We spend a lot of time outdoors each day and that helps us to see the world through a unique perspective. As winegrowers, we have a deep bond with the flora and fauna, the soil, and the environment as a whole. Once you understand the relationship between nature, geological formations, climatic conditions and variables, as well as the individual needs of the vines, you can better act and respond in a meaningful way. Today, we Fischborns have a true relationship with the vines and all the living creatures in our vineyards.
As winegrowers, cultivating nature plays a critical role in our success. For us it is very important not to disturb the ecosystem and work to create a balance between nature and viniculture. A rich and healthy soil is essential for the wine, because beneath the surface lies the basis for strong and resistant vines, healthy grapes and, ultimately, great wines.
As such, we strive to continuously improve our vinyard’s soil quality through the cultivation of diverse herbaceous plants and careful enrichment of the soil. In order to create a thriving vineyard habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife, we maintain and plant shrubs, hedges, and a variety of fruit trees. By sowing sweet peas, phacelia, rye, fodder radish and various clovers, the soil structure is further enhanced, which is critical for us, and simultaneously, their blossoms offer a source of nutrition and act as a playground for the birds and the bees.
The use of compost also plays a vital role in improving our vineyard’s soil. It is of the utmost importance to us to know exactly what we bring in to our vineyards and how it will impact our wines. For this reason, we have produced our own compost for many years.
By composting bark mulch from select-cut greenbands, straw from our grain fields, manure from our own cattle-farm, and the pomace of our grapes, we have succeeded in creating an ecological compost which nurtures virtually every aspect of our vineyards.
Also we have planted or left numerous bushes, hedges and fruit trees in our vineyards to create an ecological habitat for useful plants and creatures.
It is through these diverse activities that we lend mother nature a hand in creating the healthiest ecosystem possible for our vineyards. The busy murmur of wildlife, the buzzing of bees, fluttering of butterflies and birdsong, as well as the sumptuous, lush life of the plants and vines are visible proof and attest to our commitment to the environment. It is our wish that anyone who strolls through our vineyards or shares one of our wines can enjoy this diversity and share in the fruits of our labors.