May 2009 Vintner Wine Club Selection
While so many wineries have jumped on the organic bandwagon in recent years, the family-owned Lolonis vineyards have been certified organically grown in the Redwood Valley for many years. Organic farming practices began for the Lolonis family in the 1950's, when they decided to use ladybugs, beneficial predators of pests that eat grape vines and leaves, instead of spraying pesticides in the vineyards..
The practice led to an homage in their "Ladybug Red," a sort of house wine made from four varietals that winemaker Lori Knapp selects and blends. Because all four varietals need different amounts of ageing in the cellar, the blend is non-vintage specific, but carries easy-drinking red fruits and hints of garden herbs and spice. True to tradition, over five million ladybugs will be released in these vineyards this Summer. Think of them when you're sipping a glass and watching the bugs in your own back yard
