The Vineyard

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 existing 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.