VINEYARD DEVELOPMENT
SAR Contracting is honored to have been selected by Rusack Vineyards to break ground, plant, train and harvest the first acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel on Catalina Island. The Zinfandel propagated from hardy survivors of the original Santa Cruz Island vineyard planted over 120 years ago.
Originally sought for his water expertise, Stewart's physics background and his understanding of biology and other scientific disciplines made him a clear choice for the larger role of developing Catalina Island's first vineyards at El Rancho Escondido. Under the superb guidance of the world's finest experts and the Rusacks themselves, SAR planted, tended, and harvested what turned out to be exceptionally high quality grapes.
The success of the first harvest in 2009 proved little short of astounding. Only true experts in the field will recognize the myriad of challenges unique to the island, but Stewart's teamwork, foresight, and effective responses were key to the success.
The project involved a large and diverse team with seasonal schedules. The work included well drilling, miles of irrigation, soil drainage and conditioning, reservoir storage and controls, field grading, organic insect mitigation, and digital communications with real-time weather stations in the field. Stewart managed the transportion of hundreds of tons gravel, organic compost, and construction materials to the island. When time was of the essence, Stewart even flew the SAR Company Cessna to expedite the project.
Originally sought for his water expertise, Stewart's physics background and his understanding of biology and other scientific disciplines made him a clear choice for the larger role of developing Catalina Island's first vineyards at El Rancho Escondido. Under the superb guidance of the world's finest experts and the Rusacks themselves, SAR planted, tended, and harvested what turned out to be exceptionally high quality grapes.
The success of the first harvest in 2009 proved little short of astounding. Only true experts in the field will recognize the myriad of challenges unique to the island, but Stewart's teamwork, foresight, and effective responses were key to the success.
The project involved a large and diverse team with seasonal schedules. The work included well drilling, miles of irrigation, soil drainage and conditioning, reservoir storage and controls, field grading, organic insect mitigation, and digital communications with real-time weather stations in the field. Stewart managed the transportion of hundreds of tons gravel, organic compost, and construction materials to the island. When time was of the essence, Stewart even flew the SAR Company Cessna to expedite the project.
El Rancho Escondido - Rusack Vineyards on Catalina Island
SAR Water & Construction • 5142 Hollister Avenue #104 • Santa Barbara • CA • 93111 • phone: (805) 331-0845 • fax: (805) 456-3898 • info@sarconstruction.com