Jericho Canyon is a rugged area at the northeast end of the Napa Valley in the Mt. St. Helena foothills. It benefits from very hot summer days moderated by cool nights and chilly mornings. These favorable conditions are caused by a break in the Mayacamas Range which allows the coastal fog to reach our end of the valley. The soils are a volcanic Boomer clay loam and gravelly loam, which provide excellent drainage while reducing the yields.
We divided the approximately 40 acre vineyard into 24 blocks, each with its own unique characteristics and idiosyncrasies. By maintaining a permanent cover crop, we are able to prevent erosion, attract beneficial insects, and avoid the use of pesticides. The vineyard’s steep terraces, however, require an exceptional amount of manual labor. Endless hours are spent on each plant over the course of the growing season – pruning, suckering, shoot positioning, leaf plucking, crop thinning, and fertilizing – to achieve the proper balance of sun exposure, water, and nutrients that each plant needs in order to develop optimum fruit flavors. By using sustainable agricultural practices, we hope to ensure that the land will remain healthy and productive for our children and our children's children.
