Establishing the Vineyard
The installation of trellis systems, irrigation systems, planting decisions etc. were all done keeping in mind the objective of becoming the top quality grower in the Sierra Foothills.
The irrigation system was installed by Lodi Irrigation Company
out of Lodi.
The
trellis System was installed by A&P Ag Structures of Visalia. Vine rows
were laid out east to west to provide some sun exposure to the fruit
without sunburn. Both VSP and Lyre trellis systems were used and vine/row
spacing included 4x11, 5x11, 6x9,5x8 and 6x8. Decisions on which trellis
system and which vine/row spacing to use were made based on hillside
slope and expected vine vigor.
Once again the objective was to achieve balanced vines and the best
quality fruit.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENT
During vineyard development every effort was made to be as environmentally friendly as possible. For example many of the old oak trees on the property were kept for both wildlife habitat and esthetic reasons.
To minimize erosion on hillsides trellis systems were installed across the hill and cover crops were seeded in before planting.
A number of barn owl boxes were installed throughout the vineyard to help with gopher and other rodent control.
Strawing and seeding was used to minimize erosion wherever top soil was disturbed.
Cover crops were used extensively. Zoro fescue, fescue and brome mixes
were planted throughout the vineyard. These cover crops provide habitat
for beneficial insects, minimize erosion and compaction, minimize dust
in summer and generally improve soil quality.
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