Vineyards
Horse & Plow wines are made exclusively with organically grown grapes. Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. We feel that in addition to the enviornmental benefits of organic farming, the resulting wines show more varietal character and sense of place. Our growers are talented and committed farmers who are also serious stewards of the land they farm.
Filigreen Farm, Anderson Valley, Certified Biodynamic Pinot Gris
Filigreen Farm is located in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County. It is situated on a half mile of river frontage with deep riparian soils. Until 1986, it was a conventional apple farm. Today, it is a mix of certified organic grapevines, olives, blueberries, heirloom peaches, pears and apples– to name a few! This type of diversity is central to the health of the farm. The pinot gris vines at Filigreen are carefully farmed for low yields to produce aromatic and full flavored wines.
Unti Vineyard, Alexander Valley, Biodynamic Grenache, Mourvedre, & Syrah
Unti Vineyards is a small, family owned vineyard and winery in northern Sonoma County. The Unti’s have been farming biodynamically since 2004. Biodynamics takes organic farming further by encouraging true sustainablity on the farm through the use of compost, cover crops, and special preparations to increase the health of the vines. The Grenache from the Unti’s is dry farmed from 25 year old vines. We ferment it in small open top fermentors along with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvedre for added complexity and depth. The resulting wine has a lovely, fruity nose but plenty of spice and body to balance.
McFadden Farm, Potter Valley, Certified Organic Chardonnay
McFadden Farm is located at the northern end of Potter Valley in Mendocino County. Potter Valley lies on the edge of the Mendocino National Forest and by the headwaters of the Russian River. For 37 years, Guinness McFadden has been farming all his vineyards organically. He grows a mix of certified organic grapevines, herbs, rice and cattle. Organic farms sustain diverse ecosystems with higher populations of plants, insects and animals that encourage healthy, well balanced vineyards. To supplement his eco–friendly vision of sustainable agriculture, Guinness built a hydro–electric power plant in 1983, capable of powering 100 homes and in 2005 he installed solar panels to make the farm completely energy sufficient. McFadden’s Chardonnay goes into our Harvester White as well as a vineyard designate Chardonnay.
Testa Vineyard, Mendocino, Certified Organic Petite Sirah, Grenache, Carignane, Charbono, & Zinfandel.
Testa Vineyards is located in Calpella, Mendocino County and has some of the oldest organic vines in the North Coast. The vineyard was planted in 1912, by Gaetano and Maria Testa using Belgian draft horses and today is farmed by their great grandchildren, Maria and Rusty. The Testa family takes great pride in maintaining the vineyards, where they employ labor intensive, hands on, old world, traditional and organic farming techniques. Testa’s Petite Sirah, Carignane, Charbono, Zinfandel, and Grenache go into our Harveter Red as well a vineyard designate Zinfandel, Carignane, and Petite Sirah.