Twenty years ago, we planted French prune (plum) trees around the perimeter of our vineyards. These trees play host to predatory wasps, which attack the eggs of the undesirable insects in the vineyards. Hence, it eliminates the need to apply harmful herbicides and pesticides. These beneficial wasps help support our organic vineyard program.
In addition, at the end of the harvest, a compost of grape skins, seeds and stems are spread throughout the vineyard
s. This creates a home to vineyard spiders, which aid in controlling unwanted insects. This maintains an eco-balance in our organic vineyard.
The grapes produced from this organic program are CERTIFIED by a USDA certifier and the corresponding certificate is issued; all of the grapes used to produce our wines are grown on our vineyard only. We do not source fruit from other vineyards.
In the fall, we are blessed with tons of plums (from the French plum trees). The fruit is made into ORGANIC PLUM JAM, which has been enthusiastically received. You may contact the Tasting Room to place an order.
On our Estate, we grow not only grapes and plums, but also oranges and Meyer lemons, which are also CERTIFIED ORGANICALLY GROWN. Because of the result of the success of the PLUM JAM, we now have available both orange and Meyer lemon marmalade – yet another kudo, to our support of ORGANIC FARMING.
Try them, you’ll love them!!!
Cheers,
The Hellers