Sustainability Practices Harvest Results

Story and photos by Andrea Haines

Oftentimes, there’s an overwhelming feeling of peacefulness or accomplishment that comes along with looking across a vast area of conserved land. Many land stewards know this feeling, whether it’s looking over a rolling hillside of apple trees in an orchard or viewing a landscape of crops blowing in the wind. Similar to waves crashing in the ocean, the feeling is grounding.

Owners Ed Boyce and Sarah O’Herron of Black Ankle Vineyards in Mt. Airy, Maryland, understand this sentiment so much that they incorporated a personalized terrace area where visitors can come and enjoy the green lawn and threaded lines of grapevines that cascade around the winery. “We wanted to make the winery a welcoming place for customers to come and enjoy the sunshine, along with the culture of the wine-making lifestyle,” shares Sarah. “Now that the limitations on guests are starting to improve, we have been making alternative plans for how to accommodate in-person visitors.”

The allure of the vineyard may be the enjoyable wine and pristine scenery, but beneath the structures and beyond the landscape is where the conservation and sustainability practices begin. The couple began their research years ago, traveling to places that are well versed in winemaking skills.

Wine is typically stored in caves due to their cool and preserving atmosphere, but not every vineyard can install such an area. Instead, the visitor area is kept at a certain temperature due to its plaster-type walls filled with straw insulation. “You can take a peek at the ‘truth window’ (a viewing box to check on the state of the straw) and also a see-through archway,” says Sarah. “The straw bale construction maintains a dry, cool area for our wine.” The post and beam construction, all wood taken from the farm, makes an ideal location for the straw. “There was no metal used,” she explains. “We decided to keep away from metal due to the changes in temperature and the possibility of condensation build up.”

“The use of the system [Tock] has also been a great business asset, too, not only for the change of plans and market, but giving them the ability to track consumer trends and develop new ideas.”

Farm Credit loan officer Mary Jane Roop explains, “They have a great ‘R-value’ rating. Typically, a grade of 18 is good for insulation, but they are at a value of 50, which generally means they conserve a lot of energy.” Mary Jane has been working with the couple on their journey with construction projects and planning new ideas. “She’s been an asset to our business because she knows the importance of product turnaround,” expresses Sarah. “A lot of work goes into planning buildings and features, but there is also a length of time until you start seeing growth and a profit from the vines. Farm Credit understands that part of business, and we felt that they were a great fit for us for that reason.”

The rooftop of the winery is also very eco-friendly, supplied with a line of solar panels. Visually, the winery building looks like a home from “The Hobbit’s Shire”, with plaster walls and a living, green roof adorned with plants. “It’s cooler in the summer when the plants are in full splendor,” shares Sarah. “The plants on the roof are also a great way to blend into the landscape, too.”

Speaking of greenery, Black Ankle Vineyard likes to promote a crop that is low on spray usage. “We aren’t totally organic, but we do most of our weed control mechanically. It is very labor intense, but we feel that it is worth the effort,” explains Sarah. The wooden banisters are preserved vines and the rocks are used to decorate the patio area from around the farm. Even the décor is scattered with fossil-like leaf imprints and customers’ names in cement stones. “We also have a geothermal system in the old farmhouse and six car charging stations,” she shares.

Since the start of pandemic and regulations on limited in-person customer visits, the winery put into place an online system to help maintain their “new normal”. The vineyard still offers curbside pick-up stations, online ordering, a mailing list, and even combined business ventures with a few locally-owned restaurants to help sustain them through the abnormal timeframe. “Our virtual system is called ‘Tock’, we also utilize our POS (point of sale) system that was already in place. These tools enable us to use the systems

through an iPad so that we can communicate with multiple people on our team. Our kids were even able to help with curbside service,” shares Sarah. “Close to 60 percent of our orders have been from our wine club subscriptions. We are very thankful to have some very devoted followers of our products.”

Since Maryland’s allowance on more in-person visitation, the vineyard still remains cautious with their guests’ and staffs’ health and wellbeing. “We are still enforcing safer gathering practices,” she explains. “Our online system has been a great tool in being able to allow guests to make reservations. We can then prepare for where they will be able to gather, keeping people distanced but also allowing some freedom to enjoy the surroundings. We want people to feel like they can relax while they are visiting us.”

Mary Jane adds, “The use of the system has also been a great business asset, too, not only for the change of plans and market, but giving them the ability to track consumer trends and develop new ideas.” They have even begun to expand on an additional location in Clarksburg, Maryland, named Live Edge Vineyards. “The Clarksburg location will be similar to our current location,” explains Sarah. “We will also have an additional farm for the development of grapes.”

The couple has always encouraged industry growth. There were 12 wineries in Maryland at the beginning of their journey, and the industry is growing each day. “We like to collaborate with our neighbors because that develops a stronger connection and also a ‘consumer need’ for product,” comments Sarah. “Melissa, our general manager has even started four acres of grapes. We are excited for her new opportunity, too.” The winery has also been a source of personal development for special needs programs, offering autistic persons employment in a safe environment during the pandemic.

Mary Jane expresses, “It’s been a joy to watch their dreams become reality because they have such ‘drive’ and adaptability to unexpected circumstances. The connections they have made within the industry is commendable, and their customers see their success and enjoy it, enhancing more word of mouth promotion.”

Sarah reveals, “We want our winery to take on the feel of a ‘coffee shop’ mentality. The store and tasting room is typical of vineyards, but I believe we offer something more for our visitors in the sense of connection. When guests drink their wine, they can sit back and enjoy the scenery and literally see where the grapes were raised and harvested.”

The summer months ahead are looking positive with excitement of food trucks, live music, open spaces for families to gather, a dog-friendly atmosphere, and of course, wine. Black Ankle Vineyards supplies guests with a vast array of wines, sure to please any palate.

You can find Black Ankle Vineyards online at blackankle.com Facebook: @blackankle Instagram: @blackanklevineyards