TO As FarmHouse men we know The Object tells us that our members are to be considered to be of good moral character and promote good fellowship. And, since its beginnings, FarmHouse has recognized that while alcohol is a part of social experience, it cannot define it. That's one of the reasons the Fraternity made the
Friendship
move to have alcohol free facilities in 1974. We also recognize that many of our members are engaged in either producing materials or products related to the alcoholic beverage industry. Here's the story of three FarmHouse brothers who have blended their knowledge and passion into the alcohol industry.
Paul Herman (Nebraska 58) and Doug Sparks of Sunset Cellars examine the chardonnay grapes at Wine and Walker Ranch in Suisun Valley, Calif.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ Paul Herman (Nebraska 58) has been farming for more than 50 years. He grew up in Nebraska on a farm and then spent 21 years farming corn, soybean and raising hogs and horses in Illinois. In 1994, his family moved to California. “There was a small acreage we bought with about 27 acres of open land, a house and buildings so it put a limit on the Midwest type of farming, we could do” Paul said. “At that time, grapes were a big moneymaker and something
FALL 2020
I could do with a small acreage.” Although he is not a vintner, he grows and supplies the grapes to make wine—a vineyard. Additionally, since 1973, his family has raised Tennessee Walking Horses. As a result, this small acreage became "Wine and Walker Ranch." The vineyard is often affected by many natural disasters in northern Calif. “One year you’re making a killing and the next two your losing profits,” he said. “Weather plays a big part as do tariffs and lately fires.” His grape varieties include Chardonnay (white) and Syrah (red). “There’s been
an awakening to good wines throughout the country in the last decade or two,” Paul said. He doesn’t often have many visitors, but recently hosted Ron McKeever (Nebraska 58), his wife, Dotty, and their daughter, Michelle. He may not have many visitors, but enjoys the occasional glass. “It seems to be a bit of a softer time and it’s good throughout the meal time,” Paul said. “I think wine is special as you can usually find a wine to suit the occasion and it lends itself to relaxed conversation and even the discussion of wines.”
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