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In a study of seed stock available in 1903 versus that available in 1983, the Rural Advancement Foundation International found that we have lost nearly 93% of lettuce varieties, over 96% of sweet corn, about 96% of field corn, more than 95% of tomato, and almost 98% of asparagus.
–Andrew Kimbrell, 2002
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Stargazers Vineyard and Winery
Combines Sunshine and Wine in Two Major Fall Events
Thirty years ago, Alice and John Weygandt planted grape vines on a 29-acre parcel of land not far from the marker stone of the first observatory that Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon set up to begin the dividing line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Neighbors in 1764 and 1979 thought "these folks" were embarking on an impossible task, hence the choice of name.
From the time the grapes were established, John took courses and studied wine making as a hobby. The crop was sold as fruit to local wineries. John was Patent and Trademark Counsel for Scott Paper Co. until 1994 when the new CEO "retired" the law division and dismantled the company. The Weygandts decided to build their own winery and make wine commercially. Partner Alice works the logistics, vineyard and "test tasting", which complements nicely with John's skillful synthesis of art and science in winemaking. In October 1997 Stargazers Winery opened to the public.
Solar Energy and Wine
The south facing slope of the vineyard not only provides warm sunshine that helps the grape vines thrive but offers solar power opportunities. The Weygandts built their passive solar envelope house (a green building style utilizing the sun's rays to heat the air in the envelope which circulates by natural convection to maintain a comfortable interior temperature) in 1981. With the partial assistance of the Sustainable Development Fund grant they were able to install 30 solar panels on their winery roof in 2003. In 2006 they installed 24 more with the help of a Small Business grant, and now make more energy than their home and winery can use , about 1000 kW per month. The green tag renewable energy is sold to The Energy Coop which is a provider you can select through PECO. The Weygandts pay just the kilowatt charge for the electricity they use, approximately 700 kW per month. When asked why they feel solar energy is important Alice says, "It [solar energy] was in line with our overall emphasis of a small footprint on the earth. Our buildings are not really a new concept, as they incorporate what farmers have done with dwellings over the years, face south, earth shelter, separate your living space from the elements with a buffer of air. Our winery roof provided exactly the right exposure and elevation for solar panels."
Sustainability at Stargazers
Besides their deep commitment to solar energy, the Weygandts effort to manage their farm in a sustainable manner extends beyond the vineyard. They capture rainwater in cisterns, used for spraying, temperature controlling during the fermentation process and clean up. Their wine cellar is where the fermentation process happens, and because this is built into the earth they do not require any additional heating or cooling. While Stargazers Vineyard does use of selected pesticides to ward off the threat of mildews and occasionally insects, they avoid herbicides and use other integrated pest management (IPM) techniques like mowing, hoeing and natural fertilizers.
Sustainability does not end with energy and agricultural management. The Weygandts have been farming the vineyard for many years and are looking for new Stargazers ownership over the next few years. This will ensure that the farm remains sustainable for the future. Alice notes, "It takes a special temperament to be a wine farmer and it isn't for everyone. Our first candidate decided it was not the career for him. A young man who has helped us at harvest over the years will be joining us as our full-time vineyard manager in September. The vineyard is the most important element in wine farming as that is where the wine begins."
Come Visit Stargazers During These Fun Fall Events!
Annual Harvest Festival Celebration
Stargazers Winery and Vineyard is a proud new member of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, and is excited to participate in their upcoming Harvest Festival Celebration September 26, 27 and October 3 and 4. On these two weekends, be sure to stop by the winery from 12 - 5 p.m. for tastings of their wines; "Test Your Palate" workshops; wine grape identification by taste; and fresh wine grape juice samples. Stargazers will also have local cheese makers and a local fudge maker to offer tastings and sales. This delicious event is only one of several from participating wineries on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Please check out http://www.bvwinetrail.com/ for a complete listing and information.
Green Buildings Open House
In addition to a sampling of their wonderful wine, cheese and confections, the Weygandts will be offering a tour of their passive solar home on Saturday October 3 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.. This tour is in conjunction with Green Building Open House, coordinated by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). Green Building Open House the largest sustainable energy event in the northeastern USA! You can find out more information about NESEA and Green Building Open House at http://www.nesea.org
For More Information about Stargazer's Vineyard and Winery, visit their website at http://www.stargazersvineyard.com
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