Our Philosophy - Winegrowing

At Robert Clay Vineyards, our wine-growing philosophy revolves around producing the highest quality fruit through a deep understanding of each grape varietal and its unique characteristics in relation to the seasons, soil combinations, farming practices, and climatic conditions. This approach requires steadfast patience and a commitment to harvesting only when the fruit has achieved physiological ripeness and is most expressive.

We extend this same philosophy to the winemaking process, believing that additives are not appropriate for the highest terroir expression. While some producers rely on technology, we focus on hands-on farming and working in sync with nature, taking great pride in minimizing human intervention and wine movement to capture the integrity of every single block.

We do not employ farm certification systems, as we believe they should not be used for marketing purposes. Our farming practices are motivated by a dedication to the land, those who work it, and for future generations. Dan McLaughlin, our founder, is present for every aspect of the growing season, ensuring a healthy balance with the natural landscape and creating the best environment for plant growth.

Our aim is to imprint the terroir, land, and vintage into every bottle, allowing you to enjoy our part of the world and its history wherever you are. Our natural winemaking approach is not a trend but the original and most authentic form of wine growing. It's what all winemakers did before the advent of sulfur mining, acids, animal-by products, toxic chemicals, and other additives that are now used in vineyards and wineries. We believe in time and patience, with extended aging being fundamental to creating balanced, stable wines that can be bottled without fining or filtering.

Our passion for the vine, unwavering patience, attention to detail, and minimal intervention throughout the entire process provide for the highest quality fruit each vintage. Our commitment to making wines of personality and individual character is evident in every bottle. Unmanipulated, aged wines full of expression and as healthy as they can be for you and your family. Cheers to enjoying our unique part of the world!