CO-OP ROAD TRIP DESTINATION: Frey Vineyards LAND AND LINEAGE IN
by DANE NELSON
Marketing & Outreach Manager
contributing writer GREY WOLFE-SMITH
Outreach Coordinator
photography by YVONNE BOYD
Marketing Assistant & Content Developer
ON ONE OF THE FIRST RADIANT AUTUMN DAYS, the vineyards of Redwood Valley unfurl like a verdant quilt beneath the California sun. The air, thick with the fragrance of ripening grapes and wildflowers, is alive with the hum of life—a symphony of nature that echoes through the vines. It is here, in this cradle of natural beauty, that Frey Vineyards has flourished for generations, their legacy woven into the very fabric of the land.
Frey Vineyards, a pioneer in organic and Biodynamic winemaking, is more than just a vineyard; it is a testament to the power of tradition, innovation, and the deep bond between a family and the land they steward. With their unwavering commitment to sustainability, the Frey family has cultivated this land to produce exceptional wine and nurture a thriving ecosystem.
Vineyards IN REDWOOD VALLEY
The drive winds past a serene pond, the water's surface gently rippling under the breeze, leading to the entrance of what will soon be their new tasting room—a masterpiece of architecture and natural harmony. Though the tasting room is not yet open, the building already stands as a symbol of renewal and progress, adorned with flowers and a kinetic sculpture crafted from repurposed wine bottles and glasses. This space is destined to be more than just functional; it will celebrate the earth's bounty, a place where future visitors will connect with the land that gives life to every bottle of Frey wine. We arrive stunned at the size and beauty of the new facility. Katrina Frey greets us shortly after, carrying a beautifully scented bouquet in one hand and a few bottles of wine in the other—a gesture of the hospi-
tality that defines the Frey family. Though we don't uncork any bottles today, the visit is rich with the promise of what's to come when this new space is fully realized.
The importance of ecosystem development is a cornerstone of Frey Vineyards' philosophy. Long before the Redwood Complex Fire swept through their land, the Freys already envisioned a future where their vineyard would be a model of ecological stewardship. The fire, though devastating, became a catalyst for rebirth. In rebuilding, the Frey family has not only restored their vineyard but has expanded it with a vision that places the health of the environment at the forefront.
Their new production facility, still under construction but already buzzing with the energy of a new season's crush, is designed with the earth in mind. It features an innovative wastewater treatment system, Bio Filtro, created by a professor from Chile. This system, which uses worms and a blend of natural substrates, epitomizes the Frey family's dedication to sustainable practices. It is a living system that mirrors the vineyard's commitment to working in harmony with nature rather than against it.
Around the vineyard, efforts to nurture local flora are evident. The berm, formed from the earth displaced during construction, is now a flourishing habitat for native plants, carefully chosen to support the local ecosystem. This attention to detail, to the small things that sustain life, sets Frey Vineyards apart. It is a place where every decision is made with the future in mind, where the
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land is treated as a partner, not a resource to be exploited.
The bond between Frey Vineyards and Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op is another chapter in this story of community and sustainability. For nearly three decades, this partnership has been a cornerstone of both enterprises, a testament to what can be achieved when businesses align their values with the well-being of their community and environment. Together, they have created a legacy of quality and integrity, supporting each other through the challenges and triumphs that come with being pioneers.
But what truly defines Frey Vineyards is the family itself—their traditions, their resilience, and their love for the land. Holidays at Frey Vineyards are a time of gathering and potluck feasts where the table is laden with the fruits of their labor. Children and dogs run free, their laughter mingling with the rustle of the vines, while the adults share stories and dreams under the open sky. The day ends with a bonfire, where the flames dance in the night, casting a warm glow over a family that has weathered storms together and emerged stronger.
As you stand amidst the rows of vines, with the golden light of the setting sun painting the landscape in hues of amber and rose, it is impossible not to feel the magic of this place. Frey Vineyards is more than just a winery; it is a living testament to the enduring power of nature, family, and the belief that we can create something genuinely timeless with care and intention.
counter-clockwise from top left: 1. Katrina and Jonathan Frey with their dog,
2. Stainless steel tanks filled with organic wine at the new winery facility. 3. Harvest comes early this year. 4. The new tasting room construction nears completion. In the meantime, Frey Wine Club events are a fun way to visit the winery. 5. Grapes on their way to be becoming no-sulfites-added wine. 6. Some of Frey's diverse portfolio; many varietals can be found on the Co-op's shelves.
Matsutake.