Natural wine starts in the vineyard. We are growing PilzWiderstandsfähig or PiWi grape varieties. PiWi is from the German word meaning fungus resistant grape vines developed by cross breeding different European varieties with American or Asian varieties. PiWIs are more resistant to disease, fungus and frost while keeping the flavor and aroma profiles synonymous with traditional European grape varieties. We do not want to spray chemicals on the vines as those chemicals find their way into the waterways as well as into the wines.

We are growing the highest quality grapes we can while respecting nature. We aim to produce artisanal, clean natural wines using the best grapes we can cultivate. Great wine is produced in the vineyard.

Great Old Hay Winery is a wildlife haven. We need to live in harmony with the rabbits, deer, badgers, hedgehogs, ducks, coots, snakes, lizards, toads, slow worms, herons, hawks, owls, foxes, kingfishers, pollinators, and other small friends. We believe by nurturing the land and the wildlife, we will create a synergistic ecosystem.

We will continue the respect for the land, grapes, and people in how we treat the grapes in the winery. The Vineyard Manager and Head Winemaker has worked in a number of countries learning many techniques which she plans to implement at Great Old Hay Winery.