the terroir
in 2003, the vineyard was replanted, replacing 8.4 acres of chardonnay with zinfandel and petite sirah. the now 20 year old vines produce premier fruit, influenced by the dynamic terroir. the vineyard characterized by foggy mornings; sun-drenched, hot, dry days; and cool, breezy nights.
zinfandel sits atop steep rocky slopes, rooted into deep sandy soil laced with calcareous material. blocks 1 & 2 run north to south while block 3 is oriented east to west. a seasonal creek runs through these blocks, carving an abstract path in the spring and winter, further shaping the terroir (literally). it may swallow your boot, truck, or tractor, so watch out!!
the neighboring petite sirah finds sanctuary on the adjacent gentle rolling hills, roots digging into calcareous material with a light layer of topsoil. this varietal, block 4, runs east to west, welcoming you on both sides as you enter through the gates and up the dirt road.
our vines are trained with the VSP system, letting the shoots ‘california sprawl’. this system helps with canopy management to avoid sunburn on the north to south facing rows, plus it makes it easy to hand prune and pick.
vineyard
practices
at mustard creek vineyard we employ sustainable and organic farming practices, guided by a philosophy that prioritizes prevention over cures, promotes harmony within the agroecosystem, and draws inspiration from nature’s wisdom, along with collaborating and learning from esteemed vineyard managers.
some of these practices include:
owl boxes and barn cats strategically placed to naturally deter pests like squirrels and rodents, ensuring the health of our vines without resorting to poisoning
sheep help to manage cover crops, contributing to soil fertility through their natural fertilization
we prioritize manual methods of weed removal, such as hand hoeing and weed whacking, over chemical herbicides, preserving soil health and minimizing environmental impact
vines are protected using food-grade mineral oils, and nourished with all-organic fertilizers, avoiding synthetic chemicals for the benefit of both the land and wine it produces
cover crops reduce soil erosion, promote biodiversity, and enrich the soil with vital nutrients
once bud break hits, these cover crops are tilled back into the soil, enhancing its nitrogen levels and complexity
every decision we make is guided by a profound respect for the land and a dedication to producing grapes of unparalleled quality, all while nurturing the delicate balance of our environment.
important dates this year
