Dedication to the Dirt: Honoring Nate Crawford, Our Vineyard Manager

The success of Finger Lakes wine isn't just about the weather; it's about the people who care for the land. As the 2025 harvest season comes to an end, we want to shine a light on a cornerstone of our operation: Nate Crawford, whose combination of deep agricultural knowledge and genuine care has guided Finger Lakes vines for 17 harvests.

Nate's intuitive understanding of our vineyard blocks—knowing which sections need extra attention and exactly how each variety responds to our unique microclimate—is exceptional. But what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and his belief that great wine starts with soil health.

Meticulous Care: Cover Crops and Compost

Nate is a shepherd leading our most forward-thinking environmental initiatives. His dedication is evident in the meticulous detail he brings to managing our vineyard floor:

• The Power of Chicory: Nate strategically utilizes under-row cover crops to reduce runoff and erosion. A prime example is the planting of blue chicory, not only to reduce vine vigor where needed but also for its powerful environmental benefits. The chicory's deep taproot breaks through soil compaction and significantly aids drainage. When mowed after bloom, it becomes a valuable green compost, cycling nutrients back into the soil while providing a key pollinator habitat.

• Closing the Loop with Compost: Nate's commitment extends beyond the vineyard floor to managing our entire operation's waste stream. He ensures that everything from harvest grape stems and skins to coffee grounds and spent brewery grain are all brought back into the cycle through composting. This comprehensive approach limits fuel consumption and builds soil fertility year after year.

Nate is constantly fine-tuning these approaches, always searching for the next way to ensure healthier vines and better fruit. His expertise is the very foundation that our high-quality wine is built upon.

Thank you, Nate, for your hard work and for being the best shepherd our vines could ever ask for.