Our Story
Since 2008, Steve and Cindy Newsom Vineyards have strived to consistently produce the finest quality wine grapes. In 2018, they began English Newsom Cellars with the goal to make premium quality, estate-grown wines. Our internationally award-winning wines are 100% Texas High Plains and celebrate our commitment to sustainable agriculture and family farming.
From the vine to the bottle, we nurture our wine through it all. It’s rewarding to see our hard work come to fruition as each bottle undergoes a rite of passage from the vineyard, to the bottling line and out into the world. Our wine is made from grapes grown in our vineyards, and our wines are made entirely on our property. The wine doesn’t leave the property during fermentation, aging, or bottling.
This commitment gives our customers the confidence that year after year we will deliver both quality and yields to support and grow both the Texas wine industry and also the Texas economy. We invite you to visit our winery and taste our passion for perfection in every single drop. Family-owned, family-grown, that’s English Newsom Cellars.
We happily extend the invitation to come and see what Texas tastes like!
OUR VISION: English Newsom Cellars wants Texas wine to be celebrated, enjoyed and shared.
OUR MISSION: As a small family owned winery we are able to focus on every detail of quality from the vine to the bottle.
OUR VALUES: We will achieve our vision by staying true to the following core values:
• Employees: We are committed to treating our employees as our greatest asset by providing competitive wages, responsive management, and training.
• Flexibility: As we strive to serve and satisfy the needs of our customers, our exceptional team accepts that change is a key factor to staying ahead of the curve.
• Teamwork: A culture of respect, communication, and high standards produces excellent employee hires and retention. With a strong cultivation mentality, English Newsom Cellars believes that a good idea deserves to be heard, regardless of title or position. We take pride in our work and are proud of the top-tier team of professionals moving us forward.
• Rewards: Competitive wages, and a service-centered culture is the bonus for being part of the English Newsom Cellars Team.
• Love Local: We aim to support Lubbock and Texas. We do this through sharing the beauty of our facility and award winning wines with visitors from across the country. We also provide a wine experience that brings customers back to the region time and time again. Our award winning wines are 100% Texas High Plains and we take pride in that. We are also known for donating to local charitable causes. We are dedicated to the continuous growth of English Newsom Cellars locally and statewide.
Our Awards
We encourage you to discover our award winning wines from the world’s largest wine competitions. At these competitions the top wine experts, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, come together to blind taste wines from across the world.
Our wine has won numerous national and international medals and best in class designations. These awards are a universally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Our Owners
Steve Newsom
Steve Newsom is the majority owner and visionary behind English Newsom Cellars, a premier Texas winery built on deep agricultural roots, family values, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Raised in Levelland, Texas, Steve developed a strong work ethic early on, working alongside his family on the farm while earning his Business degree at Wayland Baptist University. Steve has laid the foundation for a life grounded in both grit and grace.
A respected cotton farmer and grape grower, Steve has spent decades cultivating some of the finest fruit in the Texas High Plains AVA. His vineyards are known for producing premium grapes that reflect the unique terroir of West Texas–Characterized by high elevation, sandy soils, and warm days with cool nights. In addition to grapes, Steve also grows apples, peaches, and peanuts, maintaining a diversified and sustainable approach to farming.
Under Steve’s leadership, English Newsom Cellars has grown into one of the few wineries in Texas that controls the entire winemaking process–from vine to glass. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship has led to the production of award-winning wines that have gained recognition across the state and beyond. From bold reds to crisp whites, each bottle is a reflection of Steve’s passion for agriculture and his dedication to excellence.
Steve is married to his high school sweetheart, Cindy Newsom. Together, they have two wonderful children, Raenee and Keegan. Family remains at the heart of everything Steve does, and that spirit of connection is infused into every aspect of English Newsom Cellars–from the vineyard rows to the tasting room.
With a legacy rooted in Texas soil and a vision for the future of Texas wine, Steve Newsom continues to champion the land, the craft, and the community that make English Newsom Cellars truly one of a kind.
Kirk Motsenbocker
Kirk Mosenbocker is a seasoned financial executive and strategic advisor with deep Texas roots. Born and raised in Idalou, Texas, he is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University, where he earned his degree in Accounting. Today, he resides in Flower Mound, Texas with his wife of over 30 years, Cheryl, and is a proud father of their two children, Ashlyn and Zach.
Kirk currently serves as a board member, owner, and former Chief Financial Officer of JPI, a leading private multifamily real estate developer. During his remarkable 22-year career at JPI, he was instrumental in shaping the company’s vision, financial strategy, and legal structure. During his tenure, the company built over 100,000 apartment homes in 26 states, consistently ranking among the top 10 apartment developers in the U. S.
Among Kirk’s career highlights was his leadership through the 2008 financial crisis, where he successfully restructured more than$2 billion in debt and equity commitments and helped raise 1.5 billion in capital to fund the company’s post-recession business plan. Though he stepped down from day-to-day operations in 2020, he continues to hold interests in multiple JPI properties and remains active on the company’s board of directors.
In addition to his business pursuits, Kirk is passionate about giving back. He actively serves on the boards of the One Heart Project and Reach Out Youth Solutions, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering and mentoring underserved youth through education, opportunity, and leadership development.
Kirk recently expanded his entrepreneurial interests into the Texas wine industry as a part owner of English Newsom Cellars. In this role, he is deeply involed in the winery’s financial structuring and strategic vision, and is excited to grow the brand while learning more about the craft and community behind wine.
Whether in real estate, philanthropy, or fine wine, Kirk brings integrity, vision, and heart to everything he does.
Our Team
Rachelle Schiffner- Tasting Room Manager / WSET Level 1
Rachelle was originally born and raised in California. She then moved to Lubbock, TX, where she attended New Deal High School. During high school, joined the Army National Guard, and deployed to Iraq in 2008-2009. Upon returning to Lubbock after her service, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University. She has since been managing restaurants for the last 10 years, where her interest in wine began. Since joining the team in February 2025, Rachelle has loved continuing her wine education and helping make the tasting room a great place to visit!
Nathaniel Pfahning – Finance Manager
Nathaniel was raised in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating high school in San Antonio, Nathaniel moved to Lubbock to pursue his higher education at Texas Tech University. At Texas Tech, Nathaniel completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, with a minor in music education. Nathaniel has been exposed to wine since an early age, and began his time with English Newsom Cellars as a wine steward in 2022 while working on his degree. Since graduating, Nathaniel has moved into the position of Finance Manager, and continues to grow as a part of the English Newsom Cellar’s team.
Christie Hodge – Wine Steward / Training Coordinator / Shift Leader / WSET Level 2
Christie has lived in Lubbock for most of her life. She graduated from Texas Tech University with degrees in Advertising and Food and Nutrition and worked as a registered dietitian. Christie is a homeschool mom and teaches in a homeschool co-op. She is active in her church and loves to exercise. Christie also hosts AirBnB homes in Lubbock, which gives her an opportunity to connect with guests and create a space that makes them feel welcome and valued. Her mission in working at English Newsom Cellars is the same – to serve guests superb wine and connect with them through warm, caring service. Christie has her WSET Level 2
Cheyene Durheim ~ Wine Steward
Cheyene is a senior at Texas Tech University majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Agribusiness Management. Raised in Chapel Hill, Texas, she grew up in the agricultural industry, which sparked her passion for agriculture. Cheyene is actively involved in her family’s cattle operation, 4D Brangus, where she assists with daily care, health management, and show needs. She enjoys working at English Newsom because it allows her to interact with guests, and she loves meeting new people each and every day she works here.
Kaylee Nolen ~ Wine Steward
Kaylee Nolen is a junior at Texas Tech University studying Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural sales. Agriculture has always been a big part of her life through showing cattle, participating in Texas 4-H, and service as a Texas Youth Livestock Ambassador. These experiences have fueled her passion for advocating for agriculture and the livestock industry. Her goal is to pursue a career in agricultural sales and marketing, where she can bridge the gap between producers and consumers and teach about agriculture’s importance. Working for English Newsom Cellars has allowed her to connect with people from different backgrounds while gaining a greater appreciation for another side of the agricultural industry.
Mariah Carlisle – Production Manager / WSET Level 2
Mariah was born and grew up in Lubbock, Texas. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Texas Tech University and went on to complete her Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies combining Chemistry, Business and Viticulture. In her final semester at Texas Tech, she participated in an internship with Llano Estacado Winery. During this time, she discovered her true passion for wine. Next, she spent three years as the Manager for a wine lab in Brownfield, Texas, where she became very familiar with different grape varieties, winemaking styles/methods and storage techniques. She was also in charge of Quality Control for the bottled projects. At the end of 2019, Mariah joined the team at English Newsom Cellars as the Tasting Room Manager. She enjoys familiarizing others with English Newsom wines as well as continuing her own wine education.
Keegan Newsom – Vineyard Manager
Farming and developing world class vineyards is my passion. I manage 21 varietals on 100 acres in Hockley County, Texas. My dad and I have a reputation as a supplier of quality winegrapes.
I started working in the vineyards at age 14. In high school I realized I wanted to work with my Dad and follow in his footsteps. My philosophy in growing grapes is to treat each varietal and each site unique to the soil type, water availability and then adjust to what Mother Nature gives us each year with the weather.
Christopher Hull ~ Winemaker
Chris grew up in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and traveled to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University. In 1996, while working on his Biochemistry degree, he secured a part-time Harvest Lab Tech job at Llano Estacado Winery from winemaker Greg Bruni that was supposed to last 3 months. Fortunately, he was able to stay on after this period, finished his degree and spent the next 18 years at Llano Estacado learning about wine and winemaking. Early in what would become his career, Greg sent him to California to gain working experience. In 1998, Chris worked a harvest at the Central Coast Wine Services; a custom crush facility in the Central Coast town of Santa Maria. A few years later, Chris was able to spend some time working a harvest with Tom Eddy in Calistoga, Napa Valley. These two experiences solidified his desire to work in the wine industry.
Back in Lubbock, he progressed through various jobs within the winery becoming Winemaker in 2006. In 2015, Chris left his position to pursue a winery consulting operation. This landed him in Lamesa, Texas working with the Delaney Vineyard as an employee rather than a consultant. Here, Chris learned more about grape growing and how it translates to the wine being made. In 2017, while still working in Lamesa, Chris was hired as the consulting winemaker for the Texas Wine Company in Meadow, TX. This custom crush facility brought in grapes from various vineyards in the Brownfield, TX area and helped wineries in the Texas High Plains as well as the Texas Hill Country. After one year in Meadow, Chris decided to focus his energy on winemaking and grape growing in Lamesa. Always a believer in the power of continuing education, Chris completed the UC Davis Winemaking Certificate Program in 2022 and the Washington State University Viticulture Certificate Program in 2024. Beginning 2025, Chris is now the winemaker at the English Newsom Cellars where he is encouraged to continue to make award-winning Texas wines.
Kytlin Peterson – Wine Steward
Kytlin Peterson is a junior at Texas Tech University pursuing a degree in Animal Science. Growing up in the Texas Hill Country, she developed a lifelong passion for agriculture through hands-on experience raising livestock and working in the farming industry. Those experiences inspired her to pursue a career in agriculture, with plans to enter agricultural pharmaceutical sales after graduation. Having grown up surrounded by the Hill Country’s vibrant wine culture, Kytlin has always appreciated the region’s wineries and the people behind them. Working at English Newsom Cellars has allowed her to combine that appreciation with the opportunity to learn more about the winemaking process while sharing her enthusiasm with guests. She enjoys connecting with customers, creating welcoming experiences, and continuing to expand her knowledge of the wine industry.
Janson Shrock – Wine Steward
Lycretia Thompson – Brand Ambassador
Lycretia Thompson is from Lubbock, Texas and attended Texas Tech University. She has over 30 years of experience in office management, sales and marketing. Lycretia represents English Newsom Cellars in a positive light, and by doing so, helps increase brand awareness and sales. She embodies our culture in appearance, demeanor, values and ethics. To know her is to love her!
Angie Alspaugh – Compliance Manager
Angie received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education from Texas Tech University. She worked for 25 years in the mental health field as a Licensed Professional Counselor, with the last 15 of those years in the role of Clinical Director at a residential treatment center for children and teens.In 2009 Angie and her husband Terry founded a nonprofit horse rescue organization, Easy R Equine Rescue, of which she is the Executive Director.
She has been employed at Caprock Winery/EN Cellars for the past 4 years. She is also a registered yoga instructor and teaches classes at several area gyms.
Seth Satterwhite ~ Wine Sales Executive
Seth was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas. After graduating from South Plains College, Seth transferred to Texas Tech University in pursuit of a degree in Plant and Soil Sciences. His passion for agriculture was ignited during his experiences in FFA. He raised livestock, completed welding projects, and competed in several leadership development events to prepare him for a career in agriculture. After taking a liking to viticulture, there was no better way to continue his wine knowledge than to begin working in the tasting room at English Newsom Cellars.