We consider ourselves to be stewards of our two Oakville properties, Money Road Ranch and 575 OVX. Our approach to farming these magnificent vineyards is one of strict responsibility to maintain and restore their true nature. Both estate vineyards are nestled within a diverse environment and as such benefit from the life cycle of a natural and varied landscape. Throughout the annual seasons this symbiotic relationship is recognized and nurtured.

WINTER

Preparations for Winter begin immediately after harvest ends. Soils, made bare by hot dry summers are seeded with native grasses to help avoid runoff and erosion, while also serving to improve the nutritional health of our lands. Winter becomes a time of rest for the land and we will receive up to 80% of our annual rainfall over these few months.

SPRING

As the days become longer, both the land and the farming slowly begin to wake from the cold and wet winter season. Care must be taking to minimize our activities in the field. The soils are saturated with water and sporadic rains could pose the risk of erosion and sending soil into the fragile Napa and San Francisco Bay watershed. Everything begins to burst green with life; beneficial insects take hold in our native wild flowers and grasses. The first tender shoots arise from the vines.

LATE SPRING

Late spring brings the first glimmer of our fruit for the year. During this time we position the vines into our trellis by hand, and small flowers appear on each new cane. The soils are drying out now, but we can irrigate our cover crops of grasses and flowers to maintain their vitality. With continued work by hand, the amount of sunlight allowed onto the grape clusters is increased, eventually creating fruit of full flavors and also mitigating the need for sprays as they are opened to natural airflow.

SUMMER

Summer continues our interaction with the land and we enjoy walking amongst the vines and discovering the amazing vitality contained within. This close relationship is key to our sustainable approach. Due to careful management in the Spring vines are largely left to their own devices. They become full and radiant.

FALL

After the last days of summer, harvest season arrives and the pace of our lives grows frenetic. Perhaps the most difficult decisions lie ahead; chief among them, when to pick. After careful analysis and a healthy dose of intuition grapes are chosen at dawn by hand according to their ripeness. Harvest can go on for 10 weeks or more depending on the grapes varying maturation points. Once the grapes enter the winery, nature continues course and rewards us with wines of balance, elegance and the flavors we found when fresh in the field. Soon we are enjoying them with friends and family, perhaps the ultimate aspect of sustainability, being able to share these wines with the world and allowing us to continue this rich cycle year after year.