Practices

Our organic and sustainable farming practices allow the grapes to express the natural complexity and balance of their terroir, using the earth’s natural resources to enhance the health of the vineyards while eliminating the use of chemicals.

At Skipstone no chemical herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers are used in the vineyards. Instead, beneficial cover crops such as oats, peas, beans and vetch are planted each fall to suppress weeds naturally and return valuable nitrogen back into the soil. These thriving plants also increase water retention in Skipstone’s diverse soils while attracting beneficial insects to the vineyards, naturally reducing the need for irrigation and eliminating insecticides. Each spring, this cover crop is tilled into the soil while still green and left to compost naturally into the earth, enhancing overall soil health.

Perches and boxes for hawks, owls and bluebirds have been built around the property, encouraging them to feed on insects and other creatures that could potentially damage the delicate balance of the vineyard. Throughout the growing season, the vineyard staff carefully monitors for plant and soil health. After harvest, organic compost is used throughout the rows to enhance soil quality as cover crop seed is once again applied.