Chateau Hough

Demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and to assimilating those reentering society from a period of incarceration, Mansfield and Brenda Frazier submitted a Re-Imagining Cleveland grant proposal to plant the grapes and put in the trellises of Château Hough – an urban vineyard right in the heart of the City. Formed on three city-owned parcels in May 2010, their vineyard is a three-quarter acre lot growing 294 vines of wine-making Traminette and Frontenac grapes.

In addition to establishing a small local business, the project is also focused on education, serving as a learning lab for participants in a local reentry program. Participants not only become versed in horticulture best practices from existing urban and rural vineyards, but they also develop entrepreneurial skills. Currently neighborhood youth, along with residents of nearby half-way houses and transitional homes, have volunteered the work and labor necessary for the vineyard.

To prepare the land for grapes, existing trees were trimmed and top soil was layered and leveled. Grapevines were planted with support stakes and wires were installed for support. A decorative fence was built to border the vineyard. Ultimately, the grapes will be harvested and stored in a newly built Chateau Hough, where the actual process of winemaking will commence under the guidance of vineyard expert Giancarlo Callicchia. Mansfield envisions the project growing to supply a local winery under the same ownership as the vineyard, tapping clientele from nearby Cleveland Clinic hospital and other institutions.

GCBL Project Profile – The Vineyards of Chateau Hough

External Website – Neighborhood Solutions website

Oral History