MEET OUR PEOPLE

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Dirk Heuvel

McManis Family Vineyards / VP of Vineyard Operations

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HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN FARMING? 
I have been farming for thirteen years for the McManis Family; the family has been farming for five generations.

HOW MANY ACRES DO YOU FARM, AND WHAT VARIETIES DO YOU GROW?
We farm 3,600 acres and 18 different varieties.

WHAT IS ONE ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER WHICH MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE?
I grew up farming almonds. After high school I started a metal fabrication business building equipment for farmers in the Ripon area. I soon learned that farming was my passion and decided to follow that path which led me into winegrape growing.

WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTOR IN YOUR CAREER?
My grandpa. He taught me the value of hard work and not taking shortcuts in life. From him, I learned that you are always going to make mistakes, but that the only real mistakes are the ones you don't learn from.

WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU HAVE READ?
Sing 2 – I have two children.

FORD, CHEVY OR DODGE?
Chevy.