About Us
Willows Farm & Vineyard, was in need of TLC. Previous
buildings were demolished and new ones constructed. We've
come a long way and have a long way to go. The demolition
site linked in this picture is now where the current house
resides. Many other projects and processes are in the works
as well.
As with most old farms Two Willows acreage was previously
depleted of topsoil. The property was allowed to go fallow,
with exception of planting pasture mix, for 5 years. The
pasture mix was cut and raked and allowed to decompose on
the surface to promote the creation of organic material or
topsoil for a couple of years. It is now being sold by the
bale. See the "Hay For Sale" page for more information
regarding pasture mix.
The process of soil revitalization is explained best by
Wikipedia: "Soil is composed of minerals and organic
matter, as well as living organisms. The minerals are derived
from the weathering of "parent material" - bedrock and
overlying sub-soil. The organic matter in soil derives from
plants and animals. In a forest, for example, leaf litter and
woody material falls to the forest floor. This is sometimes
referred to as organic material. When it decays to the point it
is no longer recognizable it is called soil organic matter. When
the organic matter has broken down into a stable humic
substances that resist further decomposition it is called humas.
Thus soil organic matter comprises all of the organic matter in
the soil exclusive of the undercayed material." That being said
- this process also allows for cleansing of any formerly used
pesticides or herbicides as well.
Vineyard Test Bed
Vineyards are not as plentiful in our immediate area. For that
reason we've created a test bed where we are currently
studying grapevine variatels and yields based on our soil
composition and climate for purposes of wine production.
The test bed in the Northeast field, planted in 06, 07, and 08
lay fallow for 5 years before planting as well. It currently
contains 5 varietals of red, white, blue and black grapes. The
first batch of wine was produced in 2008.
Willows Farm & Vineyard, was in need of TLC. Previous
buildings were demolished and new ones constructed. We've
come a long way and have a long way to go. The demolition
site linked in this picture is now where the current house
resides. Many other projects and processes are in the works
as well.
As with most old farms Two Willows acreage was previously
depleted of topsoil. The property was allowed to go fallow,
with exception of planting pasture mix, for 5 years. The
pasture mix was cut and raked and allowed to decompose on
the surface to promote the creation of organic material or
topsoil for a couple of years. It is now being sold by the
bale. See the "Hay For Sale" page for more information
regarding pasture mix.
The process of soil revitalization is explained best by
Wikipedia: "Soil is composed of minerals and organic
matter, as well as living organisms. The minerals are derived
from the weathering of "parent material" - bedrock and
overlying sub-soil. The organic matter in soil derives from
plants and animals. In a forest, for example, leaf litter and
woody material falls to the forest floor. This is sometimes
referred to as organic material. When it decays to the point it
is no longer recognizable it is called soil organic matter. When
the organic matter has broken down into a stable humic
substances that resist further decomposition it is called humas.
Thus soil organic matter comprises all of the organic matter in
the soil exclusive of the undercayed material." That being said
- this process also allows for cleansing of any formerly used
pesticides or herbicides as well.
Vineyard Test Bed
Vineyards are not as plentiful in our immediate area. For that
reason we've created a test bed where we are currently
studying grapevine variatels and yields based on our soil
composition and climate for purposes of wine production.
The test bed in the Northeast field, planted in 06, 07, and 08
lay fallow for 5 years before planting as well. It currently
contains 5 varietals of red, white, blue and black grapes. The
first batch of wine was produced in 2008.
Micro Climate
Oceana County, where Two Willows Farm & Vineyard is
located, consists predominately of sandy soil. Our soil
composition varies from large areas of dense clay to others
that are primarily sandy. So, we are in a Micro Climate of
sorts, due to our soil makeup in "Claybanks Township".
The dense clay areas make grapevine cultivation challenging.
Vines prefer a looser soil. However, once established
grapevines are fairly hardy depending on how well they are
managed. It's simply harder to establish them in denser soil.
For the test bed we selected a field with a dense clay soil
composition concluding that if vines grow well in that area
some of our sandier areas may be a bit easier to establish.
Time and a lot of hard work will tell.
Future Business
Grapevines take several years to start producing fruit good
enough to make wine. We are hopeful, in the not to distant
future, we will be able to open a tasting room on the
property. We have also introduced a product line for the
grape skin and seed byproducts. See the Grape Extract
page for more information.
Farming Technique
Some vintners practice what is called "dry farming" in order
that the wine totally reflects the climate of the year it was
grown. "Dry farming" means no irrigation is used to assist
the growing process. This may be noted on the bottle as
well stating "the wine reflects the year it was grown". We are
not presently dry-farming and cannot make that statement.
To stave off any drought conditions we deemed it necessary
to institute drip irrigation for our vines. It is difficult to "dry
farm" for younger vines. Whether or not this will be
common practice in the future depends on "climate change".
For the latest information on "climate change" and how it
pertains to the Wine Industry go to the climate change and
wine web site.
For more information about area vineyards go to the
Michigan Grape and Wine Industry web site.
Oceana County, where Two Willows Farm & Vineyard is
located, consists predominately of sandy soil. Our soil
composition varies from large areas of dense clay to others
that are primarily sandy. So, we are in a Micro Climate of
sorts, due to our soil makeup in "Claybanks Township".
The dense clay areas make grapevine cultivation challenging.
Vines prefer a looser soil. However, once established
grapevines are fairly hardy depending on how well they are
managed. It's simply harder to establish them in denser soil.
For the test bed we selected a field with a dense clay soil
composition concluding that if vines grow well in that area
some of our sandier areas may be a bit easier to establish.
Time and a lot of hard work will tell.
Future Business
Grapevines take several years to start producing fruit good
enough to make wine. We are hopeful, in the not to distant
future, we will be able to open a tasting room on the
property. We have also introduced a product line for the
grape skin and seed byproducts. See the Grape Extract
page for more information.
Farming Technique
Some vintners practice what is called "dry farming" in order
that the wine totally reflects the climate of the year it was
grown. "Dry farming" means no irrigation is used to assist
the growing process. This may be noted on the bottle as
well stating "the wine reflects the year it was grown". We are
not presently dry-farming and cannot make that statement.
To stave off any drought conditions we deemed it necessary
to institute drip irrigation for our vines. It is difficult to "dry
farm" for younger vines. Whether or not this will be
common practice in the future depends on "climate change".
For the latest information on "climate change" and how it
pertains to the Wine Industry go to the climate change and
wine web site.
For more information about area vineyards go to the
Michigan Grape and Wine Industry web site.
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| About Us |
| Copyright ©2005-2010 Two Willows Farm & Vineyard | 6059 West Webster Road Montague, MI 49437-9490 | All rights reserved. | Email |
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