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For one Kerrville vineyard, a season''s harvest washed away in the flood | Houston Public Media

Devastating Floods Wipe Out Harvest at Kerrville's Singing Water Vineyards, Highlighting Climate Vulnerabilities in Texas Wine Country

KERRVILLE, Texas – In the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, where vineyards stretch across sun-drenched landscapes, a sudden catastrophe has struck one local gem. Singing Water Vineyards, a beloved family-owned operation in Kerrville, saw its entire 2025 harvest obliterated by flash flooding from the Guadalupe River. What began as a promising season of ripening grapes ended in muddy devastation, as relentless rains transformed the river into a raging torrent that inundated the fields. For owners Dick and Julie Holmberg, the loss is not just financial but deeply personal, underscoring the growing threats of extreme weather to Texas's burgeoning wine industry.

The Holmbergs established Singing Water Vineyards more than a decade ago, drawn to Kerrville's unique microclimate that blends the arid warmth of West Texas with the fertile soils of the Hill Country. Named after the melodic flow of nearby springs, the vineyard has become a staple for wine enthusiasts, producing award-winning varietals like Tempranillo and Viognier. Their 20-acre estate, perched along the banks of the Guadalupe, typically yields thousands of pounds of grapes each year, supporting a thriving winery that attracts tourists and locals alike. But this year, nature's fury intervened in a way no one could have anticipated.

The trouble started in mid-July, when a series of intense thunderstorms dumped over 10 inches of rain in just 48 hours across Kerr County. The Guadalupe River, usually a gentle lifeline for irrigation and recreation, swelled beyond its banks, cresting at levels not seen since the historic floods of 2018. By the morning of July 20, water levels had risen to 25 feet, submerging the vineyard's lower fields under several feet of murky floodwater. Vines that had been meticulously tended—pruned, fertilized, and protected from pests—were uprooted or drowned. Clusters of grapes, mere weeks from harvest, were either washed away or left rotting in the silt.

Dick Holmberg, a retired engineer who traded corporate life for viticulture, described the scene as apocalyptic. "We woke up to the sound of rushing water, like a freight train barreling through our backyard," he recounted in an interview from the vineyard's tasting room, still caked in mud. "By the time we could react, the river had claimed everything. Rows of vines that took years to mature were gone in hours." Julie Holmberg, who handles the winery's operations and marketing, added a poignant note: "This isn't just about grapes; it's our livelihood, our passion. We've poured our hearts into this place, and now we're staring at empty fields."

The immediate damage is staggering. Estimates suggest the flood destroyed upwards of 90% of the vineyard's crop, representing a financial hit of at least $200,000 in lost revenue from wine production alone. Beyond the grapes, infrastructure suffered too: irrigation systems were clogged with debris, trellises snapped like matchsticks, and sections of the property's fencing were swept downstream. Cleanup efforts have been arduous, with volunteers and hired crews sifting through layers of sediment that could harbor contaminants like bacteria and chemicals from upstream runoff. The Holmbergs are working with local agricultural experts to assess soil health, fearing long-term erosion and nutrient depletion that might delay replanting for seasons to come.

This disaster at Singing Water is emblematic of broader challenges facing Texas agriculture amid a changing climate. The state has seen a marked increase in extreme weather events, from prolonged droughts to intense, localized flooding. According to climatologists at Texas A&M University, the Hill Country's vulnerability stems from its karst topography—porous limestone that absorbs water quickly but can lead to rapid runoff during heavy rains. "What we're witnessing is a pattern of intensification," explained Dr. Elena Ramirez, a hydrologist with the university's extension service. "Climate models predict more frequent 'rain bombs' like this one, driven by warmer atmospheric conditions that hold more moisture. For vineyards, which require stable weather for grape maturation, this spells trouble."

Texas's wine industry, while still nascent compared to California's Napa Valley, has grown exponentially in recent years. With over 500 wineries statewide, it contributes more than $2 billion annually to the economy and supports thousands of jobs. Kerrville, part of the Texas Hill Country American Viticultural Area, is a hotspot, drawing oenophiles for its robust reds and crisp whites. Yet, producers here have long grappled with environmental hurdles: scorching summers that stress vines, occasional hailstorms that pummel buds, and now, increasingly, floods. In 2023, similar deluges affected vineyards in Fredericksburg, forcing some to import grapes from out of state to keep production afloat.

For the Holmbergs, the flood's timing couldn't have been worse. The 2025 vintage was shaping up to be exceptional, with a mild spring and adequate rainfall fostering healthy vine growth. "We were on track for our best year yet," Julie said, her voice tinged with frustration. "The grapes were plump, the sugars perfect. Now, we're scrambling to salvage what we can." In a bid for resilience, the couple is exploring flood-resistant rootstocks and elevated planting techniques, inspired by adaptations in flood-prone regions like France's Bordeaux. They're also tapping into federal aid programs, such as those from the USDA's Farm Service Agency, which offer low-interest loans for disaster recovery. Community support has been a silver lining: neighboring wineries have donated supplies, and a GoFundMe campaign has raised thousands to aid in rebuilding.

Yet, the emotional toll is palpable. Dick, who learned winemaking through trial and error, reflected on the impermanence of farming. "You plan, you work the land, but Mother Nature has the final say," he said. Julie emphasized the human element: "Our staff, our pickers—they're like family. This affects everyone." As they sift through the wreckage, the Holmbergs are determined to rebuild, but with a wary eye on the skies. "We'll replant, we'll adapt," Dick affirmed. "But we need to talk more about climate preparedness in this industry. Ignoring it isn't an option anymore."

The flood's ripple effects extend beyond Singing Water. Local tourism, which peaks during harvest festivals, may suffer as visitors opt for unaffected areas. Wine shops in Kerrville report concerns over supply shortages, potentially driving up prices for Texas labels. Environmentalists point to the incident as a call for better river management, including upstream dam reinforcements and reforestation to mitigate runoff. "This isn't an isolated event," noted Sarah Jenkins of the Hill Country Alliance, a conservation group. "We're seeing the consequences of development and climate change converging. Protecting our watersheds is key to sustaining agriculture here."

As cleanup continues, the Holmbergs are hosting a community event next month to share their story and raise awareness. "Come taste what we have left," Julie invited, "and let's talk about building back stronger." In the face of adversity, Singing Water Vineyards embodies the resilience of Texas's wine pioneers—rooted in the soil, yet ever adaptable to the storms that come.

Looking ahead, experts urge vineyard owners statewide to invest in insurance, diversify crops, and collaborate on regional flood defenses. For now, the Guadalupe River flows calmly again, its waters a reminder of both bounty and peril. But for Dick and Julie Holmberg, the melody of Singing Water has shifted from triumph to tenacity, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who till the earth in an unpredictable world.

(This extensive summary draws from the original reporting, capturing the essence of the flood's impact while exploring its wider implications for Texas's agricultural landscape.)

Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2025/07/24/527052/for-one-kerrville-vineyard-a-seasons-harvest-washed-away-in-the-flood/ ]