A TRIBUTE TO MEADOWFOAM
Planting meadowfoam is one of the many ways we work with nature to achieve our Regenerative Organic® farming goals. In a conventionally farmed vineyard, herbicides are used to kill any plants that sprout under the vines. At Ambar, we deliberately seed native plants like meadowfoam to crowd out invasive weeds, attract native bees, and promote a diverse and healthy vineyard ecosystem.
In spring and early summer, blooming meadowfoam forms a striking white ribbon beneath the vines, alongside grasses, clover and other wildflowers. As we move into summer, Vineyard Manager Ryan Wilkinson reflects on its success during the 2025 growing season:
“I have been working with meadowfoam in vineyards for about five years as an alternative to mechanical under-vine cultivation. I have experimented with grasses and clovers but have found meadowfoam to be more competitive against weeds than other plants. Plus, it’s pretty.
“Establishing meadowfoam involves cleaning the area with an under-vine cultivator just prior to seeding in the fall and pulling weeds that emerge through the summer. I will reseed the under-vine area annually to ensure meadowfoam is the dominant under-vine plant. But, as the years pass, we may be able to reduce or eliminate reseeding. The ultimate goal would be that by preventing other plants in the under-vine area from seeding, and protecting meadowfoam’s blooms and seeds, it will become self-sustaining.”
SUMMER BERRY BURRATA
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, Chef Heidi’s Summer Berry Burrata is a celebration of the season. It’s the perfect companion to a summer gathering or an afternoon in the sun, and it pairs beautifully with our 2022 Ambar Estate Chardonnay—recently awarded a Silver Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
We’re pleased to share the recipe so you can recreate it at home or enjoy it as part of our summer à la carte food menu, available for order during your Estate Tasting experience.
With heartfelt thanks,
Pam & Rob
