Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/705606
1 0 0 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | J u l y - A u g 2 016 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m control with pressure monitoring for leaks. [ V&WM ] Tell us about your n e w e s t v i n e y a r d p u r c h a s e o n Mount Veeder. [ TG ] It's the vineyard previ- ously owned by Tom LaTour. We're replanting it with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's hard to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon up there, so it'll get the best expo- sure. We're also doing solar mea- surements to decide how to deal with the vineyard's aspects. Some of the fruit will be grafted onto existing vines. The vineyard purchase is ben- eficial because there's no clear- ing necessary and it gets a decent and profit. We're green certified and fish-friendly certified. I also look at what's surrounding the vineyard. We work hard to reduce sediment loads into the surround- ing streams. We're working with neighbors and government agen- cies on programs to restore and manage the area's habitat. My wife Collette was given congres- sional recognition for her efforts surrounding this. We're blessed. I stand on broad shoulders of generations who put this land together. We've all had to fight and make sacrifices to keep it. My main goal is to make this a sustainable business and to leave it and the land in better shape than when my family found it so the kids can keep things going in that direc- tion. This is an industry that calls for long-term planning. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. amount of water. It's one of the highest and coolest plantings on Mount Veeder. [ V&WM ] Do you have plans to purchase more vineyards? [ TG ] I'm always looking for opportunities, but not aggressively at the moment. We have a lot of replanting to do now and are focus- ing on that. I want to focus on mar- gins and profitability before I get ready for another round. Plus my wife wants to remodel our house and it's about time she got to do that. [ V&WM ] What sort of efforts are you making regarding sustain- ability? [ TG ] We look at the big picture of sustainability: people, planet The winery is designed to match the property's historic elements. Toll-Free: 877-552-4828 909-464-1373 • Fax: 909-464-1603 For your nearest dealer, contact: GREENTIE™ GreenTie™ is a UV stabilized tie that is easy to tie and re-tie. Ties are available in 11-1/2" length and are an economical choice for agricultural fastening. V&WM GreenTie Ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/2/14 11:08 AM