Andrew Schultz
Are you ready for the next vintage?
Are you ready for the next vintage?
Andrew Schultz
The Tao of Farming - Lesson #4

When we wait for something we anticipate what comes next. We stand restless on the edge of the next thing waiting to rush in with our plans in hand. Patience is more pleasant. It is settling into the situation. Taking stock of what is around you, noticing more. Using your time to prepare further for the next, or adjust based on new information. Patience is equanimity.

The Tao of Farming - Lesson #4
Business Management
Andrew Schultz
The Tao of Farming - Lesson #3

There is a saying, “The farmers footsteps are the best fertilizer,” the important take away is that these footsteps wouldn’t occur if the farmer didn’t understand how important it is to be there in the first place.

The Tao of Farming - Lesson #3
Business Management
Andrew Schultz
The Tao of Farming - Lesson #2

The essence of farming is making decisions in the face of uncertainty. No one knows exactly what will happen, no one knows exactly what has happened even after we’ve witnessed and measured it.

The Tao of Farming - Lesson #2
Business Management
Andrew Schultz
The Tao of Farming - Lesson #1

Intuition in farming is important. For every action there is a reaction.

The Tao of Farming - Lesson #1

The Real Sale... What the winemaker is really buying in the vineyard.

The Real Sale... What the winemaker is really buying in the vineyard.

One of the most fundamental exchanges that takes place in the wine business is the purchase and sale of grapes at harvest. For many wine regions around the world this is a vertically integrated and managed resource. This is not so, in Washington. By and large the industry is not vertically integrated yet and shows some indication of heading more in that direction as land values, water scarcity, and labor rates increase. (Not considering huge conglomerates controlling the lion share but, by numbers of wineries and their industry needs)

Creating Time in the Vineyard... Proactive vs. Reactive Farming

Creating Time in the Vineyard... Proactive vs. Reactive Farming

I can't speak for everyone, but wouldn't it feel great to be on top of everything in the vineyard and feel like you are ahead of the game for once? In the moment, you'll likely never feel this relaxed. Even if you are on top of things, there will be times when you think you are behind. Aside from those realities, I want to discuss some ways to create time in your business and to assess whether you are really ahead of the game or behind the 8-ball. I'll end the discussion by summarizing three tools I use in getting the work done on time each season for the least cost.

Too much irrigation... In a hot season?

Too much irrigation... In a hot season?

In much of Washington's growing area we have more control than most of the growing areas in the world. Our soils are naturally barren, and we have essentially no rainfall, or very little rainfall in the main part of the growing season. In a sense, we have a more empty canvas than many vineyards around the world; with that, we can choose to paint the picture we wish to paint.