Today we’d like to introduce you to Marnelle Durrett.
Hi Marnelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Kiepersol: Faith, Family, & Fine Wine
*A 25-Year Journey of East Texas Hospitality, Viticulture, and Heart*
Kiepersol was founded on the principle of creating a farm that can sustain multiple generations. It was established by Pierre de Vet and is now lovingly run by his daughters, Marnelle and Velmay, along with their amazing team.
Our foundation rests on two core values: first, we are guided by our faith in Jesus Christ; second, we operate as a debt-free company. Because every addition and endeavor is funded without debt, our growth over the past 25 years has been steady and deliberate—a path quite different from many modern businesses. This conservative approach served us immensely through difficult periods like COVID-19 and other market lulls.
Our core values—a love for serving others, farming, and producing delicious wine, food, and spirits—have brought us to where we are today. Across 27 harvests, we have worked the land to showcase what East Texas sun, soil, and people can achieve. Our wines are delicate, soft, and easy to drink, pairing beautifully with the steaks and seafood served at our fine dining steakhouse.
Ultimately, Kiepersol is a place for people to gather and simply “be.” We offer accommodations where guests can soak in views of the vineyard and the tall loblolly pines of East Texas. Our goal is for everyone to experience excellence and warm hospitality, catching a little piece of heaven where our eyes and hearts remain focused on Jesus. Beyond offering relaxation, we encourage our guests to explore their own culinary tastes through classes and interactive learning experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Looking back over a 25-year journey, the road is never entirely smooth. We’ve been through many ups and downs. The loss of our founder in 2016 was one of the most poignant and difficult times for us personally, professionally, and for the company as a whole. Coming out of that grief, we vowed as a family to keep Kiepersol thriving.
Then COVID-19 hit—as unexpected for us as it was for the rest of the world—changing how we sell wine and shaping a new tasting room experience. Another major trial came in February 2021, when an unprecedented six-day deep freeze wiped out nearly 70% of our vineyard. The severe frost caused long-term damage, and we are still in the process of full recovery.
Yet through every trial, God has been by our side, carrying us through. Managing these struggles always comes back to staying true to our faith and extending love to everyone who crosses our path.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Set in the rolling hills of South Tyler, adjacent to Bullard, Texas, Kiepersol is surrounded by loblolly pines and hilltop vineyard views. We specialize in delicate, easy-drinking wines, craft spirits, and fine dining steaks. Our hospitality is the pinnacle of what we do, served alongside comforting, high-quality cuisine.
What truly sets our restaurant and estate apart is the total farm-to-table experience: guests can enjoy an exquisite meal and leave with a case of estate-produced wine, a bottle of bourbon, rum, or agave spirit. Almost everything we offer is crafted right here on the estate.
When visitors arrive, they can expect to be greeted with open arms and taken on a comforting culinary journey—from steak and potatoes to elegant wines and handcrafted Old Fashioneds made with our own brown spirits.
What makes you happy?
While we take immense pride in all our offerings, our *Barrel 33* wine holds a special place—it is an exceptional wine with deep character and a delicate mouthfeel that can only be experienced directly on the estate. More than anything, we want readers to know that visiting Kiepersol is about more than dining; it is about experiencing genuine Southern hospitality and God’s love.
What brings us true happiness is knowing our guests leave with full bellies, full hearts, and a desire to tell their friends about us. Knowing we exceeded someone’s expectations is what drives us every single day.
Pricing:
- Jimmy’s 90 Proof Texas Bourbon – $89
- Vit – fan favorite semi-sweet white – $25
- Cabernet – world-class delicate red – $29
- Barrel No. 33 – cult classic blend $93
- Syrah Reserve $72
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kiepersol.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiepersoltexas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiepersoltexas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kiepersoltexas
