Vineyard Beliefs
We are situated on and around the headwaters of Douglas Lake. The French Broad River feeds Douglas Lake from North Carolina into Tennessee. It flows 218 miles from near the town of Rosman in Transylvania County, North Carolina, into the state of Tennessee. Its confluence with the Holston River at Knoxville is the beginning of the Tennessee River.
These valleys and watersheds were home to some the largest and most productive small farms from the turn of the century. It's only fitting that we carry on the tradition of small farming techniques the land was once renowned for.
J. Hall Wine grapes started as "Tailwater Vineyards". At this location, we currently have around 1500 bearing vines. We always had the idea of two signature Wine Grape collections: First, we thought of "The Headwater Collection" and "The Tailwater Collection" . . . being that we grow in and around the TVA watersheds of East Tennessee.
Since starting a family of "J. Hall's", we use the name "Tailwater/Headwater" less and J. Hall Wine Grapes more, as the whole brood is involved.
Soil An in depth soils analysis of each of our vineyards is performed and coordinated through the University of Tennessee Ag Department. Different soils are identified and vineyards are planted accordingly. Deep ripping combined with other prepping techniques (a year ahead of planting) ensure good water flow and break up any existing hard pan.
Farming practices and rootstock/clonal selections are then tailored to the soils and other environmental conditions. Our goal is to allow each specific block within a vineyard to express its optimum, most distinctive character.
Sustainable Farming The least invasive farming principles are followed and some organic practices are used. A thin layer of mulch is maintained below the canopy for weed control and moisture retention in the summers.
Vine Spacing The vines are tightly spaced (from 4 by 6 feet to 6 by 9 feet, depending on location). We believe that tight spacing encourages competition among vines. It tends to promote smaller cluster and berry size but emphasizes the intensity of our wines.
Douglas Lake - Dandridge, Tennessee
(Tailwater Vineyard)
Low Yields We believe low crop yields generally produce a more intense wine with concentrated flavors. Our vineyards typically yield from as little as .75 ton per acre to about 3 tons per acre.
Future of Tennessee Grapes
We are allowed (by federal law) to crush our grapes and produce up to 200 gallons of wine annually at our vineyard. (we never have THAT much) We offer free samples to friends and family or any winery operator in the state of Tennessee. If other growers pressed their own grapes for juice, the fruit quality provided to the wineries would be much better. (by better understanding their expectations)
Harvest by Taste
We harvest when the flavors are right. We do not harvest our grapes based solely on brix readings, or testing in the lab.
Dry Farming
None of our established vineyards are irrigated. We feel over-watering of vines produces more crop but tends to dilute flavors.
