Judicious irrigation will not only preserve natural aquifers but also enhance wine quality. Grapevines require variable amounts of water throughout the growing season. Matching irrigation applications with stage of growth will enhance phenolic development, resulting in wines with greater color and complexity.

• Developing a thorough understanding of topography and soil characteristics prior to planting, then pairing irrigation systems to site requirements.
• Selecting drought resistant rootstocks to minimize vine water demand.
• Monitoring soil moisture and vine water status then tailoring irrigation allotments to meet vine requirements.

Using broad-spectrum pesticides to control pests can have deleterious effects on important biological components of terrior. Choosing softer tactics to control pests will reduce the risk of disrupting natural relationships within sensitive vineyard ecosystems. Components of our IPM strategy include:

• Removing leaves from grapevines to prevent fungus.
• Cultivating vine-rows to control weeds.
• Installing owl boxes and raptor perches to control rodents.

We work continuously to maintain a harmonious balance between our vineyards and the surrounding ecosystem. We are rewarded for our attention to nature with strong populations of beneficial organisms which migrate back and forth between our vineyards and the surrounding lands. Our support of neighboring ecosystems include:

• Dedicating portions of each vineyard property to natural habitat.
• Conducting vineyard work in a manner respectful of the plants and animals present in surrounding ecosystems.
• Preventing the proliferation of invasive species.