 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| We are thrilled to announce that the “Salmon Safe” program has inspected Bainbridge Island Vineyards and certified us as “Salmon Safe”. Check their web site at www.salmonsafe.org to learn more about the program and to see what their criteria are. |
| For a quarter century we have not used grapes in our wine that are irrigated with water from rivers with threatened salmon habitat. Had we used those grapes we would have effectively doubled our income, as it is far cheaper to buy grapes grown with subsidized irrigation than it is to grow them here sustainably. We would have also been able to offer the more common “big” red wines that are now fashionable and profitable. However, after years of working as a water resource planner for the National Park Service, I was all too familiar with the fact that there is simply not enough water in the Columbia River to both provide irrigation and to allow salmon to flourish. |
| We choose to grow our grapes here in the Puget Sound region without irrigation, and without insecticides. We burn or till weeds in our vineyard and encourage birds and animals with our ponds, wooded buffers, and birdhouses. Being recognized by the Salmon Safe program means to us that we can provide a clear choice to wine lovers who also are concerned about the survival of salmon as an icon of the Northwest. |
| Those who choose to use irrigated grapes for their wine, as well as those who choose to drink those wines, are good people making and drinking good wine. We simply have different priorities. We do not believe we can make a wine that is worth imperiling a race of salmon. Most Washington wineries would seem to believe otherwise. We do not choose to use irrigated grapes in our wine and proudly offer our wines to those who share our values. If you share those values we would greatly appreciate your support. |