Rose Hill Farm
Kevin Clark
Farm Manager & Orchardist
“At Rose Hill Farm, we focus on the health of the orchard as a whole. Rather than a formulaic approach to applying synthetic fertilizers, we spend much of our time fostering a diverse, nutrient rich environment by building levels of organic matter in the soil, promoting a rich fungal under-story for our trees, providing nutrition through applications of organic materials, and encouraging the growth and development of beneficial microorganisms on our trees and in the soil. While conventional orchard management systems are effective, they typically focus on removing the bad, rather than encouraging the good.
The entire team at Rose Hill Farm is committed to growing the healthiest and tastiest fruit possible for our customers while employing farming practices that promote agricultural regeneration and sustainability. While this will come at the expense of cosmetically perfect, unblemished fruit, we think it is worth it for the long-term viability of the land and sustainability of the orchard.
Our apples are EcoCertified® through Red Tomato. EcoCertified® is an ecology-based farming and certification program designed specifically for farms in our region. EcoCertified® growers are focused on protecting pollinators, beneficial insects, and environmental resources while growing marketable crops. Our growing practices reduce risk to both the natural environment and humans through carefully monitored, science-based approaches. We are currently in the process of having our stone fruit EcoCertified® as well.”
Partner Farms
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
“Since our founding, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard has approached the health of our vineyards as the most vital component of winemaking. Our biodynamic practices are focused around regenerative farming, with the goal to establish a closed-loop system. Instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers and chemicals, we aim to generate our own natural compost and nutrients, where cover crops and livestock are a key component, reducing (or eliminating) the need for external inputs.
Biodynamics is a year round process and our work in the vineyard follows the lunar calendar closely, pruning on Root days to promote sap flow and harvesting on Fruit days for optimal grape development. In June we will use a silica spray to strengthen plant cell walls, while natural additions such as horsetail and dried lavender will help fend off pests and fungal growth. We treat the farm and the vineyard as one complete, self-sustaining organism.”
North Cliff Vineyards
“Our philosophy is built around the idea that growing the most natural grape possible will produce the best wine. Our Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot grapes, have produced some of the highest quality wines on Long Island. Our grapes can naturally ferment without inoculation from commercially produced yeast. Our grapes use wild and native yeasts that come directly from the vineyard. These indigenous yeasts produce a distinct, high quality wine, that can be discerned by the consumer.”
Macari Vineyards
“Though Macari Vineyards was not established until 1995, the Macari family has owned the 500-acre waterfront farm for over 50 years. Joseph Macari Jr. is considered a pioneer in the movement towards natural farming on Long Island through his adoption of biodynamic principles since the vineyard’s first plantings. All grapes are strictly farmed without herbicide. Homemade compost is used as fertilizer and organic and biodynamic principles are weaved throughout the farming process.”
Nightingale Farm
“Nightingale Farm is an orchard and vineyard which grows grapes, apples, pears, peaches, quince, apricots, gooseberries, and currants, and is the home of Quartz Rock Vineyard & Cider House.
Our focus is on high-quality fruit which is hand-harvested with care and respect for the fruit, the land, and our people.
Nightingale Farm provides the highest quality Hudson Valley fruit to markets, CSAs, and farm stands across the Hudson Valley including Ulster, Orange, Westchester, Rockland, and Fairfield County.”
Buzzard Crest Vineyards
“Buzzard Crest Vineyards has been growing grapes on Keuka Lake, NY since 1971 and has been NOFA certified organic since 1990. They have been a grower for NYC Greenmarkets since 1986. They follow the USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and participate in the NYS Agricultural Environmental Management program.”
Vineyard View Winery
“Adam Folts is a fifth-generation grape grower, tending vines on the same property his great, great grandfather first cultivated. Nikki Folts sets the vision for the winery and tasting room. Together, they make award-winning Finger Lakes wine and host visitors to their tasting room, year-round events and a stay at the Vineyard House.
Our legacy of vineyard excellence has culminated the distinguished achievement of Certified Sustainability across all our vineyards.”
Lieb Cellars
“Lieb Cellars uses only organic and/or low-impact pesticides and in very limited, controlled quantities. We use mechanical cultivation to control weed growth and physical barriers to control pests.
Our sustainable practices include hand harvesting (which reduces gas consumption and carbon pollution while positively impacting local economy/workforce) and packaging our wines in eco-friendly containers, which also greatly reduces our carbon footprint. Our goal in all of these practices is to lessen our impact on our local environment while promoting and protecting the health of our region and our local agriculture and economies.”