Regenerative Viticulture

So we’re all pretty excited here at the farm.

This is something that we’ve thought about for years and the fact that it’s no longer a just an idea is pretty special.

After much research and making wines with my cousins for years, we’re starting a new chapter in regenerative viticulture here at the farm: an organic no-till vineyard.

Why no-till?

Well for most vineyards when planted, the conventional wisdom is to create a blank slate to plant vines into. Destroy what was there and you destroy any competition for the new crop. You can also break up soil compaction and mix up organic matter into a level seed bed.

However, soil science research shows that a diverse cover crop between the rows of grape vines is one the keys to regenerative viticulture.

Beneficial soil organisms below the ground level are equally important. The mycelial networks down in the soil work communally with root structures to fix nitrogen and maintain a healthy soil biome.

The field that we planned for the vineyard has had nothing but cows grazing and hay making for at least 30 years if not more.

So the question I wrestled with is this: Why should I destroy all that this beautiful pasture took decades to build up organically?

The field never had any weed issues, just grasses and clover. Our farm is mostly clay except these few acres of loose, well-drained sandy loam soil.

I know that no-till won’t work in every situation, but this situation ticked all the boxes for a no-till vineyard opportunity and we are running with it!

Types of Grapes

A total of 480 grape vines went into a 120′ by 200′ south-facing plot on our farthest field.

Table grapes:
Somerset Seedless
Brianna 

Whites
Itasca
Frontenac Blanc
La Crescent

Reds
Petite Pearl 
Marquette 
Verona

A Village of Support

None of this would have been possible without Stephen and the team at VT Vineyards, Andy Farmer at North East Vine Supply and especially the wine wisdom of Kyle Mizuno and the team at Rolling Hills Estate Winery.

Rolling Hills Estate Winery put the call out to expand the Champlain Valley of New York AVA (American Viticultural Area), and we’re glad we heeded it.

It is very much through their constant support and networks of expertise that have helped us get to this point. Thank you Missy and David.

And cheers to the Champlain Valley of New York AVA!