Interview with Nick Florip

We asked Nick how different agriculture practices are not only preserving ecological balance but also enhancing the quality and resilience of grape cultivation. He explained innovative techniques that are paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for wine production, ensuring that tomorrow's wine experiences are crafted with a mindful respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainable growth in the viticulture industry. 

How'd you first start incorporating sustainable practices in the vineyard?

Nick: We have used compost instead of granular fertilizers for quite a while. Leelanau County has primarily very sandy soil, granular fertilizers didn’t provide any organic material to the soil whereas compost provides additional nutrients, organic material and aids micro-organisms in the soil. We are also expanding and experimenting with cover crops pretty extensively.

What’s a cover crop?

Nick: Any crop grown to cover the soil and may be incorporated into the soil later for enrichment. We are trying to get at least 5 different cover crops established in rows before planting the vineyard.