Viticulture

Regenerative agriculture offers many benefits to the farming ecosystem such as increasing soil organic matter, greater water holding capacity, improved nutrient cycling, pest and disease suppression through enhanced soil biology, and ultimately higher nutrient density in our target crops. A further intriguing idea is the possibility of Dry Farming our vineyards which would have multiple benefits such as enhanced resiliency to climate change and potential increase in wine quality attributes. By applying these principles we hope to be able to dry farm by 2024.

Coyote Block

Location: Elevated bench, 415-420m, centre of the valley and south aspect in the south east corner of our property ideally suited to our long season reds.

Vines: Planted in 2006 under organic conditions with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Roussanne and Viognier.

Soil:  Glaciofluvial mix of sand and gravel.  Drip irrigated vines and dry farmed drive rows.

Mimi’s Block

Location: Located in the north west corner of our property with a mountain to the west offers afternoon shade.  Named for our late Grandmother who was affectionately called Mimi by the grandkids.

Vines: Planted in 2009 this vineyard includes established Pinot Noir.  We have recently increased the Pinot Noir plantings and added Chardonnay. 

Soil: Silty loam with blue clay layers 1-2 m down.

A15 BLOCK

Location: In the north east corner of our property at the foot of McIntyre Bluff.  Heat pours off the bluff helping to ensure perfect maturity.

Vines: Planted in 2007 to Clone 76 Chardonnay.  We leased it back from our tenants in 2020 and started the transition to certified organic.

Soil: Predominately silty sand with a gravel seam running diagonally through the block.