Biodynamics at Our Vineyards

La Collina is actually two vineyards, which we call Big and Little Hillside. Our vineyards are located in the foothills of the Green Mountains at 1,700 feet, atop the Broad Brook watershed. Our neighbors are farmers who grow apples, vegetables, hay, grapes, and pears, and raise cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

We farm organically, typically biodynamically, which means we have ultimate love and respect for the soil, and that our methods are guided by concerns for sustainability and a deeply embedded ecological perspective. We don’t use any pesticides. Following biodynamic principles, we use herbal preparations to nourish the soil and the plants. The preparations serve a number of purposes: to create balance and harmony; to deter pests, and to prevent disease. We make our wines with simple, old-world methods, without additives, enzymes, coloring, or flavoring. We are committed to native yeast fermentation, and a lot of skin contact. As much as possible, we avoid using machines in the vineyards. Our neighbor, Jeff, uses his sickle bar mower, assisted by a pair of draft ponies, to mow between the rows. Finally, we use hand-held scythes to mow lightly between plants.