Vineyards
Our Process
Growing for Quality
Elevation
We carefully select our vineyards for the optimal elevation for each variety we grow, allowing each vine to thrive and produce grapes that reflect our unique terroir.
Slope
Our vineyard slopes enhance sunlight exposure and natural drainage, improving grape ripening and quality.
Vine Spacing
We adjust vine spacing based on soil vigor and we often use closer spacing to promote balanced vine growth, leading to more balance in our wines.
Aspect
East and southeast facing aspects are optimal for capturing morning sunlight, supporting even grape ripening and flavor development.
Hand Work
Each vine is tended by hand throughout the growing season, ensuring that we hand pick only the best fruit to provide a true expression of our vineyards.
Soils
Rocky soils in our mountainside vineyards offer better drainage and are well suited to red varieties, while the more fertile soils on the valley floor are best for our Petit Manseng and other white varieties.
In a profession steeped in history, it’s inevitable that we look to the past for inspiration. Our work is informed by knowledge and techniques developed in more established wine regions of the world, but is evolved to be entirely Virginia through and through.
We understand grapes on their own terms; we create wines with identities that are compelling because the sun, the rain, the plant and the hands that touch these vines are unique to this place.
The below are all integral to our approach:
The Vineyard Year
Dormancy
After harvest, the vines go into a period of dormancy, critical for protecting carbohybrate reserves and preserving longevity. In Virginia, temperatures dip below freezing, but seldom deep freeze to the point we worry about vine death. Within blocks of young vines, however, we mound up soil to protect the grafting wound until permanent wood growth helps ensure survival.
Dormancy
After harvest, the vines go into a period of dormancy, critical for protecting carbohybrate reserves and preserving longevity. In Virginia, temperatures dip below freezing, but seldom deep freeze to the point we worry about vine death. Within blocks of young vines, however, we mound up soil to protect the grafting wound until permanent wood growth helps ensure survival.
