Grape Expectations
Our students in grades 6-8 work amongst two and a half acres of chardonnay grapes that are purchased at harvest by a local winery for sparkling wine. 100% of the funds generated through the sale of our wine grapes flow directly back into the Farm program. SBS began managing the vineyard in March of 2014. Middle grades students do all of the non-tractor work to maintain the vineyard, pruning, suckering, and canopy management. Younger grades help when they are able as well, moving support wires, spotting ants and cover cropping among other less demanding tasks. Harvest 2015 began at daybreak on August 20th, three days earlier than last year, and just under a week before school started. As the sun began to rise in the sky, two picking crews started work on our vines, ultimately bringing in 8.9 tons of chardonnay grapes. Farmer Justin's favorite quote from the picking crew boss: "These grapes look great! Sure not an organic vineyard."