Little did I know the remarkable insights that awaited me during my conversation with Grgich Hills Director of Winemaking & Viticulture, Ivo Jeramaz. It turns out, his knowledge on climate-friendly wine-growing practices holds immense value, not only for the environment but also for our own endeavors to reduce our ecological impact.
In this captivating piece, you'll discover a collection of invaluable takeaways, hidden gems, and practical ideas to enhance your winegrowing journey. Moreover, you'll uncover strategies to boost profitability and effectively manage your team, ensuring a well-rounded approach to success. I've thoughtfully included bookmarks to simplify your exploration, allowing you to dig into the information that piques your interest. So, get ready to delve into a world of knowledge that has the potential to revolutionize your vineyard while treading lightly on our precious planet.
What you will learn:
00:00 Intro Dir of Winemaking & Viticulture Ivo Jeramez
00:59 Organic Winegrowing for 20 years
03:40 Biodynamic Practices Utilized
06:14 Regenerative Farming and Why it Matters
08:12 The Surprising ROI on Paying Your Team a Living Wage
10:11 Getting Certified Regenerative Organic
11:35 The Goal: Stop Tearing Out Vineyards
12:35 REVELATION: Carbohydrates for Soil Health
13:48 Microbes & Cover Crops The Real Heroes
14:35 When We Spray Chemicals We Kill Everything Good in Soil
15:36 How to Kick the Round Up Habit: Chemical Addiction
16:51 The Process of Getting Certified
17:44 Increased Profitability Through Regenerative Farming
18:13 What Consumers Need to Know: Chemical Exposure
19:47 Taste: How Organic & Regenerative Farming Impacts
21:17 Best Practices with Highest Impact
22:32 Storing Carbon and Drought Proofing Vineyards
25:48 Pests: Know Thy Enemies
26:35 The Anti Tiller: Roller Crimper
27:52 Perennials over Annuals for Cover
29:51 Bring on the Bees by Creating a Natural Habitat
30:31 Heavy Bloated Bottles are So Yesterday
32:01 Earth friendly clo
The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware. ~ Henry Miller
Death Valley
I’ve always wondered why people flock to this destination.
The marvels of self moving rocks, to gloriously creative painted mountains is just part of the fascination. Take a drive down Artist Drive for a short hike to Artists Palette. Artists Palette is set against the mountains, and features splashes of color from volcanic deposits and rich mineral compounds like iron and chlorite. The result is a vast expanse of color peppering the vista with red, blue yellow pink green and yellow highlights. Absolute magic!
With over 3 million acres dedicated to wilderness there are hundreds of miles of roadways to navigate some of the best features of this National Park.
Devil’s Golf course is a place that looks other worldly and looks like it has snow at its core, but it’s actually a build up of salt and minerals. Jagged spines of salt form a forbidding and dangerous landscape. The salt crystals are so sharp you can cut yourself on them and a fall could be dangerous .
When I thirst for a new adventure in the hottest place on earth I ring along a tasty and deliciously pristine Sauvignon Blanc from @theoremvineyards delicious enough to tantalize everyone’s holiday adventures. The experience of this wine is such a treat. Sweet honeysuckle, bright pink grapefruit, with citrus and minerality. Its bright and vibrant and an appealing texture. Medium bodied. Easy to pair with sushi, sashimi, spicy thai, and so much more but also is a delight to sip solo.
We took a pic in the Badwater Basin, a surreal area where when it rains (rarely only 2 inches per year) the area floods and the water evaporates,minerals concentrate and leaving only salt behind.
Death Valley is not for everyone. There is a lot of hiking. But the beauty and the drama of a destination so other worldly will leave you wanting for more. Don’t think one trip is going to
I prefer by far the warmth and softness to mere brilliancy and coldness. Some people remind me of sharp dazzling diamonds. Valuable but lifeless and loveless. Others, of the simplest field flowers, with hearts full of dew and with all the tints of celestial beauty reflected in their modest petals.
~ Anais Nin
Choose to be the simpliest yet most beautiful of petals.
Grateful for a life of family, friends and love cherishing the beauty of nature and all it affords us in the most sustainable way possible.
#travelphotography #travelreels #getoutside #thankful #insta #yosemite #elcapitan #halfdome #vanlifediaries #wine #reellife #thewinesiren #roadtripping
This exquisite estate reimagined in Calistoga.
*In paid partnership w/ Newton Vineyard.
Breathtaking views,the thrill of tasting true terroir,a collection of single vineyard wine from around the valley.What could be better?You’ll find it in Calistoga at the Newton tasting room at the Winery by Brasswood.The vineyard replanting is in full force.Plans are being drawn for the new winery.The vineyards are 100% organic.
Newton is certified sustainable and always has an eye on the future.
This state of the art facility includes both winery, tasting room and will serve as home for Newton Vineyard.
The destination is serene and the views,breathtaking. The vista includes both the Mayacamas as you enter the property and once inside Table Rock Peak reigns supreme over the Vaca Mountains. Surrounded by vineyards enjoy this opulent setting where you will taste four incredibly different and elegant mountain wines along with aperitifs to compliment the tasting.
The breathtaking views add to the thrill of tasting true terroir in its purest sense. A collection of single vineyard wine from around the valley. These exciting wines are a departure from the Napa Valley of the 1990’s and will delight those looking for a more true to the region wine.The first wine,a vibrantly delicious Chardonnay from Carneros,enhanced by the cool breezes of San Pablo Bay.The landmark Bordeaux blend showcasing the very best of Newton’s vineyards you’ll find in their 2018 Puzzle which is celebrating its 30th year anniversary this year. While you nosh on their generous cheese board,slip into the red zone with their Cabernet Sauvignon series, and a smooth as silk Spring Mountain Cabernet.Incredible life and verve as well as complexity and an incredibly smooth finish. The grand triumph,the Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon is a big one, yet still with so much freshness, a vivid depth of complexity with wild & elegant tannins leaving the palate enchanted.
This is Newton VIneyard. Open seven days a w
How rare is a seahorse today? So rare they are now a protected species. And some of our most cherished indigenous varieties have a similar fate.
The first sip on a Monday morning (hey its called wine tasting, not drinking) was a boost to the monotony of the day. My blurry eyes popped right open. But before I dive into my notes, let’s brush up on a little intel. This is my first time tasting a Turkish wine. Not only impressive but intriguing.
Turkey has been making wine for at least some 7,000 years. They have well over 600 indigenous varieties and they are the 6th biggest grape growing country in the world. they are passionate about their indigenous grape varieties so to taste the Calkarasi, grown near the city of
The winery is called Pasaeli. Started. By a passionate family who began as an importer. Now 15 hectares strong, they celebrate a variety of terroir and unique microclimates. This particular variety (the Calkarasi) is native to Cal - Denizli. Single vineyard raised at 850 metres above sea-level it goes through fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Then aged on the lees for 3 months.
Tasting notes: Red vibrant berries on the nose. With poise and balance this very fresh, lush and satisfying wine caps off the finish with a beautiful hint of minerality. If QPR is your thing this is the wine.
13% abv
$14
Calkarasi Aegean Turkey
A sea horse, with its keen eyesight, signifies insight and intuition. You don’t need to use your intuition to know drinking wine made by pros with a focus on terroir and indigenous varieties will bring you much wine happiness.
Licensed Music by: Jane & the Boy, Captivate
Video by: @kellymitchell
#Turkishwine #reels #reelsinstagram #Winetasting #Rosé #pasaeli #singlevineyard #winepairing #thewinesiren #napa #mondayvibes #winereels#sunsetphotography #sunsetlover #winegifts #winefriends#wineinspiration #winewinewine #wine #winevideo
This aromatic and incredibly fresh Chardonnay is a vast departure of yesterday’s butter bombs. Summertime may be over but the summertime feels are evident in this lovely bottle of Moon Mountain Chardonnay by Theorem Vineyards.
Theorem Vineyard’s 15 luscious acres sitting at the top of Moon Mountain District benefit from warm days and cool nights with influence by both the Sonoma Coast and San Pablo Bay. The 2020 Chardonnay represents its third release of Chardonnay and a dialed in sense of a terroir specific wine, coming from both volcanic soil and high elevations (1600 ft).
A soft and elegant white wine with angular vivacity, its flavor is provocative with a dollop of lemon curd and intriguing minerality surrounding this memorable Chardonnay. There is a lovely mouthfeel to it. They’ve taken French Oak 58% neutral , 17% new and used a velvet glove (25% stainless steel tanks) to coax the lushness out of this 100% Chardonnay (Clones: Wente & Clone 4).
It’s a day on the water at sunset wherever you maybe with the twinkling reflection of light warming your face. What could be better?
$58
470 cases produced
2020 Moon Mountain Chardonnay
Want to know more about @theoremvineyards ? Link in bio.
Licensed Music by: Ateller, Good for Me.
#TheWineSiren #Chardonnay #NapaValley #TheoremVineyards #WineSample
#WineTasting #HolidayWine #Wine #KellyMitchell #winereel #reelsinstagram #sunsetlovers #napariver #moonmountain
Looking for the perfect gift? A pairing beyond compare?
Enter @domainecarneros and their just released Sparkling Cuvée signature duo.
Bright, vibrant flavor full of citrus and a lengthy finish with notes of red berries and stone fruit.
Luxurious aromatics and crisp fresh bubbles highlight the original pairing of a spa vibe and elegance.
Licensed Music by: Jane & The Boy. ‘Waste Our Time’
#TheWineSiren #Sample #SparklingWine #Bubbles
On the look out for Michael distracted by the creepy spider baby who was everywhere, even at dinner! DTNapa comes alive at Halloween. Lovely wine from @bnwines @gamlingandmcduck Dinner by @gracestablenapa dance vibes by @oenotri . Appearances by @wineartlife @elanamelissa @kevwhatev & @dylanthomasoconnor Happy Halloween!
#Halloween #winetasting #theend #TheWineSiren #napavalley #kellymitchell #wine #winelife #winetravel #dtnapa #napacru #wheretotaste #happyhalloween #allhallowseve
On the road to Maremma. A distinct and vital part of the Italian Tuscan vineyard scene. We are headed to Petra. @PetraWinery is a jewel embedded much like a diamond amongst the vines supporting its mission. More in the next post about the winery and vineyards!
After sometime in Florence it was the perfect destination. A Tuscan adventure in food and wine. While rain was still on the menu, it was sporadic and didn’t dampen the spirits. Grapes were still on the vine as the winegrowing waited out the weather for an optimal pick.
It was my first Italian BBQ. Family-style and prepared by the outstanding @batticarne.cecina team.
We began with a white wine, from Petra, a 2021 Vermentino. Which was the perfect apéritif for the generous antipasto. Lots of fresh greens and vegetables very much appreciated.
The wine served was a Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Petra Potenti Rosso Toscana IGT. The color was a brilliant ruby, with rich and bold notes including blackberry, with a hint of espresso, wild herbs and balsamic. It paired with the steak perfectly.
The 2019 Petra Quercegobbe Merlot was equally delightful. Lovely structure and balance. Both wines were beautifully made.
The Camila (cow) was aged for 40 days and the Maiale (pig) was slow cooked for 20 hrs before being seared. Impeccable proteins!
As the evening came to a close we were treated to the grappa of Petra and a L’Angelo de San Lorenzo which is similar to a Vin Santo (Italian dessert wine). It cannot be called such since it is out of the region where Vin Santo’s are made. I highly recommend dropping your biscotti directly into this for an even more decadently delicious experience.
This dessert wine is made by drying the freshly harvested grapes. Truly a delightful accompaniment to dessert!
Have you tasted Petra Wine? Or been to an Italian BBQ in Tuscany?
#TheWineSiren #InsidersGuide #tuscanstyle #tuscany #maremma #PetraWine #redwine #BBQ #winetravel #kellymitchell #wine #winetasting #winepairing
Melt into the exquisite luxury of Domaine William Fèvre... Celebrating #NationalOysterDay is the perfect time to dip your toes into this delicious and mouthwatering Chablis. I am a huge fan of their wine, but also the fact that they match my values in sustainability, organic and biodynamic wine production. The very first in the region to use all of these practices. This is the wine you've been looking for... #Ad #GiveASip #WiliamFevre
Earth Day Interviews
Its #EarthWeek!!!
Phenomenal people and companies doing great things for #MotherEarth .
We begin on Weds 4/20 at 1pm PT with Climate Scientist Kimberly Nicholas, author of #UnderTheSkyWeMake based in Sweden. Featured everywhere from the @BBC to the @nytimes . From #Sonoma she now lives in #Sweden and is an expert on #Sustainability and #ClimateChange
At 3pm PT we go to @NapaGreen winery @cakebreadcellars to talk innovation and winning on #sustainablewinemaking and wine growing with Aaron Fishleder. This #certifiedsustainable winery has made big changes making a big difference on nature and the energy bottom line.
Finally on Friday April 22, Earth Day we highlight the one and only Anna Brittan CEO of @NapaGreen leading the charge on measuring sustainability in the Napa Valley and helping #wineries make the most in the name of our environment and planet earth.
On #IGTV Live.
#kellymitchell #TheWineSiren #wine #climate #NapaValley
Please join us ! Every episode is a fountain of knowledge and innovation.
After traveling many times to dine at several Michael Mina eateries, I am thrilled to experience for the very first time his first Wine Country restaurant, @witwisdomsonoma . Located within minutes of the Sonoma Plaza, the name and concept are a nod to Jack London, his writings and essays. #TheWineSiren
#wine
Looking forward to exploring new vistas this weekend.
Chipping away at the to do list, contemplating the world and attempting to live with balance.
I’ve had an Aperol Spritz (which was lovely) will I craved a moment in Firenze with my dear friends @grapevineadventures and @wineclubitaly_tours . We’d be having dinner on the hip fast paced high end brasserie style restaurants then grabbing a beautiful bottle of @bellavistawine from #Franciacorta to sip as the night floated close to the wee hours. To chat incessantly about everything under the sun. Life, men, boys, husbands.
What do you miss right now?
Live with a brand new Napa Valley Cabernet and introducing Cole Ballentine on location in St Helena....
