Also, they planted things that would attract the natural enemies of those bugs, so they had absolutely no need for pesticides. They keep cows on the estate so they can make their own fertilizer. The lights in the visitor’s parking lot are solar powered. They have differing and rotating crops to ensure balance and sustainable farming. They built a cave for their wine cellars, so they have no need to either heat or cool the cellar to maintain the proper temperature. Remember the fuel-guzzling tractor I was so annoyed with? Well, they made their own bio-diesel fuel. It was nice to be pleasantly surprised.
The winery is absolutely committed to their principles and I was blown away by the fact that nothing is wasted. All waste is recycled through composting. They even grow indigenous yeasts and bacteria. It was truly inspiring.
After the tour, we had a little tasting, and it was really good wine. I never drink white, but I walked away with a bottle of their 2006 Reserve Chardonnay—one of the best wines I have ever tasted. It started off with a sweet apple-like flavor and ended with a crisp vanilla finish.
All the staff was friendly and knowledgeable—and seemed generally happy to be working there. All in all, it was a great experience, and a real thrill to see how green green can get.
Salut!
