Latin School of Chicago

A Commitment to Stewardship Every rolling hill of their vineyard reveals the Rusacks' devotion to handcrafting fine wines, respect for the land, and their hope that Santa Barbara County has the microclimates to sustain excellent wines. The belief that careful stewardship of the land, smaller lots and traditional French oak barrels create a better-tasting wine contributes to the winery's The experimental organic nine-acre vineyard project in the center of Santa Catalina Island has long been a dream of the Rusack family. The plan is for an environmentally friendly vineyard that could produce world-class grapes and add another dimension to Catalina's rich heritage. Eventually, Catalina's native grasses can be used as a cover crop. Deer- and bisonresistant fencing has been erected around the vineyard and special organic/weed-free compost has been "In our family, history means a lot to us. We preserve, we restore. We grew up believing that you work, and you contribute." philosophy. Their farming is sustainable, with a cover crop of legumes that, when gone to seed, minimize the need for fertilizer. When the vines are pruned, the cuttings are mulched and reused on site. At the same time they are fostering the land surrounding their home and business, the Rusacks are going well beyond the boundaries of Rusack vineyards to support their commitment to the environment. One striking example is the recent groundbreaking for the first planting of an organic, sustainable crop of vines on Catalina Island, 22 miles south of Los Angeles. Catalina Island and the Wrigley family share a long and rich history. Alison's great-grandfather, grandfather and father, as well as the strong Wrigley women, have nurtured and cared for the island since 1919. The family's work with The Catalina Island Conservancy is near and dear to Alison's heart. She explains, "From the age of six months, I have been coming to Catalina, and from an early age I began to appreciate the environment." The Rusack vineyard on Catalina Island. 22 Latin Magazine trucked in to blend with the soils. The mounds have been covered with a totally organic biodegradable coconut husk netting to prevent erosion. "We are moving forward with something new for Catalina, while at the same time protecting and honoring all that has been achieved here in the past," says Alison of their careful plan. One of Alison and Geoff's hopes is to demonstrate in a small way how a successful, organically correct, sustainable agricultural operation on private land can be pursued when surrounded by a land preserve. While the Catalina project is especially meaningful to both

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