Vinopolis Wine Club

Madonna Estate

Andrea Bartolucci has always utilized and believed in natural farming methods. Beyond tradition, Andrea believes this is the healthiest approach to grape growing. As a third generation grower he believes that organic farming is much more than withholding the use of chemicals, but it also involves nurturing the soil and plants and improving soil fertility. Today, he continues to farm organically on the Madonna Vineyard without the use of synthetic chemicals and is a proud member of CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers).

In addition to organic farming, Andrea believes dry farming is the best method to ensure maximum quality and grape flavor at Madonna. Using the dry farming method the newly planted Madonna vines are irrigated only until they create an extensive root system. After the roots become established, all irrigation lines are removed and the Madonna vines are left to fend for themselves. For future moisture they rely only upon natural rainwater creating a stronger vine with a deeper, thicker root system. This method stresses the vines and lowers the grape tonnage and produces smaller berries with more intense varietal characteristics because they are not plump with water.

In addition, the flavorful grapes of the Madonna Vineyard are also in demand by several wineries for their reserve programs. Using the combination of natural organic farming and dry farming, Madonna Vineyard continues to consistently produce premium quality varietal grapes.