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The Vineyard
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 45 acre vineyard into 19 blocks, each
with its own unique characteristics and idiosyncrasies. By maintaining
a permanent cover crop, we are able to 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, shoot positioning, thinning, suckering, leaf
plucking, and fertilizing – to achieve the proper balance of
sun exposure, water, and nutrients that each plant needs in order
to acquire optimum flavor. 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. |
