We are still relatively new to the wine world, even after 18 years of growing grapes and making wine. Our journey began with a shared dream of creating wines that embody the essence of our land, but it has been filled with lessons, challenges, and discoveries. When we came across Pascale Lepeltier’s *One Thousand Vines*, we were drawn to her exploration of viticulture, terroir, and the meaning of wine itself. Her words felt like a conversation with a kindred spirit—someone who understands both the beauty and complexity of working with nature to craft something truly special.
The Philosophy of Terroir
Lepeltier’s reverence for terroir resonated deeply with us. As a small estate-grown winery in Ontario, we’ve built our philosophy around the idea that every vintage tells a story of the land and the season. Her insights into how terroir shapes wine reaffirmed our belief that the vineyard itself is as much an author as we are. One passage that stood out to us described terroir as a “conversation between soil, vine, and time”—a sentiment we’ve felt every year when we watch the seasons unfold in our vineyard.
The Complexity of Winegrowing
Winegrowing is a delicate dance between nature and human intervention, something Lepeltier captures beautifully in her book. We’ve faced our share of challenges here in Ontario, from unpredictable weather to the constant demands of maintaining a healthy vineyard. Reading her reflections on the trials of winegrowing—whether it’s managing the vines or respecting the ecosystem—felt like a validation of our own struggles and triumphs. It reminded us that this journey, while difficult, is shared by winemakers around the world.
Sustainability and the Future of Wine
Lepeltier’s focus on sustainability struck a deep chord with us. As a sustainable certified winery, we’ve always prioritized farming practices that respect the land and support biodiversity. Her discussions on organic methods and the responsibility winemakers have to the environment inspired us to reflect on our own journey toward sustainability. Certification wasn’t just a milestone for us—it was a commitment to preserving our vineyard for future generations and contributing to a more sustainable wine industry. Her book reaffirmed that even small wineries like ours can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of wine.
Conclusion
Reading *One Thousand Vines* was more than just an exploration of wine—it was a reminder of why we started this journey 18 years ago. Lepeltier’s insights have inspired us to keep striving for authenticity, sustainability, and excellence in every bottle we produce. We encourage anyone with a love for wine, nature, or the artistry of winemaking to pick up her book. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who understands that wine is more than a drink—it’s a connection to the earth and each other.
