A part of the dream for Edgemont Farms Equestrian Center is to produce Pinot Noir wine from grapes grown here. In 2008, we obtained a permit from Sonoma County for the vineyard, and the "Dirt Farmer & Co" planted 2.2 acres of Clone 2A Pinot Noir grape vines to the North and West of the outdoor arena. Ultimately these vines will produce grapes used to make our own wine.
Because of the danger to horses from the use of wire trellising, the vineyard was planted without wires. Instead, the vines were planted with rustic split wood stakes, and will be Head Pruned.
The exposure for the two fields planted is directly South, optimizing the sun exposure year-round. The slightly sloped fields also have good drainage.
Water comes from the 40-GPM general-use well on Edgemont Farms. This water source is also used to automatically replenish the pond that is used for fire protection and frost protection. An additional 5000 gallon plastic tank is also kept full for backup.
Water conservation is part of the design for the vineyard. The Grapevines are watered by underground drip lines with fertilizer injection, and remote-programmable timers. Frost protection uses sprinkler nozzles on pipes mounted to the Grape Stakes in a regular pattern.
The Dirt Farmer & Co continues to manage the vineyard.
