The farm was acquired in 1998. At that time it was open fields used to graze livestock. Before that, perhaps hunters passed through, and the Native Americans gathered and stored acorns here. The name was easy, as Corona Creek cuts between the two vineyards. In winter, the flow can be fast, at least for a few hours. In summer, it slows to a trickle, and finally dries up completely by July.

The plan at Corona Creek was always to build a biologically diverse farm, anchored by the grapes, but with room for other plant species. That is why there are 50 fruit trees, a 175 tree olive grove, an extra setback from Corona Creek, replanted oak trees, and many acres of unplanted, but not unproductive, pasture.

The vineyard monoculture of much of Sonoma and Napa, where every acre, and every neighbor's acre, is planted in grapes, eliminates much of the habitat for beneficial species that help keep things in balance. And once out of balance, a more heavy handed chemical approach is needed to manage the grapes. More pesticides and fungicides, more fertilizers.

In general, I am trying to work with nature here, not against it. Wider vine spacing for improved air flow, cover crops for soil health, choosing the correct varietal, clones, and rootstock. And managing the vineyard to keep all this in balance. I believe in the long run this makes for a healthier, more productive vineyard, better wine, and a healthier, more beautiful place to live.