With the goal of producing the best wine possible from this beautiful site, we chose to become a true Domain Estate, where our underground winery, completed in 2008, along with our Estate vineyards planted primarily in 1998, allow us total control over all aspects of winemaking. In making this decision, we were thinking foundationally and long term, taking into account the stewardship that would be necessary to support thriving vineyards, and a healthy ecosystem throughout the ranch for many years to come. We chose to move slowly and carefully in our development of this Estate in order to maintain and nurture the native plant and animal species, and respect the contours of the land. We also took our time to seek out the best of old world practices, along with the newest technology, in the vineyards as well as the winery, in order to make wine at the highest level possible. Our first Vintage to the market, after patiently waiting for our vineyards to mature, was the 2006 vintage –although there are rumors of early vintages bottled in shiners, buried somewhere deep in the cellar.
Our vineyards have been farmed organically from the beginning, and we continue to promote soil vitality with planted cover crops and composting. We also continue to learn, and implement ways to help make the entire project more sustainable in terms of materials, energy and water usage. An established bee colony and many occupied owl houses help foster this healthy eco-system, leaving us with a smaller population of rodents and a bonus of delicious honey! Much of the property is the way it was when we first saw it and there is still a sense of discovery as you hike through vineyard, forest and meadow.