There is a lot to say here about the Wines of Hope Well, as Mimi Casteel is an absolute force putting her money where he mouth is when it comes to agriculture and farming. We love her, and here is why.
"When a child is touched by the hand of nature it is both blessing and curse. The touched child can hear the conversation between land and life, feels the pulse of the very earth beneath bare feet. That touch also opens an eye that can never be closed to unspeakable distress of one most beloved..." - Mimi Casteel, Hope Well
After graduating with an MS in Forest Ecology from Oregon State, Mimi worked for the National Forest Service as a botanist and developed a strong commitment to environmentalism. After several years of working in the backcountry of Oregon, the pull to return to Bethel Heights and the vines won out. Once back at Bethel Heights, Mimi worked tirelessly to innovate farming techniques, compost and viticultural practices to be more sustainable and organic. This is the first Chenin blanc from Hope Well, following the advice of François Chidaine, Mimi rejected her initial instincts and picked a little later, yielding a beautiful first harvest.
Grape: Chenin Blanc, whole cluster pressed, fermented using neutral French oak
Soil: Volcanic (Jory) on Terrace, Ancient Marine Sediment on slopes
Viticulture: The Hope Well vineyard is meticulously farmed using 100% natural, organic and biodynamic methods.