“We’re all trying to do better, but sometimes better looks different than we thought.” by Chad
A bold truth we’re learning: there’s no manual for real life.
Whether you’re raising kids, growing pumpkins, or making wine, it’s never as black and white as it looks from the outside. We thought we’d share a few ways we’re learning to let go of perfect and focus on doing our best.
Our goal is to grow food and wine that nourish people and the planet. But we’ll be the first to tell you, some seasons make that a serious challenge.
Take pumpkins. Families love visiting in the fall to pick their own. In 2024, we tried every organic method we could to combat squash beetles, and let’s just say… they weren’t very effective. So in 2025, we changed our approach.
We still deeply believe in regenerative farming. But we’re also learning that regeneration sometimes takes time, flexibility, and a bit of grace for where we’re at. It’s about listening to the land, and knowing when to try something different.
It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t perfect. But it was honest.
The Great Pumpkin Dilemma
I remember standing in the field, beetles crawling everywhere, leaves curling, fruit struggling to form. “We’re either going to lose part of our crop or lose the dream of perfect purity,” I told Carston. He paused, looked at all the beetles, and said, “Let’s not lose the crop and our sanity.”
So in 2025, we made the tough call. We adjusted. Then we sat with that decision, unpacked it, and started learning again. That’s what this work demands, humility, and a need to be flexible… the humility part is crucial since your livelihood is tied to it.
Regenerative farming isn’t a box you check. It’s a posture. A practice. A hope. And sometimes, it’s a long game full of short-term tradeoffs we’re determined to figure out.
Winemaking Without a Rulebook
That same tension shows up in our cellar. Chardonnay is one of our favorite grapes, but what should it taste like? Bright and citrusy? Creamy and rich? Textured and mineral?
We couldn’t decide. So, we made all three:
- Naked Chardonnay – crisp, clean, and unoaked.
- Estate Chardonnay – our Lake Chelan-grown, Chablis-style favorite.
- Riverview Chardonnay – bold and barrel-aged.
Rather than chase the “right” version, we leaned into curiosity. Wine, like parenting (and pumpkins), doesn’t come with a rulebook. We figured if we were wrestling with these decisions, maybe others were too.
Weekend Idea: Wine Night without rules – Grab three Chardonnays, one stainless, one French-style, one barrel-aged, and host a casual tasting. Talk about what you taste. Ask what each wine reminds you of. Choose your favorite. And celebrate the idea that liking different things doesn’t make you wrong, it makes you human.
Our Real Goal
Our mission isn’t perfection. It’s progress. It’s growing nutrient-dense food. Building healthy soil. Making wine that brings people together. Teaching our kids that getting it wrong sometimes is part of getting it right.
One quote we come back to a lot: “Perfection is the enemy of execution. It’s the lowest standard because it’s unattainable.” We’re learning to trade perfection for purpose. To trust the process, even when the outcome isn’t clean or clear.
Grace in the Grey
We live in a world of hot takes and hard lines, especially around food, parenting, and sustainability. But real life, especially on a farm, happens in the grey. If you’re a parent who lets the kids eat fast food after soccer practice, or a gardener who forgets to water the basil, you’re our kind of people.
We’re not chasing perfection. We’re cultivating a life.
So here’s to the pumpkin that made it because we pivoted. The wine that surprised us because we let go of the rules. The soil we’re still building season by season. And the grace we’re learning to give, to the land, to our kids, and to ourselves.
Mini Checklist: Are You Living in the Grey, Too?
- You’ve bought organic… and also used weed killer on your driveway.
- You cook from scratch… and also love frozen pizza Fridays.
- You care deeply about soil health… and also forget to compost sometimes.
- You’ve read about sustainable food… and still buy grocery store strawberries in January.
Same here. You’re not alone. Progress, not perfection.
Come taste the difference, and the diversity, in our wines. Visit the farm this fall to pick your own pumpkins, meet the sheep, and hear more stories like this.
Living in the grey isn’t a compromise, it’s a commitment. One we’re proud to make.
Cheers,
