Oswald Vineyard

Oswald Vineyard in Brownfield, Texas, is a family farming operation with a particular draw for wine travelers: Italian reds such as Montepulciano and Aglianico alongside whites including Albariño, Vermentino and Roussanne. Founded in 2008 by John and Dina-Marie Oswald, the vineyard now covers 43⅓ acres on the high plains of Texas. Their sons Julian, Christoph and Zane share ownership and work with their families in the vineyard and winery.

The business grows out of a substantial change of direction: John brings a 20-year chemistry career to a family enterprise whose original planting totals just five acres. Today, the vineyard also grows Petit Verdot and Muscato Giallo, while the winery produces its wines on site. The range gives visitors a reason to look beyond familiar Cabernet-and-Chardonnay choices without making the tasting a specialist exercise.

The tasting room welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with vineyard surroundings rather than an off-site storefront. Drive-ups are welcome, though a call to 806-686-4738 to arrange a tasting helps the family prepare. For repeat visitors, the wine club adds private vineyard and winery tours, four complimentary tastings per year and a 20 percent wine discount.