our vineyardOur commitment to producing the highest quality wines is evidenced by the amount of time we spend in our estate vineyard. Each year we carefully assess each individual block and determine the best approach for each. For example, our youngest vineyard block will be planted in soil that has been refreshed with the installation of tightly spaced sub-surface drainage. This system—present in each of our newest plantings—drains spring rainwater, allowing timely root growth in optimum conditions, and gives us increased control over canopy growth. Our new planting will also introduce a modified trellis system and tighter vine spacing to the Spottswoode Vineyard. We aspire to control growth and improve fruit conditions—increasing the concentration of the resulting grapes and wines.
A visit to our estate vineyard reveals our history and continuing commitment as organic farmers. Our creek restoration project has improved over 2,000 square feet of creek bank. We have planted insectaries between our olive trees to provide year-round habitat for our insectivorous guests. We have also planted a permanent native cover crop between vineyard rows along with our traditional cover crop blends. This mixture of grasses and yarrow will out-compete the resident weed population, increase water penetration, and improve the microflora and organic matter in our soils.
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“Our care of the vineyard starts with a simple precept: respect the land and accept what it offers. I’ve often thought that 100% of a winemaker’s job is to figure out how to listen to what the vineyard is telling you.”
