Story by: PAULA JIMENEZ
In the tranquil glow of an East Texas sunset, owners of Kiepersol, “The Sisters of the Vine,” Marnelle Durrett and Velmay Power often find themselves overlooking the land that has shaped their lives. Witnessing the warmth of family and friends bonding and the ever-growing web of community connections at their establishment makes every long day and ounce of hard work worthwhile.
Their journey to this celebrated estate, however, began a world away in South Africa, where both sisters were born. After the untimely loss of their mother, their father, Pierre de Wet, brought his young daughters, aged five and three, to America, seeking a new beginning, where they would ultimately call Tyler, Texas, their home.
During their first four years in the United States, the family experienced extreme poverty. Marnelle recalls, as a young girl, often praying with her father, her tiny hands clasped in his. One of her most treasured memories is from Christmas 1986. She reminisces about the sheer joy she felt when she received used gifts through a program called Toys for Tots. She described it as feeling like she was on top of the world.
In light of every challenge, their faith in Jesus only deepened, and they always felt the presence of guardian angels. “Jesus is the way. He has brought us so much comfort in our lifetimes, too many times to count,” says Marnelle.
Nevertheless, there was always hope on the horizon. Their father’s vision and unshakeable faith became the fertile ground from which a remarkable family business would flourish. He taught his daughters the values of discipline, service to others, and working as though for the Lord. Fiercely supportive, he was not only their guiding force but also, as they grew into adulthood, their best friend.
The dream of creating a multigenerational family farm began to take root when Pierre de Wet purchased the original seventy-three acres in 1994. Just four years later, right after his daughters graduated from high school, they planted the seeds of what would grow into a multi-award-winning vineyard and winery. Marnelle and Velmay have nurtured Kiepersol side by side ever since, tending to their shared vision as the Sisters of the Vine. Together, they planted the first vines, crafted the wine, opened the restaurant, and quite literally grew up on the very land they cultivated.
The name ‘Kiepersol’ itself carries a beautiful meaning: “keep us all.” True to its name, it has kept the family entwined, supporting not only them but also their ever-growing team. When their father passed away in 2016, his legacy continued to bear fruit not only in the land but also in the spirit with which his daughters continue to live and lead.
From the very beginning, working together came naturally. “We never felt competition,” says Marnelle. “We were raised with an understanding that God gives us each our own gifts and talents.”
Velmay is incredibly organized, keeping operations running smoothly, while Marnelle, a social butterfly, excels at guest relations and team management. Creating the perfect leadership team.
Above all, faith remains the cornerstone of everything the sisters do. Every struggle has brought them closer to Jesus. “He is the way; we’ve found comfort in Him time and again,” they say. Each day, they wake up with the purpose of serving their Lord, striving to give Him glory in all they do.
As the business grew, so did its reputation. What makes the winery unique is that they grow, produce, age, and bottle their wine right on the property. Both describe it as a true, authentic taste of East Texas. Whether past or future guests celebrate their engagement, anniversary, or a simple night out, they are honored to host the most cherished moments in their lives. With 15 guest rooms and spaces for corporate retreats, it serves not only as a weekend getaway but also as a vital resource for the community.
Furthermore, giving back has always been central to their mission. Their philanthropic focus includes support for the mentally and developmentally challenged, veterans and wounded warriors, and food and wine education. Each of these causes holds particular significance for them. Their father’s sister, who lives with an intellectual development disorder, serves as a daily reminder of the importance of strong family support systems, something they recognize is not available to everyone. They love her dearly and feel blessed at having the opportunity to care for her. Supporting veterans and wounded warriors is also a deep honor for them; they acknowledge there is no greater sacrifice than giving one’s life or being injured permanently while serving in the military to protect our freedom. And their passion for education in food and wine is matched by their desire to help others savor God’s gifts.
When it comes to favorites, Marnelle is quick to praise Barrel No. 33. She describes it as a warm, weighted velvet blanket for your soul. On a hot summer day, her go-to dishes are the bass or ribeye, along with their classic shrimp cocktail.
Outside of business, Sundays are reserved for worship and family, a sacred time of rest and renewal. Additionally, the sisters make sure to vacation out of state at least once a year. They also cherish traditions like lighting the vineyard on Black Friday to usher in the Advent season, one of Marnelle’s favorites. Importantly, they credit their diverse, vibrant team for much of its success and express deep gratitude for every member’s contributions.
Looking to the future, they have clear hopes for Kiepersol. As AI evolves, they know that AI can’t physically gather and eat. Their prayers are for them to continue providing a space where people can slow down with their loved ones and enjoy the fruits of their family’s labor before returning to their hustle and bustle.
For those considering entrepreneurship, especially women and family teams, the sisters offer heartfelt advice. Don’t be afraid; start small, avoid debt, and just begin, even if it means starting from the trunk of your car. There will never be a perfect time, so just go for it.
Although they are Daddy’s girls, if given the chance to have dinner with one woman, both would choose their mom. And when not at work, they dedicate time to Bridges Community Ministries, a youth program founded by Velmay.
Today, they are both married to supportive husbands and raising two children each, the next generation already becoming part of the estate’s history. “There’s no real work-life balance,” they admit. “It’s just life. Our kids help out when they can, and our husbands are our rocks.”
For the Sisters of the Vine, every challenge overcome and every connection made is proof that what truly matters isn’t just what they’ve built, but how they’ve built it together.