McIntyre Vineyards - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands

Directions“Musicians are servants to other people’s emotions, giving folks pleasure. With our family of wines, we strive to create something sensual, like music, which brings joy and inspiration and is an artistic statement of our vineyard.” - Steve McIntyreM c|I ntyre vineyards
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Sustainablity Certified SustainableSteve McIntyre helped write the book on sustainable winegrowing in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. The McIntyre family has been farming in a responsible, sustainable manner long before such practices became vogue. While they grow grapes organically and biodynamically for other wineries, and do apply many of these techniques to their own operation, they prefer to farm in a sustainable system. A sustainable system is a much broader, more comprehensive, bigger carbon footprint program than an organic system, carefully taking into account everything that happens in and around the vineyard. Sustainability is a self-correcting discipline that not only impacts the environment, but society, employees and business.There is much debate in the wine industry regarding various going green business models. On the grape growing side, one emerging practice for the future trend of farming is sustainable viticulture. And while sustainability may seem a new buzzword to some, to the Central Coast Vineyard Team it is a subject into which they have already invested well over a decade. And those years of hard work are about to pay off as they launch the first-ever process aimed at actually testing and certifying vineyards on the Central Coast as being sustainably farmed. Steve McIntyre is a founding member and long time contributor to CCVT.The non-profit CCVT group has painstakingly created rigorous rules and protocols, putting real meaning, real teeth into sustainability. A pilot program to test and certify volunteer vineyard properties is currently underway. McIntyre Vineyards will be among the first to be officially certified sustainable.CCVTs members believe that sustainability rests on the principle that the needs of the present can be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Specifically, the goal of sustainable viticulture is to integrate environmentally sound practices, social equity, and economic feasibility into decision making on a system-wide level. As such, it is a more encompassing, bigger picture philosophy than site-specific terms such as organic and bio-dynamic. Basic key components of sustainable winegrowing include natural conservation, human education, water quality protection, erosion control, habitat restoration and conservation, cover crops, and safe and efficient use of soil amendments.As early as 1996, this local grower group pioneered the innovative Positive Points System, a 1,000 point self-assessment used to evaluate over 30,000 vineyard acres since its inception. As a tool, the PPS helped educate and guide hundreds of growers towards adopting practices that protect both human and natural resources. In 2002, the CCVT members actively discussed the possible shift from self-evaluation to third-party certification. From dialogue came action and in 2003, a group of dedicated growers and advisors met regularly to develop a set of farming standards that ensure environmentally conscious, economically feasible, and socially equitable farming operations. Over a period of almost four years, they completed the standards and incorporated hundreds of comments from an extensive peer review involving governmental, environmental, social, agricultural, and academic representatives. Many diverse experts and groups, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the California Audubon Society to name but a few, provided input and affirmation. With the standards ready, the certification program was ready to launch.Prior to the 2009 harvest, it was McIntyres turn to submit the copious documentation required on every aspect of its farming practices and face the independent auditor responsible for maintaining the strict new sustainability standards. Thanks to McIntyres two decades history of careful, conscientious stewardship of their Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard, they passed with flying colors. The McIntyre estate holds "certified sustainable" status from both the CCVT's SiP program and the statewide CSWA. More information on Sustainable Winegrowing and the work of the Central Coast Vineyard Team is available at www.vineyardteam.org
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Case Study 1 Sustainability Case Study: Cover CropsCover crops have been used for decades and their use in permanent agriculture such as vineyards has expanded significantly recently. It is probable that the majority of vineyards in the state are now using them to some extent or another. Despite their widespread use, most growers do not utilize them in a permanent manner. Many elect to plant them on an ongoing, yearly basis and then incorporate them into the soil by means of cultivation in order to increase organic matter and/or nitrogen levels. While this practice is certainly beneficial, it fails to fully take advantage of all of the benefits of cover crops; from a carbon footprint perspective, it arguably takes more carbon to implement then one receives as a benefit. Monterey Pacific, our farming company, manages 7,800 acres of vineyards in Monterey County, all of which are farmed with permanent cover. Our cover crop system is unique in that the process and its numerous benefits were discovered by serendipity. Doesn’t it always seem that the most elegant and robust solutions are discovered in this manner! I will endeavor to take you thru this process of discovery to hopefully demonstrate the beneficial subtleties of this unique sustainable system. In 1985 while farming a hillside vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands that contained permanent cover crop for erosion control, I asked myself this question: why is this volunteer cover crop comprised of entirely native grasses while the seeded cover crop I was trying to establish in a vineyard down on the valley floor was full of undesirable broadleaf weeds? Harry Agamalian, the local UC Extension weed expert, pointed out that broad leaf weeds will not germinate in the shade. I decided to reduce the number of times I mowed the cover crop in order to provide more shade to inhibit the germination of broadleaf weeds. However, we still mowed at least 3 times a year (spring, summer and fall) like most growers, to keep things neat and tidy. Then, in the spring of 1994, while mowing a Merlot block, we needed to reassign the tractor to catch up on our mildew spray program after a storm had come through. Consequently, only half of the Merlot block was mowed while the other half was not. When we returned to finish the mowing 3 weeks later, we discovered that the vines in the portion of the block where we had not mowed had 4-5 inches more shoot growth than the section we had mowed. Here in Monterey County with our infamous wind and super long growing season, anything you can do to speed up the process (especially with young vines) is important. Additionally, this discovery inferred that the cover crop had affected the vineyard microclimate by reducing the wind velocity, thereby increasing the ambient air temperature within the vineyard. This is an important discovery in an area that often times could use more heat. We had learned that cover crops reduce dust and erosion, increase ambient air temperature, reduce soil compaction by increasing soil tilth, increase organic matter, and provide an environment for beneficial insects. Additionally, recent research has shown permanent cover crops increase soil populations of Mycrorizhi and other beneficial bacteria and fungi, which are extremely important to overall plant health and well being. So how do we establish and manage this cover crop to maximize its benefits and sustainability? When we establish a new vineyard in virgin, previously unfarmed pasture land, we don’t need to plant a cover crop as there is sufficient seed already in the soil and surrounding vegetation to inoculate the entire block without assistance. Certainly, this is the most desirable scenario. However, in a previously cropped site (especially row crops) we need to provide some assistance. For the first year we plant Merced Rye every other row within the block. We selected this perennial as a result of Australian research that showed this cultivar could provide a beneficial allopathic property (reduce the germination of other grasses and broadleaf weeds in close proximity) to possibly reduce weed control costs during the establishment phase. We use a band of contact herbicides down each vine row during the growing season to protect young vines from weed competition while establishing cover crop. We do not mow this cover crop until late July or early August (we now mow only once per year) in order to ensure that the seeds are properly mature (so that they might germinate next winter to reestablish cover crop next year) and to derive all of the benefits previously mentioned above. We plant the other row the following year to complete the establishment process. In order to fully mature the seed and to prevent the cover crop from competing with the vine for precious soil moisture in a very arid region (less than 14 inches of rain annually), it is extremely important not to mow this cover crop before the boot stage of growth (when the seed head first emerges) that occurs in April/ May. Mowing before the boot stage is what we do when we mow our lawns at home. The grass will continue to grow and utilize water. If you wait until after the boot stage, the perennial will not grow any longer and will not compete with vines for water. Grass cover crop systems are also drought obligate if they do not receive irrigation or rainfall prior to the boot stage, they will dry out and turn brown. But just like your lawn, once water is reapplied, it turns green again. Drought obligate cover crops will not re-grow when additional water is applied after the boot stage. Another aspect of certain grass cover crops that one needs to understand in this system of sustainability is the term daylight obligate. Once the day achieves a certain length (May/ June), the mature seeds will not germinate until the days are shorter (in the fall). This mechanism ensures that seeds in this arid environment will not germinate during the summer when there won’t be any rainfall to sustain them. Additionally, this mechanism ensures that our cover crop will not grow adjacent to vines that are receiving drip irrigation during this timeframe. Over a period of 4-6 years, the native grasses in the area will repopulate vineyards farmed under this system resulting in a grass culture not unlike those we see on the gently rolling hills throughout the Central Coast. The native grasses grow to a perfect height, generally 2 to 2.5 feet, and provide all of the benefits that a grower could ask for in a sustainable crop culture. As you can see, there is a much more to cover crops than meets the eye. - Steve McIntyre
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Our Vineyard McIntyre Family in the HighlandsThe McIntyre Estate Vineyard is located in the central section of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Originally planted by the McFarland family in 1973, it boasts some of the Highlands’ oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. A 1979 Pinot Noir from the vineyard, under the Stony Hill label, is still regarded as one of the finest early varietally-labeled Pinots from the district.In March, 1987, Steve McIntyre purchased the eighty acre property. With his experience from neighboring Hahn estate, Steve was an enthusiastic early believer in the Highlands and was instrumental in helping define and promote it, eventually resulting in official recognition of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation.Steve McIntyre’s three decades of experience as a winegrower in the Santa Lucia Highlands has translated into huge demand for his grapes. In addition to the fruit set aside for his own McIntyre brand, Steve sells Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the property to several other ultra-premium producers, including Morgan, Ariana, De Tierra, Joullian, and La Rochelle.Early bud break and fruit set are one of the advantages of McIntyre’s Highlands location. Mid-season leaf pulling and other canopy management techniques help focus the vines’ efforts. Harvest on the McIntyre Estate typically begins in mid-September and can run into late October. The McIntyre family employs sustainable viticultural practices on the home estate through the use of bio-diverse systems and cover crops.The VineyardMcIntyre Estate Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation, Monterey County. Planted in 1973 to Pinot Noir by the McFarland family; purchased by Steve McIntyre in March 1987. 80 acres: 60 acres planted; 20 acres set aside as a wildlife corridor.37 acres own-rooted Pinot Noir, Heritage clone, oldest Pinot Noir in the SLH10 acres Pinot Noir, clones 115 and 77713 acres Chardonnay, clones 96 and 76 Mission Ranch Vineyard, Arroyo Seco Appellation, Monterey CountyOriginally planted in 1963 by the Mirassou family; replanted by Steve McIntyre in 2001Pinot Noir clones 667, 777Kimberly Vineyard, Arroyo Seco Appellation, Monterey CountyPlanted by Steve McIntyre; named for wife Kimberly Merlot clone 181
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Steve McIntyre Steve McIntyre, Winegrower & WinemakerSteve McIntyre stands out, even among the unique personalities of the Santa Lucia Highlands. He is a rare combination of grower and winemaker, having earned degrees in both viticulture and enology. After years as a winemaker at Smith & Hook, he purchased a neighboring estate in 1987 that was to become McIntyre Vineyards. With his own McIntyre label, along with consulting winemaker Byron Kosuge, Steve has been able to bridge the traditional disconnect between grower and vintner. McIntyre employs a minimalist approach, allowing the vineyards’ true character and terroir to shine through in the finished wine.The McIntyre FamilyThrough three decades, the McIntyre family has been setting the standard for winegrowing on the Central Coast and in Monterey County. Steve McIntyre graduated with a Masters Degree in Enology from CSU Fresno (Initially I studied music – but I found out I didn’t have any talent!). He has planted and managed vineyards for numerous wineries including Galante, Smith & Hook, Mondavi, Joseph Phelps and Bonny Doon. Steve met his future wife and partner Kim in high school and their vineyard management company, Monterey Pacific, has grown grapes for such prestigious wineries as Williams Selyem, Morgan, Artesa, Jordan, Bernardus, MacRostie, and Marilyn Remark to name a few. As managing partners in the Monterey Wine Company, they have produced wines for Bonny Doon, Caymus, Hess Collection, Hahn Estates, and many others.Their own McIntyre Vineyards was founded in 1987, with Steve’s purchase of eighty acres in the Santa Lucia Highlands. With all of his acquired experience, it was only natural that he should begin making wines under the family name and label. The first limited McIntyre wines debuted with the 2005 vintage, combining Steve’s dedication to his craft, his passion for the land, and his love of art and music. As Steve puts it: “Musicians are servants to other people’s emotions, giving folks pleasure. With our family of wines, we strive to create something sensual, like music, which brings joy and inspiration and is an artistic statement of our vineyard.”Steve and Kim McIntyre, daughters Kristen and Kassandra and son Matthew reside in Monterey County, along with Petrus, Jura, and Quintessa, their Bernese Mountain Dogs.
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Byron Kosuge byron-mug

Byron Kosuge, WinemakerByron Kosuge is a native Californian born and raised in the Central Valley of California, the son of a UC Davis professor. Byron attended UC Davis, where he studied English Literature as well as Viticulture and Enology. He began his winemaking career in 1985 in Carneros as a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specialist at Saintsbury Winery. After 15 years at Saintsbury, he departed in 2001 to pursue other endeavors. They included his own label, B. Kosuge Wines, as well as Miura Vineyards, Foghorn, and Kingston Family Vineyards in Chile. All of these projects focus on Pinot Noir. He has also served as consultant to several Napa and Sonoma- based wineries.Byron began working with Steve McIntyre in 2004. The object was to apply the A-Vine treatment to various small blocks from several different promising Monterey County vineyards that Steve farmed in order to explore their ultimate potential. In 2005, they decided to make a small amount of wine from these trial blocks and the McIntyre label was off and running. In 2006, the focus shifted to the McIntyre Family Estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands.Byron lives in Napa with his wife Mary and daughter Audrey.

SLH Fly-in slh

Here's a great way to experience the geographic location of the Santa Lucia Highlands.

SLH The S.L.H. Appellation"The Santa Lucias stood up against the sky to the west and kept the valley from the open sea, and they were dark and brooding." - John Steinbeck, East of EdenMontereys Cool Climate Santa Lucia HighlandsThe rugged Santa Lucia Mountains frame Monterey County's fertile Salinas Valley on the west, separating it from the Pacific Ocean. The vines of this steep hillside district enjoy cooling ocean breezes and fog from nearby Monterey Bay. The resulting slow, gentle ripening contributes to California's longest hang time, developing exceptional intensity, complexity and balance in the grapes.The Santa Lucia Highlands A.V.A.The Federal Government created this American Viticultural Area in 1991 in recognition of the district's unique growing conditions. The Santa Lucia Mountains tower above the Monterey Coast; ancient glacial movement and erosion have created alluvial fans, perched precariously on the range's southeast-facing benches. It is here that some of the industry's most respected names such as Morgan, Pisoni, Garys, Talbott, Mer Soleil, Belle Glos, McIntyre have carved out hillside vineyards. Most of the SLH AVA is rated a true Region I climate, comparable in degree-days to Burgundy. Warm morning temperatures followed by chilling ocean breezes and clouds from nearby Monterey Bay provide one of California's longest, gentlest growing seasons. No wonder that the Santa Lucia Highlands has built its reputation on cool climate loving Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals that benefit from extra hang time on the vine.

Sustainablity

Case Study #1

Our Vineyard

Steve McIntyre

Byron Kosuge

SLH Fly-in

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Steve in his vineyard

Wolfgang Winemaker Dinner 2010

Steve and his plane

Petrus Jura and Quintessa

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