MEET OUR PEOPLE

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Robert Pirie

Colligere Farm Management / Owner

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HOW MANY YEARS HAS YOUR FAMILY BEEN FARMING WINEGRAPES?
My family came from Ojai, California, to Lodi’s Clements area just over 100 years ago to continue farming and cattle ranching.

HOW MANY ACRES OF WINEGRAPES DO YOU FARM?
We farm more than 3,000 acres of winegrapes. We also farm trees.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT LODI?
We take sustainability seriously. I am honored to have been a member of the original group who created our region’s Lodi Rules sustainable winegrowing program. It’s humbling to see how far the program has progressed and to see its influence on farming practices here in Lodi, throughout the entire state, and now, the world. 

I FARM BECAUSE…
It’s in my blood and I love the outdoors. 

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF FARMING WINEGRAPES?
Government regulations created by people who do not understand our industry. 

WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTOR IN YOUR CAREER? WHY?
My dad. He gave me my work ethic and honest approach.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love to cook – especially pizza in my outdoor kitchen. That, and I make my own olive oil. 

IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
I would love to make dinner for our founding fathers – I love history. 

WHAT IS THE LAST TELEVISION SHOW YOU WATCHED? 
Schitt’s Creek.