Monty in 1924 near Tempe, Arizona

History

My grandfather, M.H. "Monty" Montgomery, was a lifelong Arizona farmer. He grew cotton, alfalfa and grapes west of Casa Grande for more than 50 years. Monty was very active in the community, serving on the local school board and the Casa Grande City Council. Born in 1885, his lifelong passion was his family and his farm.

Today, my brother, Doug Keeling, farms 4000 acres with his family. The core of this Keeling farm is the 160 acre Montgomery "home place". Doug has been fortunate to own and build Montgomery Farms for the last 35 years. Now, with Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards, it's my turn.

Great wine is grown in the vineyard by farmers. With a little help from Doug and the heritage of a great farmer like Monty, Jan and I can grow great wine on Rock Creek.

Rod Keeling

1947 in Stanfield, AZ

Granddad with the future vintner, 1953

Doug Keeling