Sustainability Practices

Here’s a look at the steps we’ve taken so far and how we continue to build on them.

• For nearly a decade, we’ve proudly participated in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), a rigorous initiative focused on protecting our land, water, and natural resources. Through this program, we continuously monitor water usage, conduct detailed soil analysis across every vineyard block, carefully manage and store materials, and regularly test our well water ensuring environmentally responsible practices at every step.
• Our commitment goes beyond certification. Five years ago, we eliminated the use of glyphosate-based herbicides, transitioning instead to mechanical weed control. This shift allows us to maintain our vineyards without relying on harmful chemicals.
• We’ve also taken a long-term approach to soil health. Since 2009, we’ve avoided synthetic granular fertilizers, choosing instead to nourish our vines with organic compost, including repurposed grape skins and stems from each harvest.
• More recently, we introduced a clover cover crop in select vineyard blocks. This natural solution enriches the soil with nitrogen, improves moisture retention, and suppresses weeds helping us reduce intervention while strengthening vine health.