We grow our grapes at our
Coyote Moon Vineyard, where we believe in sustainability; the integration of
environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability. We strive
to farm based on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs - stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance.
Sustainable farming systems are biologically-based and designed to be
productive in both the short and long-term. We use a "whole-farm"
approach to evaluate vineyard management to encourage biological diversity and
balance, both above and below ground, and recognize that healthy soils are
critical to sustainable systems. We prefer healthy biological processes over
chemical inputs to protect our workers from any hazards, and protect ground and
surface water from pollution. We use cover crops to minimize erosion to protect
water quality, to provide habitat for beneficial insects, and to provide
nutrients to the soil. We use owl boxes and poles with roosting areas for hawks
to provide for "natural" rodent control.We mulch our vineyard with leaf and grape cuttings to provide a natural
fertilizer, and supplement it with organic compost. We favor natural "compost
tea" over chemical fertilizers, and beneficial insect predators to control
pests. It is important to us that we leave the land and natural environment in
good condition for our grandchildrens grandchildren.
Our Mother Earth is the source of all life,
whether it be the plants, the two-legged, four-legged, winged ones or human
beings. When we live in harmony with the Mother Earth, she will
recycle the things we consume and make them available to our children and to
their children. The Earth does not belong to us, but we belong to the Earth --
Native American Philosophy
