A sign that says 'Makjavich' in front of the slope of Makjavich Vineyard

Makjavich Vineyard
AVA: Santa Cruz Mountains

Year Planted: 2011-ish
Acres: 2
Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot
Elevation: 700 ft
Soil: Sandstone, shale
Farming: Certified organic

I stumbled upon Makjavich (say: Mack-uh-vich) Vineyard in spring of 2017 while on my way to a square dance on the rural property of a good friend. This vineyard lies on the site of the 8th registered organic farm in the USA. Larry Makjavich planted these vines himself and farmed them with friends for the first eight or so years, making the wine in his basement. Starting in January 2019, Larry and I began farming this vineyard together and Margins now sources all the grapes.
I spend the majority of my time here in the spring and early summer. Larry and I farm this vineyard just the two of us, bringing folks in to help only during harvest time. We use a small mule-vehicle to spray organic fungicides for powdery mildew prevention and to mow twice a year. All other vineyard tasks are done by hand by Larry and myself.

The vineyard full of yellow flowers during the winter
The vines in the spring with storm clouds in the sky above
Owner Larry Makjavich prunes a vine
The antique tractor sitting in the old barn
An apple tree next to the vineyard silhouetted against the cloudy sky