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| Experimentation is an on-going commitment at Byron, and the goal of the experimental vineyard is to identify the ideal clones, rootstocks, vine-planting density and trellising techniques that will produce the highest quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this unique micro-climate. |
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Byron's experimental vineyard program is one of the most ambitious of its kind, utilizing nearly 100 acres of prime vineyard land. Over two-dozen clonal selections of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from France, Oregon and California as well as several dozen rootstocks have been used in the innovative program. In the European-style, high-density format, vines are forced to compete with each other for sustenance, resulting in lower yields, smaller berries and remarkably higher fruit quality. A myriad of different configurations, varying the distance between rows and distance between vines in-row has been implemented in the experimental vineyard. The planting density ranges from approximately 1,500 to 4,300 vines-per-acre, or three to nine times the California standard of 500 vines per acre. In addition, the vineyard rows have been changed from an east-west orientation to a north-south orientation to allow for better sunlight exposure on both sides of the canopy. The European vertical trellis system with moveable catch-wires is used exclusively in the experimental vineyard. The majority of the Byron Estate has already been converted to this superior technique and during the Spring of 1996, 100% of Byron Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blocks were converted. In a vertical trellis format, shoots grow in an upright pattern, exposing the fruit zone to increased sunlight and air circulation. In cool growing regions such as the Santa Maria Valley, additional sun exposure and aeration greatly minimize mildew and botrytis formation, enhance grape flavors and aromatics, and neutralize the threat of damage in the event of rain. A minimum of seven to ten years is needed to fully evaluate the results of the experiments in the vineyard. Early results are promising. Exceptional Pinot Noir from the experimental program has been incorporated into our Reserve wines for several years. The 1995 experimental Pinot Noir grapes showed stunning balance and were unquestionably the most outstanding grown on the Estate. Findings from this in-depth project will be crucial in providing direction for our aggressive plan to redevelop our vineyards for the future. One of Ken's many innovations is Byron's Master Vineyard Team. Limited to 30 members, with more than ten years average tenure, these vineyard staff members are selected for their experience and skill. Each member tends individual vineyard parcels year-round, marking his or her rows with a personal tag. Ken Brown meets with the team daily. When the harvest is complete, Ken leads them through wine tastings - finished wines and lots in progress - to evaluate and discuss the wines. In this way the vineyard staff become masters in their discipline. |
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 Santa Maria Valley | The Winemaker |
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| Byron > Inside Byron > Vineyards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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