decision concerning the cultural practices, at Eagle Gap Vineyards are made with
one goal in mind; Wine Quality. Regardless of labor or materials cost if I determine an
action necessary to improve the sustained quality of the vines and grapes, then it is done
in a timely manner.
My general Philosophy on grape growing is very consistent with sustainable agriculture
practices. The majority of what I have learned about the science of grape growing is
from the Continuing Educations classes and seminars from U.C. Davis. To keep up to
date I also attend many independent grape growing and wine related seminars in
California, however there is no substitute for hands on work in the vineyards. If I pay
attention, and embrace the role of "attentive observer," the vines themselves will teach
me more than anyone else possibly could. Now with 7 years experience I have
developed programs that have translated into local vineyard culture. Grape growing is a
humbling experience, and I still have much to learn, and look forward to all of it.
one goal in mind; Wine Quality. Regardless of labor or materials cost if I determine an
action necessary to improve the sustained quality of the vines and grapes, then it is done
in a timely manner.
My general Philosophy on grape growing is very consistent with sustainable agriculture
practices. The majority of what I have learned about the science of grape growing is
from the Continuing Educations classes and seminars from U.C. Davis. To keep up to
date I also attend many independent grape growing and wine related seminars in
California, however there is no substitute for hands on work in the vineyards. If I pay
attention, and embrace the role of "attentive observer," the vines themselves will teach
me more than anyone else possibly could. Now with 7 years experience I have
developed programs that have translated into local vineyard culture. Grape growing is a
humbling experience, and I still have much to learn, and look forward to all of it.
Eagle Gap Vineyards
San Diego County
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I think...thearfore I grow.
The more learn about growing grapes, the more intuitive it becomes. Almost all vine supplement programs applied
to the soil are organic. Occasionally there is a need to deviate from this practice but it is the rare exception rather
than the rule, and exceptions are only made in unusual circumstances. There are absolutely no pesticides used at
Eagle Gap Vineyards at any time. All three of my vineyards have a cover crop between rows. I think the soil
building characteristics of cover cropping are extremely valuable, especially in soils without a great deal of organic
material such as mine. All my vineyards use a variation of the VSP type trellising.
In regards to canopy management ; Speckled sunlight on the fruit and ample amounts of air flow through the
canopy are qualitative decisions I practice and believe in. At 3400 ft elevation, our summer sun is both intense and
hot. Partial shading of the fruit is important. This characteristic of our Sun exposure makes our vineyards among
the firs to ripen every year. An interesting note: Because of our high elevation and inland location, our relative
humidity is very low. Our evening cooling is a result of hi elevation rather marine cooling, which usually has
extremely high humidity.
Many growers believe in stressing a vine to produce a higher quality fruit. There are many ways to stress a grape
vine. Water stress is a common practice in the industry. I believe it can be beneficial if applied at the proper
physiological development cycle in the vines yearly cycle. If applied during the wrong cycle the results are
damaging to both fruit and vine. I have discovered that my environment is a very harsh environment for just about
any plant or person. Just the fact that the vines are growing there puts them in a stressful environment. For that
reason I lean towards a more fully hydrated grape vine through most of its development.
These philosophies have turned into cultural practices at Eagle Gap Vineyards. Because of these practices I
believe we produce the highest quality Wine Grapes in San Diego County.
Sincerely,
James Doyle
Owner/Grower
to the soil are organic. Occasionally there is a need to deviate from this practice but it is the rare exception rather
than the rule, and exceptions are only made in unusual circumstances. There are absolutely no pesticides used at
Eagle Gap Vineyards at any time. All three of my vineyards have a cover crop between rows. I think the soil
building characteristics of cover cropping are extremely valuable, especially in soils without a great deal of organic
material such as mine. All my vineyards use a variation of the VSP type trellising.
In regards to canopy management ; Speckled sunlight on the fruit and ample amounts of air flow through the
canopy are qualitative decisions I practice and believe in. At 3400 ft elevation, our summer sun is both intense and
hot. Partial shading of the fruit is important. This characteristic of our Sun exposure makes our vineyards among
the firs to ripen every year. An interesting note: Because of our high elevation and inland location, our relative
humidity is very low. Our evening cooling is a result of hi elevation rather marine cooling, which usually has
extremely high humidity.
Many growers believe in stressing a vine to produce a higher quality fruit. There are many ways to stress a grape
vine. Water stress is a common practice in the industry. I believe it can be beneficial if applied at the proper
physiological development cycle in the vines yearly cycle. If applied during the wrong cycle the results are
damaging to both fruit and vine. I have discovered that my environment is a very harsh environment for just about
any plant or person. Just the fact that the vines are growing there puts them in a stressful environment. For that
reason I lean towards a more fully hydrated grape vine through most of its development.
These philosophies have turned into cultural practices at Eagle Gap Vineyards. Because of these practices I
believe we produce the highest quality Wine Grapes in San Diego County.
Sincerely,
James Doyle
Owner/Grower
