Sylvan Hills Vineyard
Mary and Wells Wagner grow 32 acres of Chardonnay in the Sonoma Valley. They came to California after running a cheese store in Wisconsin. They love lamb with Petite Sirah. Wells was just elected as an alternate on the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission.
Grower and Spouse names:
Mary and Wells Wagner
Vineyard/Ranch name:
Sylvan Hills Vineyard
Appellation:
Sonoma Valley
How long have you farmed this property?
September 1985
Total acreage managed and grape varieties planted:
32 Acres of Chadonnay
Why did you become a grape grower?
Midlife crisis and change of lifestyle from running a cheese store in Wisconsin.
Farming philosophy:
To farm as “light” as possible (reduce pesticide use) and maintain a high quality crop. My goal is to leave the land in better shape than it was when I bought it.
What changes in farming practice do you anticipate making in the next 5 years?
Less pesticide use, more mechanical weed control, and provide nesting boxes or perches for owls, hawks and kestrels to aid rodent control
What was your worst horror story in grape growing?
Trying to change to biodynamic farming in 1 year and the vineyard had more mildew than I had ever experienced before.
Is your vineyard designated on any wine labels?
Which ones? Not at this time, but is has been designated by Merry Edwards in the past.
What is your favorite food/wine combination?
Lamb and Petite Sirah
Employee note: Greatest length of service or other item of interest about your workforce.
Excellent crew that varies from 2 through the summer to 15-20 at harvest.