The biodynamic power of...manure!

A small, energetic sprite of a woman with a charming European accent, Gabrielle Keeler bought the 200-acre Keeler Estate in 1989 with her husband, Craig. But back then, no one would have called it an “estate”. It was run down and choked with blackberries – but a great place to spread out and raise their kids and a large population of various 4-H animals.

After years of clearing land, research on climate and soils, the Keeler Estate was ready to grow grapes. It’s an ideal location for a biodynamic winery: rolling hills rimmed with dense forest, soils enriched with manure, and people who understood the delicate (and, ahem, indelicate) balance of a vineyard ecosystem in creating great wine.

For years, they sold their grapes to other local wineries, barely keeping up with demand. But never one to stray from a challenge, Gabrielle decided to jump into the winemaking business to help buyers understand the quality of the grapes they were buying.

Working with the highly successful winemaker at nearby Amity Vineyards, Darcy Pendergrass, the Keelers have developed a line of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines that are a joy to drink.