Even if they indulged in the habit, Fred and Wendy couldn't see retiring in rocking chairs on the front porch to smoke cigars. They planted the vineyard because they love the challenge, the work, the fun and the sense of producing something lasting.

Nunes' live in their vineyard and they know every plant. They use ecologically sound sustainable farming practices whenever possible because it makes sense. They integrate newfound information into their grape growing philosophy, which is based on sound science.

As a systematic biologist, Fred considers himself part of the Vineyard's terroir, responsible for maintaining its harmony within the larger system. But he wouldn't have been able to put all the pieces together without his early farming experience or the management skills and tolerance for risk he developed as an aircraft commander.

Nunes' style is hands-on. Fred runs the vineyard, trains and monitors the crew, implements his own integrated pest management program and does all his own tractor work. Wendy adds the administrative and marketing arms of the business.

Accolades—"Nunes Vineyard and Fred Nunes are easily our "best new grower of the year" and is right up there with the best of the vets in terms of quality.  Fred thinks like a vine. His fruit shows it in spades." (2002)

—Greg La Follette, Winemaker