Story
Phelan Farm
San Luis Obispo · California · USA
Rajat Parr, an acclaimed sommelier, successful author, and skilled winemaker, is known for his various ventures in California and Oregon. He is the driving force behind notable projects such as Sandhi, Domaine de la Côte, and Evening Land. Phelan Farm is another of his remarkable projects, where the philosophy is that exceptional wines are born in the vineyard, not in the cellar. The farm works with a variety of microbes, plants, and animals to cultivate the healthiest soil, minimising the need for intervention during winemaking.
“Using a mixed farming approach inspired by permaculture, biodynamics, and regenerative agriculture, the goal is to enhance soil health holistically.”
Compost made from grape skins and the manure of animals grazing the farm is used to enrich microbial life in the soil. A no-till philosophy is followed to preserve the complex fungal network beneath the soil surface and to sequester carbon. This comprehensive approach embodies the farm's commitment to natural winemaking and environmental stewardship.
