grasses whose roots hold the High Plains together, our winery is rooted in the same enduring landscape.
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.
Where Prairie Meets Vineyard.
Our family vineyard and winery sits just outside of Dalhart, where farming has been part of the Graff family for three generations.
While growing grapes on the High Plains comes with its challenges, we believe the region’s climate, character, and determination produce wines with a story worth telling.
MEET THE GRAFFS
Sod Cellars was founded by James and Sawyer Graff, who were married in the family vineyard and now farm it together.
James and his father, Bill, planted the first vines in 2016, continuing a farming legacy that stretches back generations. Today, James serves as Sod Cellars’ winemaker, crafting wines that reflect the character of the Texas Panhandle. Sawyer joined the journey in 2020, bringing a background in hospitality and a passion for creating spaces where people feel welcome. With the help of their families, they built Sod Cellars as a place where thoughtful wines and genuine hospitality come together.
Our labels celebrate the landscape & traditions that shaped us -
a never-ending sunset, a Texas horned-toad, a handed down chair from grandma’s kitchen, or the dramatic skies that roll across the Plains. Each illustration tells a small piece of the story behind our wines.
Beyond our vineyard.
While our family vineyard is at the heart of Sod Cellars, we also partner with other Texas growers to source exceptional fruit. These relationships allow us to craft a wider range of wines while celebrating the remarkable diversity of Texas vineyards.
From vine to bottle.
Planting, pruning, tractor work, and harvesting are all family run here at Sod Cellars.
