Powicana Farm: Mendocino's Pure & Natural Agriculture Estate
Powicana Farm is a dedicated natural wine producer located in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, Northern California. Founded by Remi and Zoubeida Zajac, a French family who transitioned from IT and psychology to farming, the estate is a heartfelt embodiment of their commitment to a natural, sustainable, and harmonious way of life.The name "Powicana" is derived from the Pomo word for "Red Clay Ridge," honoring the rich red clay loam soil of their vineyard.
The heart of Powicana Farm lies in its vineyard, which has been farmed using Natural Agriculture principles since 2013 and achieved CCOF organic certification in 2015. They also integrate biodynamic practices. Their philosophy is deeply inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka, emphasizing no-till, dry-farming (no irrigation), and the complete absence of fertilizers or pesticides. This approach fosters a vibrant, biodiverse soil ecosystem, which they believe is the foundation for healthy grapes and expressive wines. Their focus is primarily on a single varietal: Petite Sirah (Clone 3), planted in 2002. They also have a diverse farm, raising livestock and growing fruits and vegetables, reflecting their holistic approach.
In the cellar, Powicana Farm's winemaking is characterized by extreme minimal intervention, allowing the terroir and varietal to speak for themselves. Their core principles include:
Natural, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts.
No added sulfites or other preservatives, ensuring a pure and living wine.
No fining or filtration, maintaining the wine's natural texture and character.
Aging in neutral barrels to let the fruit express its unique story of the vintage and vineyard.
Grapes are hand-harvested, and all tasks are done by hand, with minimal machinery intervention. Grapes are never pumped, but carefully shoveled.
Powicana Farm wines are celebrated for their vibrancy, distinctive fruit aromas, and purity, reflecting the unique red clay soil and cool breezes of their Mendocino terroir. They offer a rare combination of intensity and elegance, making them highly sought after by natural wine enthusiasts. They produce a range of Petite Sirah expressions, including a rosé, a young ruby-style Port, and various red styles.
