2009 Chambourcin

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Organic Farming

Choice land. Choice grapes.

After a full year of looking at properties across North Carolina for a location to establish our vineyard, we found a farm sitting on a knoll in an area of Surry County once called “Burch Station” (for the railroad stop that was there) which had the right altitude, soil and air flow to keep the humidity down and support our desire to grow grapes organically. As for grapes, our research led us to choose three varieties of muscadines (native to North Carolina) and three North American hybrids known for disease and pest tolerance. Using organic farming techniques, we hand pull weeds, add beneficial fungi and nematodes to our soil to build up the strength of the vines and rely on natural predators to take care of pests.

Organic Farming Tips:

• Learn as much as you can about the process of organic farming.
• Choose the right site.
• Pick varieties of grapes that are native to the area and/or disease and pest tolerant/resistant.
• Prepare for a lot of manual labor!