Vineyards

Each of our three estate vineyards is organically farmed by our full-time, year-round team. High density planting (2,200 vines per acre) results in competition among the vines, which in turn produces petite berries, tiny clusters, and an overall smaller crop. The 3 ¼ x 6 foot spacing facilitates proper airflow, thus naturally limiting pest and fungus development while providing evenly defused light for the fruit zone. Therefore, no fungicides or pesticides are ever needed or used.

Our regenerative farming practices include: cover crops, organic compost and cultivation to improve soil fertility and water retention (no herbicides); preservation of natural ecosystems (To Kalon & Bidwell Creeks, Napa River & Knights Valley Woodlands); promoting biodiversity by planting trees (cherry, olive & walnut); natural insect and rodent removal with over two dozen owl boxes and over 350 bluebird houses; regenerative grazing (Suffolk & Hampshire sheep) to enhance overall soil health; soil compaction prevention through the use of crawler tractors.

We estimate that each vine receives no less than fourteen different farming interventions every year. Throughout this cycle, Luc Morlet asks our viticulture team to “talk to each vine.” In addition to influencing the upcoming crop, a farming gesture can affect the vine’s production for years to come. Thus, every decision must take into consideration the unique needs of each vine.

1. Pruning
We remove unnecessary wood using a Double-Guyot pruning system.
We remove unnecessary wood using a Double-Guyot pruning system.
2. Tying
Fastening the canes to the wires gives strength to the future canopy.
Fastening the canes to the wires gives strength to the future canopy.
3. Mowing
Mowing halts competition with the vines for water and nutrients.
Mowing halts competition with the vines for water and nutrients.
4. Cultivation
Decompacts & aerates the soil, bringing nutrients & organic matter.
Decompacts & aerates the soil, bringing nutrients & organic matter.
5. Shoveling
We eliminate the few weeds that remain around each vine trunk.
We eliminate the few weeds that remain around each vine trunk.
6. Suckering
We remove the unnecessary growing sprouts (suckers).
We remove the unnecessary growing sprouts (suckers).
7. Shoot Positioning
Protects vines from wind & excess sun; prevents congestion of fruit zone.
Protects vines from wind & excess sun; prevents congestion of fruit zone.
8. Hedging
Generates consistency of the canopy & even ripening of the fruit.
Generates consistency of the canopy & even ripening of the fruit.
9. Undervine Cultivation
Our tractorist makes multiple passes to remove weeds under the vines.
Our tractorist makes multiple passes to remove weeds under the vines.
10. Lateral Removal
Removing secondary shoots maintains proper air flow inside the canopy.
Removing secondary shoots maintains proper air flow inside the canopy.
11. Thinning
Dropping clusters brings light & air to the fruit zone for even ripening.
Dropping clusters brings light & air to the fruit zone for even ripening.
12. Light Leafing
We remove some leaves to achieve defused light for a dry fruit zone.
We remove some leaves to achieve defused light for a dry fruit zone.
13. Picking
Picked at night by hand, the fruit is transported in our refrigerated trucks.
Picked at night by hand, the fruit is transported in our refrigerated trucks.
14. Winterization
We spread organic compost & bury seeds for a diverse cover crop.
We spread organic compost & bury seeds for a diverse cover crop.

Our commitment to the development and preservation of our estate vineyards reflects our devotion to being great stewards of the land while remaining authentic toward each of our unique terroirs.

Please verify that you are of legal drinking age in your country of residence.

Confirm
© 2025 Morlet Family Vineyards