▻ Where is vineyard sustainability today, with Rodrigo Soto
John Stimpfig in conversation with Rodrigo Soto
Episode Summary:-
John Stimpfig talks to viticulture expert Rodrigo Soto, in California, about the critical topic of vineyard sustainability. Soto was an early adopter of organic and biodynamic farming, working with some of the world’s most influential experts, including Paul Dolan of Fetzer and Alan York at Benziger, two of the earliest and most notable exponents of organic and biodynamic farming. He has also worked for many high-profile estates, including Quintessa in the Napa Valley, but today he has his own project, Far Mountain, a boutique winery in the Moon Mountain appellation in Sonoma.
The conversation centres on Soto's holistic philosophy of sustainable farming, emphasising that vineyards should be viewed as complex, articulated organisms rather than isolated variables. Key topics addressed include methods for improving soil health and carbon sequestration through techniques like cover cropping, the shift toward precise, adaptive farming rather than dogmatic approaches, and effective water and pest management. He believes that you need to work with nature instead of imposing on it, and notes that plants adapt: “I have not yet participated in a seminar where people talk about the capacity of plants to adapt. It seems we dismiss this component and I firmly believe this is a big mistake.” He also raises the issue that rootstocks are not adapted to climate change, and cites the advantages of the St George rootstock.
Biodynamic farming, he believes, “is an approach which helps you integrate your primary interest – which in this case is the vineyard--with the right cycles of nature.”
Finally, Soto discusses his current project, Far Mountain, where he applies his extensive knowledge of resilient, human-scale production in the Moon Mountain area, which was attractive because it naturally contains many of the aspects essential to his philosophy, including old vines, St. George rootstock, dry farming, and other organic and biodynamic producers, creating a community of mutual interests.
Running Order:-
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0.00 – 16.50
“I have not yet participated in a seminar where people talk about the capacity of plants to adapt. It seems we dismiss this component, and I firmly believe this is a big mistake."
– Rodrigo Soto’s background.
– His philosophy on vineyard management.
– Carbon sequestration.
– What you need for a healthy soil. -
16.51 – 36.06
– Tillage or no tillage?
– Water management and dry farming.
– Dealing with pests and diseases.
– Old vines.
– His project at Far Mountain in Sonoma.
Alexander Van Beek, Estate Director of Château Giscours and Tuscan estate Caiarossa.