Sustainability Rules at Finca La Carrodilla
Wines of Valle de Guadalupe Part Three – Finca La Carrodilla
The progressive Finca La Carrodilla is the second project owned by Fernando Pérez Castro after Hacienda La Lomita. La Carrodilla has the honored distinction of being the first certified organic winery in the Valle de Guadalupe region. In fact, the property is also home to a near 13,000 square foot organic vegetable garden.
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The farm supplies local restaurants, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes and is actually a social experiment. Farmers earn part of the proceeds so that they are fully invested in the success of the enterprise. Biodynamic methods such as herbal compost are used to promote agricultural sustainability. The flourishing Finca is also home to cows, sheep, bees, chickens and a donkey.
The stunning views of Valle de Guadalupe can be appreciated from Finca La Carrodilla’s lovely rooftop garden and terrace furnished with eco chic tables inset with succulents. La Carrodilla means Virgin of the Vineyards. Tijuana Artist Joy Jimenez graphically captured this concept by designing a logo that pays homage to both the virgin and the earth.
Because the region has no appellation yet, Valle de Guadalupe winemakers enjoy endless possibilities as to what blends they can produce. Finca La Carrodilla opted to go back to basics by focusing on single varietals. Winery Director of Communicationsand Public Relations Keiko Nishikawa comments, “Since we thrive on having a healthy soil, we are very proud of our single varietals wines. We feel that they best express what our terroir is.”
La Carrodilla’s top wines are Tempranillo, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, their Canto de Luna, a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet and Tempranillo aged six months in American and French oak, is also gaining traction. Keiko explains, “We work with the belief that we live off what the earth gives us, therefore we treat it with love, respect and admiration.
We have the clarity that wine starts in the field and with the vines. We do 100% of our wine with estate grown varietals. We are defined by our care, attention to detail and the up most meticulous process thus giving us the best wine we can have.”
Keiko also loves living in Valle de Guadalupe and warmly welcomes visitors to the region, “The scenery is amazing as is the weather, but working with so many great people who enjoy doing what they do everyday is amazing. Most of the wineries still are family owned. That gives a special vibe to the workplace and for those who visit a sense that they are home. Come visit Finca La Carrodilla, give yourself a chance to taste what we do and become mesmerized by our unique magic.”
Wines of Valle de Guadalupe Part One – Alximia Vino Elemental