Farming with a "light touch"

At Husch, we have come to see the vineyard as a living organism, one that must exist in balance with the surrounding forests, waterways, wildlife, and the people who farm it. That philosophy guides our farming decisions on a daily basis. We call our approach the “light touch”: a commitment to working with nature rather than overpowering it.

One example is our strict prohibition on farm chemicals classified by the EPA as either “Danger” or “Warning.” Even some products approved for organic farming fail to meet our own standards for a truly light touch. Guests often ask specifically about Roundup® herbicide. The answer is simple: it has NO place at Husch.

That same philosophy shapes the way we manage vineyard disease and soil health. While vineyards around the world battle mildew with increasingly aggressive chemical programs, we continue to rely on elemental sulfur dust, a gentle 2000 year old approach that aligns with our vision. The sulfur protects the vines and returns an important nutrient back into the soil with every application.

We go minimalist on fertilizers, relying on the soil’s mycorrhizal networks to bring key nutrients to our deep-rooted vines. We compost pruning material in place rather than burn it. Invasive weeds are removed by hand with a shovel rather than sprayed. We combat insects with songbirds, who find free lodging in our dozens of birdhouses. These choices may require more patience and labor, but they reward us with stronger vines, healthier soils, greater drought resilience, and fruit that consistently reflects the beauty and balance of Anderson Valley.

Learn more about Husch’s other sustainable practices: Regenerative farming * Water For Fish * Valuing Old Vines