Brocha

The farm was purchased in 2001 and the first vines planted in 2002 after a radical career change.  A project which began as a conventional agricultural journey has evolved into an inseparable part of myself.I remain convinced that the Biodynamic method of farming which promotes a respectful relationship between plant, human, animal and soil can better preserve that complex and fragile concept we call Terroir- which is the vital difference between wine that is a commodity and wine that is an experience in all its challenges and confrontations. I think art counts even in vineyards.

Using the staked vine system (Echalas) unfettered by the constraints of wires has made this serpentine vineyard possible which honors slope without the invasive practice of terracing.  Narrow rows ensure less machinery which means less tillage.  Apical growth is encouraged which is the vines natural impulse. Observation and respect are key to our practices on Brocha.  I am ably assisted by Bobby Wallace and my team of 6 permanent workers.

Solace and One Man Band are accurate expressions of my philosophy that farming is the coal face of wine production and my reluctance to use any synthetic or systemic products on Brocha is in direct line with my attempt to produce intelligent and resilient vines which can weather the vagaries of climate and weather and to offer the consumer access to wines which are sincere and genuinely representative of site and season without the interference and gloss offered by outside inputs and clever techniques and chemical residues. Werner Muller makes these wines with extreme dedication and intelligence.