Interbeing is the realization that all exists in a state of interconnected being and is springing from the same one source on the level of spirit. It is through this realization of oneness that we are able to recognize the work of the Creator in all things and all people. Implicit in Interbeing is a deep connection to the land, where the natural world is respected as an equal, rather than as a subject. That means healthy choices in farming, as the land were part of our own body, as it were a member of the family.

It is through this vision of Interbeing that decisions like organic, zero-til farming follow naturally. The wine project itself exists as a vehicle for sharing the truth, and our winemaking reflects the purity of spirit behind the endeavor. Interbeing wine is a manifestation of nature’s plan for divine beauty and truth to unfold and be shared. Interbeing is the cure for the illusion of separateness, the cause of human suffering. In healing this separation, which is only of the mind and is only a human condition, Eden is re-entered. By this process of realization of sameness on the level of spirit with all creation, a communion takes place between all living things. Working in this alignment, peace is established, and the world achieves its potential for radiant beauty.

At the top of Spring Mountain, just on the Sonoma side of the Napa County line sits the 99-acre site of Interbeing. The steep terrain of the site makes for unique farming challenges and for wide margins to be reserved for mother nature due to the severe nature of the slopes. Tree clearing is restricted in the area. When we found this site, there was an open meadow which snaked down the spine of the wooded mountain. This open clearing made our project possible without major tree removal. It felt as though the open grassy meadow were lying in wait of our arrival. Deer are regularly grazing the property, and quail are abundant. Birds of prey are always visible soaring above. It is a great honor to be able to work with a site of virgin nature & to know that it is untainted by any previous human activity. The site is blessed with natural spring water & a reservoir built long ago to capture a portion of that spring water to beautify the property. Ancient redwoods and century old oaks surround the vineyard blocks, along with madrones and bay laurels. Mountain tops are places of great stillness and purity. Mountains stand as the quiet witness to ages of human endeavor which comes and goes. Our aim is to build something worthy of the mountain site so rich in natural beauty.

At every step along the way, we’ve made conscious decisions to only use organic inputs. The greatest care has been made to enhance the surrounding biodiversity. Site prep was a patient process, and an exercise in detail. We spent two years working the earth, removing rocks, and incorporating amendments before the vines went into the ground. Constant testing and revision took place to be sure the site soil chemistry and composition was consistent across each block. We knew it would be critical to achieving perfect ripening for harvest. Robust sub-drain infrastructure manages drainage on the site. Barbour Vineyard Management is making constant revisions using organic foliar teas blended to match the needs of the vines diagnosed through constant tissue sample analysis.

Row direction, spacing, varietal, clone, rootstock & our farming technique have all been tailored to suit Sam’s vision for the wine. Farming and winemaking being two sides of the same coin, Sam works closely with Jim Barbour to ensure the virtue of the fruit. Only the most pristine winemaking facility would do for a project like Interbeing. The Arkenstone facility is that perfect place.  So many critically acclaimed wines are being made there. Why? Sam’s devotion to making those caves his full-time home & the faithfulness with which everyone in the facility strives for excellence.  The product will speak for itself in a way that words are an inadequate substitute.