Rooted Reflections: Fall 2025
Biodynamic compost spread throughout vines in Cristom’s Eileen Vineyard
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re especially grateful for our team’s year-round work across the Estate—cultivating healthy soils and biodiversity; caring for our vineyards, gardens, and flock of animals; and honoring a landscape that has shaped Cristom for more than 30 years.
Your appreciation for Cristom wines is what makes this work worthwhile. It inspires us to craft elegant, site-driven expressions that reveal the volcanic energy and windswept character of the Eola-Amity Hills.
In this post, we take a look back at how we wrapped up the 2025 growing season.
BIODYNAMIC PREPS
Biodynamic preparations and burial on October 22, 2025
As the 2025 harvest came to a close, we wrapped up the season by crafting our series of biodynamic preparations. Though each preparation serves a distinct purpose, together they support our broader goal of fostering biodiversity and building vitality throughout the farm.
Many of these preparations are buried in our Paul Gerrie Vineyard, as well as selected forested pockets across the Estate, where they rest in the earth for 6–12 months.
The creation and implementation of these preps are just one piece of the holistic farming we employ here at Cristom, and are always a beautiful way to finish the harvest season.
In spring 2026, the preparations will be lifted from the earth and carefully dried. Most will then be incorporated into our compost—added in small amounts throughout the year to strengthen compost quality and amplify microbial diversity. This enriched compost is ultimately spread throughout the vineyards following the 2026 harvest, with a focus on younger vines and those planted on shallower soils, giving them an extra boost as they adapt to their site, regulate nutrients, and improve overall soil structure.
We are immensely grateful for our incredible Cristom vineyard team led by Daniel Estrin, Luis Armando Orozco, and Ivan Orozco, and to our 2025 harvest production team:
- Daniel Estrin, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager, 7th Cristom harvest
- Chris Butler, Associate Winemaker, 7th Cristom harvest
- Andy Zorzi, Assistant Winemaker, 30th Cristom harvest!
- Alessandro Muda, Cellar Master, 1st Cristom harvest
- Ali Turley, Harvest Enologist
- Angelica Guardiola, Harvest Intern
- Carson Brown, Harvest Intern
- Matt Goldstein, Harvest Intern
- Rick Betori, Harvest Intern
HERD IMMUNITY
Alongside our biodynamic practices, our farm animals play an essential role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and deepening our connection to the land.
Their presence naturally enriches our soils as they fertilize among the vines and break up the ground with their hooves, packing nutrients into the earth ahead of the wet season.
As cooler months approach, we take extra steps to keep our animals healthy and well-nourished. One of our favorite fall traditions is sharing the last of the season’s pumpkins with our flock. Beyond being a treat, pumpkins offer fiber and protein to support immune function. The seeds act as a gentle, natural dewormer, serving as a classic, holistic method of animal care. Repurposing leftover pumpkins is a simple practice that helps reduce waste and feeds directly back into our farm’s ecosystem.
Every part of our farm works in harmony, contributing to the vitality and sustainability of our Estate for generations to come.
Reflecting on the end of the 2025 growing season, we’re reminded how fortunate we are to share these wines with a community that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of place.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with gratitude and time with the people who bring joy to your table. Thank you for choosing Cristom.
