OUR FARMING TECHNIQUE
Biodynamic and organic practices encourage a dynamic system that promotes the health of all beneficial organisms in and around our vineyards. Knowing that the health of our soil, the groundwater, and vertebrate and invertebrate life are working together to provide the nutrients and disease resistance necessary for healthy, flavorful fruit goes hand in hand with our concern for the people involved in the process.
In 1985, there was a massive heatwave in Napa Valley during the harvest season. Mark decided to pick during the night for the health and safety of his farmworkers. Night harvesting had never been done before and was so effective that he developed a complete night-harvesting program the following season. Mark later found that grapes picked during the night had better physiology than those picked during the day, like many other farm commodities. This realization prompted him to create a light bar with his mechanics that attaches to the tractors, which allows the farmworkers to see where to pick.
“I’ve dedicated my life to being an organic and biodynamic grower because I believe in it. It’s just the right thing to do for Mother Earth.” — Mark Neal