Inside Louis LaTour: Sustainable Farming in the World's Most Storied Vineyards

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to keep a 200-year-old vineyard thriving as the climate shifts beneath it?In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon travels to Burgundy, France to sit down with Christophe, who oversees field operations for the historic Louis LaTour estate. Their conversation unfolds right in the vineyard, walking the rows while discussing soil, biodiversity, and the realities of farming some of the most celebrated land in the world.Christophe shares how growers across small, centuries-old plots are working together to restore biodiversity at a landscape scale — leaving native forest edges intact, replanting hedgerows, and creating wildlife corridors between tiny parcels owned by dozens of different families. He also explains Burgundy's dry-farming approach, on-site composting practices, and why shallow, mineral-rich soils have historically defined the region's wines.A major thread throughout the episode is climate change. Christophe walks through decades of harvest data showing dates shifting earlier and earlier, and describes the long-term work being done — from testing new rootstocks and grape clones to reconsidering vine density — to help vineyards stay resilient for future generations.The conversation closes with reflections on tradition, terroir, and what it really means to make wine as part of a multi-generational, cooperative system rather than a solo pursuit.If you care about regenerative agriculture, soil health, or how traditional farming systems are adapting to a changing climate, this is a conversation worth your time.👉 Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations on agriculture, sustainability, and the people working to build resilient food and farming systems.Why Listen?This episode offers a rare, ground-level look at how one of the world's most tradition-bound wine regions is confronting climate change in practical, hands-on ways. Whether you're into regenerative agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, or simply curious about how generations-old farming systems adapt under pressure, Christophe's perspective is grounded, honest, and full of specifics — from composting methods to root depth to why cooperation between growers matters more than competition. It's a great watch for gardeners, farmers, sustainability students, or anyone who wants to understand agriculture through the lens of place, patience, and long-term thinking.00:00 – Introduction to Christophe and Louis LaTour 02:40 – Native forest edges and natural biodiversity buffers 04:22 – Multi-generational cooperation among Burgundy growers 09:16 – Clone diversity and building resilience through genetics 11:10 – Dry farming and on-site composting practices 12:39 – Managing vine disease without synthetic sprays 16:32 – Harvest date data and visible signs of climate change 19:08 – Shallow soils, root depth, and water reserves 21:02 – Cover crops and managing competition for water 32:55 – The "Terroir de Corton" biodiversity project 36:13 – Long-term adaptation: rootstocks, density, and old varieties 44:00 – Advice for wine lovers exploring Burgundy 45:34 – Closing thoughts and appreciation