The Vineyard
Our Soils
The quality and diversity of our soil types are unprecedented. Our soils are comprised of Steiwer, Chehulpum, Hazelair and Shallow Sedimentary soils with underlying remnants of an ancient ocean bed. Some blocks have virtually no topsoil and consist of sand stone full of fossilized sea creatures and mollusks.
Clones
We have planted grafted ENTAV-INRA® certified clones.
- Pinot Noir clones 667, 777, 115, 943, Pommard 04, 05 and Wädenswil.
- Chardonnay clones 44, 75, 76 and 95.
- Pinot Gris clones 04 and 52.
- In honor of Gabriele’s German heritage we have planted Riesling ENTAV-INRA® 49
Polyculture Farming
Polyculture farming is applied to mimic the kind of functioning you see in a natural ecosystem by diverse plant and management techniques to produce the best products possible in an environmentally sound way for our customers. We care for our natural areas, insectaries, fruit trees, gardens and encourage wildlife activity. One example would be the colorful perches we built throughout our vineyard for owls and hawks. Goodbye voles.
Biodynamics is a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture
Biodynamic farmers strive to create a diversified, balanced ecosystem that generates health and fertility within the farm itself. Preparations made from fermented manure, minerals and herbs are used to restore and harmonize the vital life forces of the farm, enhance the nutrition, quality and flavor of the food being raised. Biodynamic practitioners recognize and strive to work in cooperation with the subtle influences of the wider cosmos on soil, plant and animal health. While we do not need the bees for pollination in the vineyard because grape plants are self pollinated from wind and gravity, we need them on the rest of our land. There are lots of blooming plants and trees where the bees collect their pollen and the result is not only a healthy environment but a tasty jar full of golden honey, the end product of our bees’ hard work.
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