Malbec is a fun grape and unique, particularly in Sonoma County. Argentina is well known for its Malbec being the largest producer in the world with over 76,000 acres planted. In comparison, Sonoma County has about 400 acres planted and much of that is blended into Cabernet Sauvignon or red blends as is most common in Bordeaux. We thought it would be fun to share a short film about growing Malbec here at our ranch in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. You'll learn about our three blocks, why I enjoy farming Malbec and when to expect Harvest. Hope you enjoy it! 

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Pruning is arguably the most important job in the vineyard. Not only does it take many months but with each cut, the crew is determining the potential crop load as well as overall vine structure for the years to come. In a video in this blog, vineyard manager, David Huebel, takes us into the vineyard showing the steps of pruning and Gerardo (a 38 year Hafner Vineyard veteran) gives a play-by-play while he prunes. 

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While the world is turned on its head because of COVID-19, we are grateful to be out in the vineyard, doing what we do best – farming. The pandemic is always a residual concern in my mind. However, agriculture is deemed an essential business, so our work has not stopped. I cannot even begin to imagine where the vines would be right now if we hadn’t been able to work. The vines don’t stop growing. Right now, we are busy shoot thinning and managing the canopy. We are tucking shoots into the trellis and splitting the canopy so that the grapes form in the middle of the vine.

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In farming, there is always work to be done and changes to be made. A vineyard typically has a life cycle of about 25 years, so Winemaker Parke Hafner and Vineyard Manager David Huebel are constantly looking at long term plans for the vineyard. After Harvest 2018, we removed 10 acres of vines and began the process of replanting Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. A yearlong project, Parke, David and the vineyard team can now catch their breath with the new vines in the ground and growing happily. We interviewed Parke and David to get their perspectives on the replant and share the process with you.

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Out in the vineyard, we try to use the most natural and sustainable techniques possible. Soil health, both nutrient richness and soil structure, is a crucial component to strengthening the vineyard. The primary way we achieve this is by planting a cover crop. A cover crop is a mix of legumes and beans that fix nitrogen into the soil and increase biomass. Cover crop planting and cultivation requires many steps. One of the most challenging parts is working with the weather Mother Nature provides. No two years are the same. 

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