We make a lot of farming decisions based on what we learn from the forested areas of our ranch.  In the forests, trees grow tall without fertilizer, and they are not bothered by insects or disease.  The ecosystem is in perfect harmony.  Our goal is to copy this balance in the vineyards.

The key to natural farming is to observe the vineyard very closely.  For example, by monitoring bug populations, we can determine how many predatory bugs are necessary to keep plant-eating bugs in check, just like Mother Nature does in the forest.  By adding a few predatory bugs and maintaining a good habitat for them, we avoid using insecticides in our vineyards.

The vineyard floor is a biodiversity masterpiece, managed by a flock of sheep. They mow the cover crop and fertilize at the same time, putting carbon and nitrogen into the soil that would otherwise be lost into the atmosphere with more conventional farming methods. Along with composted grape skins from the winery and cow manure from our cattle, the sheep eliminate the need for chemical fertilizer. A permanent cover crop keeps soil microbes happy and healthy.