About Us

The fact that in the 1800’s, El Paso was one of the country’s premier wine regions intrigued Victor Poulos. Being an avid wine collector as well an El Paso history buff, his interest became even greater when he read an article in Texas Monthly magazine about the poor quality of Texas Wines. Mr. Poulos, an attorney and El Paso businessman, decided to put aside this preconceived notion, and prove that El Paso’s Mesilla Valley Appellation could once again produce a quality wine.

In August 2000, Zin Valle Vineyards was “born” when the Poulos family purchased ten acres of land in Canutillo, Texas within the Mesilla Valley Appellation. The northern most acres were prepared for Zinfandel wine grapes, the name Rising Star was registered and the dream of an El Paso vineyard became a reality.

More than 100 tons of sandy soil, mixed for optimum grape production was brought in. The exiting soil was removed down to native sandy loam, which was at least 3 feet deep and replaced with the new sandy soil in rows. A specialized drip irrigation system was installed. The Poulos family went to the expense of a cordon trellis system for supporting and training the grape vines. While the system is expensive to establish and maintain, it results in quality fruit.

Believing that good wine starts with good grapes, 850 zinfandel plants were purchased from a well-known California nursery and planted. In 2003, the vineyard now known as “Ryan’s Vineyard,” named after their son, produced a crop of mature, quality zinfandel grapes, far exceeding traditionally light expectations for the first mature crop. As expected, the Mesilla Valley once again proved itself as an optimum locale for growing premium grapes.

The success of the 2003 harvest underscored the Poulos family’s determination to expand Zin Valle Vineyards. A second vineyard for white wine was added as well as a tasting room and production facility. The second vineyard, known as “Sarah’s Vineyard,” named after their daughter, was prepared as thoroughly as the first. Due to the tremendous success of the first zinfandel vineyard, 1200 Malvasia and Gewürztraminer plants were planted and a drip irrigation system was again installed. Today, both vineyards produce quality grapes that continually exceed expectations.

Zin Valle’s tasting room and production facility were designed and constructed to compliment the existing farm structures being built in traditional Southwestern stucco. A striking copper roof sets off the winery. An expansive porch enables the guests to enjoy their wine with a picnic lunch while they stroll through the demonstration vineyard and actual production vineyards. The Barrel Room is designed for not only wine storage, but also candle light and wooden tables surrounded by wine barrels provide for an intimate dining experience.

Zin Valle is family owned and managed. The Poulos family is dedicated to achieving soil, climate and grape harmony to produce a quality Texas wine in the Mesilla Valley. El Paso and Mesilla Valley have returned to their rightful place as a nationally recognized wine-growing region.