Kiepersol Estates Winemakers

Growing up immersed in agriculture, Marnelle de Wet Durrett, Winemaker and Estate Manager, developed a love for the finer things the land had to offer. After her apprenticeship at Trefethen Vineyards in Napa Valley, Marnelle now shares her knowledge and dreams with East Texas. Due to the unique climatic conditions in East Texas, Marnelle marries the Old World style of winemaking with her Californian background to create the first class cellar selections of Kiepersol wines.


Justin Wiggins is an East Texas native with a background in mechanical and chemical engineering. He started at Kiepersol Estates Winery as a cellar hand and tasting room host at age 20. Justin’s passion grew as he was exposed to the flavors of wine. His studies with a world-renowned wine microbiologist and his passion for chemistry raised the bar on the quality of wine vinted at Kiepersol Estates. He is now Kiepersol’s Assistant Winemaker and Cellar Master, heading up all of the wine analysis and managing the cellar.