Happy, Helping Hooves | Bon Niche Cellars

Weeds challenge farms of all sizes. When Melani Harding, Owner and Winemaker at Bon Niche Cellars, decided to stop using herbicides, weeds got out of hand and she looked for more sustainable control methods.

She adopted Nigerian dwarf goats, who promptly began cleaning up the property. But since they’ll gladly eat budding and maturing grapes, they can only free-roam the vineyard between harvest and bud break.

Babydoll sheep joined the crew next. They are the perfect height for removing excess vine leaves… which also means they can reach the fruit! They also must leave the vineyard at bud break and are welcome back with the goats after harvest.

Melani wanted to achieve year-round weed control. After some research, she found the perfect solution: Kunekune pigs with short stature and a natural inclination for grazing. In 2021, Gilbert the Pig joined the farm and quickly became a local celebrity.

Over the years, Melani has established a grazing schedule that keeps her animals happy and her vineyard healthy.

Between the animals, going no-till, and using vermicompost tea, she has nearly eradicated the need for mowing or spraying at Bon Niche Cellars: “I love sipping on a glass of wine, watching my cute animals do all the work for me!”