How We Farm

We have 60 acres of vineyards here in Dry Creek Valley, which is the sole source for all of our wines. We approach our vineyards and winemaking as wine enthusiasts, particularly the wines from Italy, Southern France and Spain. California, and specifically Dry Creek Valley has a similar climate the above regions. This explains for why we have chosen to cultivate noble wine grapes, native to these Mediterranean regions contrary to many Dry Creek Wineries.   One man’s crazy is another ones sanity.

Mediterranean grape varieties:

• Mediterranean varieties grown in Dry Creek have expressive aromas and flavors while retaining elements of structure (acidity and tannin)
• Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache Blanc (France).
• Sangiovese, Barbera, Montepulciano, Aglianico, Primitivo, Vermentino, Fiano (Italy).
• Grenache, Mourvedre, Grenache Blanc (Spain).
• These varieties can make ripe, flavorful wines that have low to moderate pH which allow us to be minimalist in the winery.

Farm for Quality:

• Select best clones and use low vigor root-stock, such as 420-A.
• Our highly trained and conscientious vineyard crew is capable executing many techniques geared to improve grape quality.
• Careful pruning geared for vine balance.
• Employ crop thinning early in the season to facilitate concentration and structure in wines.
• Canopy management to enhance sunlight and air-flow.
• Scrutinize irrigation practice and timing.
• Manual and mechanical weeding instead of herbicides.
• Apply only organic material including compost in the vineyards without the use of herbicides and pesticides.
• Organic cover crops for soil health, structure, habitat for beneficial insects and assistance with erosion control.
• Use spray device that eliminates drift and recycles materials. Identify certain sections of vineyards that have potential for distinct wines.
• Our grapes are all hand harvested by our crew.