At the Cristaldi Estate we farm our land gently and naturally, striving to protect and preserve our unique terroir. Sustainable permaculture practices are preferred, and we work the land in accordance with the best organic, biodynamic and whole-farm agricultural principles possible. Our 2 hectare farmstead is planted in the traditional old-world Italian 'promiscuous' planting style. Small blocks of tightly-spaced grapevines intermingle with olive trees, flowers and vegetables, as well as native flora, encouraging a diverse and sustainable ecology while providing us a beautiful landscape, and a welcome escape from the monoculture plantings all too common in modern farming methods. The vineyards are farmed in an organic, sustainable fashion, aimed at creating a naturally balanced environment. Harvest is based on touch and smell, taste and look, rather than on lab reports. In addition to the vines our olive groves, comprised of Frantoio, Pendolino, and Mission olive trees, provide us with an excellent spicy extra virgin olive oil. Vegetables from the garden and fruits from the orchard round out the farm and allow for traditional farm-to-table living.
Currently we farm about 2000 grapevines, with 15 different varietals in all. The vineyard, planted in 2003, is now in its adolescence, with most varietals settled into elegant and stable production. The Estate's vineyards and olive groves have been planted in such a manner as to encourage exploration while strolling throughout the grounds. The many different grape varietals and olive varietals growing on the estate allow for a wide array of bottlings and blends. Classic varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grow alongside well-known Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Dolcetto, and Barbera, and the more obscure Aglianico, Montepulciano, and Nebbiolo.
