People often ask us the question, "Why do you grow organic grapes?" The simple answer is that we believe it's socially and environmentally responsible -- and it produces great, healthy grapes.

It is more work, but we believe that it's worth it. Organic grapes are grown according to a more rigorous set of requirements.

Grapes have provided mankind with wine for centuries. It began as a simple, natural beverage, but over time the processing has been "improved" with additives, chemicals, and other less natural steps that impugn the product and degrade the environment.

In conventional grape growing and wine making, a large number of additives are allowed that we would just as soon not swallow.

And, during the growing season, pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used that are not approved for organic grapes.

Frankly, we can't imagine why anyone would want to drink the residue of these chemicals.

There are several agencies overseeing the production of organic grapes and growers must be certified each year. We are registered with CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers).

Certification requires that only certified organic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers have been used for at least three years. Also, buffer zones must separate the crop from any area where non-certified pesticides are sprayed. In addition, certified pesticides may not be stored next to non-certified pesticides. We use OMRI approved products. Lastly, harvest records are verified to clarify organic tonnage.