I had just returned from Tuscany—taking architectural photographs in and around Montepulciano. I had wandered through small hill towns – compressed islands of intense habitation floating in a sea of vineyards and olive groves, this organic sea in turn punctuated occasionally by geometrically simple farm steadings– the masonry, reflecting in its composite materials, two thousand years of history. The wine, the food, the ruble walls in golden Tuscan light, all as it should be.

I got a call from Alex Garland. “We’re going to do a residential vineyard. We want it to be in true Tuscan style. Do you know what that is?”

I answered , “Actually yes.” And provided details. We quickly set a meeting to include our respective partners– Alex’s sister, Kambrah DaSuta; and Becky Krause.

It was the start of a great relationship.

The Vineyard at Florence, located four miles north of Florence, Texas in North Williamson County, is under development. The vines are planted. The roads and other horizontal infrastructure are almost complete. We are building the tasting facility, the amenities center, rental villas, Kambrah’s personal home and a gorgeous spec home for the Vineyard.

Ruble walls are standing and the terracotta roof tiles gleam in the Texas sun. True to their design roots, the simple architectural lines enhance the serenity of the rural landscape. This spring the vines will blossom—Blanc du Bois, Black Spanish, Cabernet, and Norton/Cynthiana. The winter grays will morph to greens.

Welcome to our journal. We hope you find the entries interesting and occasionally entertaining. We welcome any comments or questions.