Matt Trevisan of Linne Calodo
Tell us about the sustainable and eco-friendly practices at the vineyard: We practice what I call “nature-positive” farming, which emphasizes biodiversity, native lifeforms, species coexistence and resource conservation. The practice transcends easy categorization, and they are rigorously responsive to the daily life of the land and the resource needs of the region. Linne Calodo’s nature-positive farming begins with no-till, permaculture and polyculture practices. The agricultural floor is managed through careful plant selection via hand-removal, mowing and grazing. Soil health is managed through mulching, organic compost additions and animal grazing, including 48 head of sheep. Ziggy, the resident llama, helps protect the herd from predators. All viticulture is performed by the full-time, in-house Linne Calodo vineyard team.
Our aim is to produce world-class wines that are rooted not in buzzwords or checklists, but rather in an authentic relationship with the environment. like the principles of biodynamic and organic, but I don’t like the way they create tribes. Form ideas on your own, do positive things. Build off your successes and failures. Keep learning. I like to think of it as a balancing act.
Tell us about the varietals you make: My wife, Maureen, and I were early drivers of the Rhône-variety blend movement in Paso Robles when we started Linne Calodo in the late 1990s. The winery’s two estate vineyards—Linne Calodo Estate and Stonethrower Vineyard, both in the Willow Creek District AVA—are planted to Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Graciano, Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Picpoul Blanc.
In addition to classic Rhône varieties, Linne Calodo is a champion of dry-farmed Zinfandel-driven blends that reflect the terrain and heritage of Paso Robles.
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