Estate Vineyard : Organic Story

Coquelicot Estate Vineyards' commitment to organic agriculture runs deep. Organic grape growing is more than just resisting the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.  Instead of using toxic herbicides, we take care of weeds the old fashioned way. In place of chemical fungicides, we use a biodegradable natural mineral oil derived from stylet flowers to combat powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot. By creating a bio-diverse farm landscape that encourages natural predators, we eliminate the need for insecticides. All our fertility meeds are generated on the farm by cover cropping and making compost. Cover crops are planted in the fall and tilled under in the spring using a fertilization technique known as "green manuring". These cover crops include a variety of grasses, legumes, and mustards that protect the soil from erosion. These plants also fix nitrogen into the soils and offer a habitat for many beneficial insects. The benefit of cover cropping over a period of years contributes greatly to the health of the soil and the quality of our vines. Cover cropping is also a form of companion planting. Mustards, for example, when grown alongside grapevines help discourage soil born nematodes (tiny little worms) that would feed on grapevine roots.

 

Another important organic practice, involves the use of compost in the vineyard. At Coquelicot Estate Vineyard, we recycle all of our grape pumice back into the vineyard after it is composted with other organic ingredients including manure, old hay, and garden waste. By returning this valuable resource back to the vineyard, we close our fertility loop and achieve sustainable soil management. Compost applications help maintain a healthy level of organic matter in the soil and feeds earthworms and soil microorganisms that make minerals to keep our vines healthy.

 

Coquelicot Estate Vineyard is dedicated to growing the highest quality wine grapes, which we believe can only be obtained through organic practices. It all starts with healthy soil,because only healthy soil can grow the best quality grapes.