Balla Cloiche

OUR STORY

THE BALLA CLOICHE STORY

   It's hard to know where to begin our story. Most people impulse buy things like jewelry, clothing or puppies. Not us! In May of 2011 we impulse bought a vineyard. We knew absolutely nothing about farming or growing wine grapes. How hard could it be? We loved to garden. We were, and still are, in love with our (not so new) farm!

   Growing wine grapes is not for the faint of heart - complete and utter panic is often overcome by sheer will and determination. Our family and friends have worked beside us through every season, and we are truly blessed and eternally grateful to all of them. Along the way we have met many kind people who have helped us find our way in the world of wine-making. Friendliness and the willingness to educate and help others are pervasive in the Eastern Wine industry. This was both an unexpected and pleasant surprise. We process our fruit at Crow Vineyards and Winery, where thanks to their excellent team, each growing season our passion becomes a reality.




THE VINEYARD at BALLA CLOICHE

   All of our wines are estate-grown, hand tended and harvested by family and friends. They are all European or "Vitis vinifera" varietals that are associated with fine old world wines. Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot and Chardonnay were all established here when we came. Most of these vines are very old (25+ yrs.) and this is both tricky and remarkable.  Tricky in the sense that each one is unique and must be pruned and tended as an individual. No one single or foolproof formula works for all. Remarkable because they are deep rooted, and accustomed to the not so forgiving micro-climate of our little hollow. They are also the benefactors of a rich, rocky soil structure and long summer days.

   Many original vines are still alive and produce exceptionally expressive, well-balanced fruit when happy. Unfortunately, farming the hollow makes for a sharply increased risk of frost damage. We have narrowly dodged many such events and were clobbered by one. The lower elevation also makes a difference in low temperatures during arctic cold blasts, which have taken their toll. Winter injury killed all of our old vine Cab Sauv, and throughout both vineyards, many other vines have been damaged or killed.  Because they originated in Europe and the Mediterranean, they have little or no resistance to native molds and mildews and require extra care to keep them healthy. This is accomplished with proactive "canopy management" to take advantage of the benefits that sunshine and air naturally provide and fungicide use only as needed each growing season. Our prima donnas make fabulous wine, but are very labor intensive!






Each day we spend in the vineyard we are reminded why we do what we do. Working among the vines can be magical and mesmerizing. We are often filled with a sense of peacefulness, belonging and quiet purpose.

Sue Ewing

Visit Balla Cloiche Vineyards

We are located at 14110 Clark Rd, Stewartstown, PA 17363

(410) 688-1447

HOURS of OPERATION

Friday
4pm to 9pm

Saturday
12pm to 5pm, 12pm to 9pm on event days

Sundays
12pm to 4pm

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