Winemaker's Archives -- George Troquato

Cover Crops and Sustainable Grape Growing

In establishing Cinnabar in 1983, Vineyard and Estate Manager Ron Mosley observed erosion in surrounding areas and a minimal layer of topsoil on the 30-acre site. The scant soils, coupled with predictable heavy rains, were compelling reasons for his interest in cover crops and sustainable agriculture.

Good soil nutrition is the basis of sustainable grape growing. Adding composted materials such as mowed cover crops enhances soil fertility and balances the nutritional life cycle. Ron selects cover crops that grow four feet high to build the most organic matter and biomass. He adds clover is to fix nitrogen and flowers to attract beneficial insects that are the natural predators of insect pests. To bolster nitrogen intake, he rotates mowing and aeration with a tractor-pulled knifing tool on alternate rows every five years.

Cinnabar uses no pesticides and only an occasional herbicide. "We use as few chemicals as possible - only a low-risk weed killer under vine rows," says Ron. "Most farmers live onsite with their families and don't want to transfer harmful materials to their living environment."

"Sustainable farming feels right and looks good," says Ron. "Our adage is: feed the soil and the soil will feed the vines." It took five years to bring certain areas back to life, but the ongoing process is one that Ron thoroughly enjoys.

(Resources: the Wine Institute and Vineyard & Winery Management)