Stewardship

Virginia Outdoors Foundation Easement

Chatham Farm and Chatham Vineyards are protected in perpetuity under an easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. This includes more than 250 acres of land including the vineyards, more than a mile of waterfront on Church Creek, and the winery grounds.

I could never stay long enough on the shore; the tang of the untainted, fresh, and free sea air was like a cool, quieting thought.

- HELEN KELLER

Irrigation Pond

There is a 2.5-acre irrigation pond maintained at the farm, in a location away from the Chesapeake Bay, to capture run-off. In addition a 5-acre grass buffer traps sediment from vineyard runoff.

Forestry

Chatham Farm has been recognized by the VA Forestry Department for its forestry efforts-- planting hundreds of new trees, as well as continually nourishing this huge natural habitat for Eastern Shore animals, birds, and plants.

Blue Bird Boxes

Blue Bird Boxes have been installed in several areas along the perimeter of the vineyards to attract Eastern Bluebirds. Eastern Bluebirds eat insects that can be harmful to grape vines.

Dry Farm

Chatham Farm does not irrigate its vineyards; dry farming is always practiced.

Organic Fertilizers

We continually experiment with fertilizing and cover cropping using only organic matter that is proven beneficial to soil and the vineyard floor. Every effort is made to be free of synthetic and harmful applications in the vineyard.

Mechanical Cultivation

Mechanized cultivation in the vineyard rows and under the trellis is employed to minimize the use of herbicides for weed prevention. No pre-emergent herbicide is used.

Lydia and Blue Bird Boxes