Winter Update

The end of winter brought optimism and intensive vineyard work, with pruning preparing the vines for the next harvest. Heavy rainfall from November onwards replenished groundwater reserves needed by vineyards and olive groves.

Maremmano-Abruzzese dogs had guarded the family’s homes since the 1970s, beginning with Sasha, purchased by Wendel Gelpke from a shepherd in Maremma. From 2018 the breed also formed a dedicated anti-wolf group at the sheep stables. Six dogs, raised with the sheep from puppyhood, guarded the flock through territorial instinct rather than formal training. The estate had suffered no wolf attack since the beginning of 2020, whereas earlier losses could reach 50 sheep in a year.