Oh hi, hybrids! Adam Tolmach Experiments with UC Davis to replant his Ojai Vineyard with hybrids

The Ojai Vineyard Hybrid Wines
2022 The Ojai Vineyard Estate White, Ventura County
2021 The Ojai Vineyard Paseante Noir, Ventura County

How can farmers and winemakers mitigate against possible disasters imposed by fire, drought, pests, weather?

The climate crisis and increased heat globally has changed weather patterns; the seemingly ceaseless and dependable summer coastal California fog is less dependable. The ever present threat of Pierce’s and other disease vectors is worse with the stress of global warming. Increased intense heat in the vineyards along with drought conditions further threaten grape vines.

One answer to these myriad problems? Hybrid grapes farmed in experimental ways like what Adam Tolmach is doing at The Ojai Vineyard with vines from UC Davis planted in 2017.

Adam and Helen Tolmach; all photos by Gwendolyn Alley

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