San Juan Island’s Piquenique – Climate Change Wine handcrafted by true Stewards of the Land

Piquenique Natural Wines is the brainchild of Tess & Nic, who moved their cute family to the isle in 2019, where plans to create natural wines from local fruit without any additives, came to a halt, due to Covid.

Originally from Northern California, Nic is a 4th generation winemaker, specializing in natural wines without additives. His Dad was the first legal natural wine maker in the nation. Tess & Nic chose San Juan Island specifically for its cooler climate, which not only makes for more aromatic wines, but also lends more farming potential, as one place with a good chance to weather climate change in the longer term.

Where other local winemakers use grapes from far away or commercially grown ingredients (read: grown with the use of harmful pesticides), Piquenique Natural Wines only contain local, island grown or foraged fruit and no additives.

Tess & Nic, who have family roots in the San Juans, see themselves as a small link in the chain of homestead farming on the San Juan Islands.

Many apple orchards in the nation were cut down during the prohibition. Tess & Nic planted 170 trees last year to replace what was lost.

They collaborate with other farms throughout the archipelago to re-establish fruit orchards. Each careful planting of apple, pear, plum, quince and grape is an intentional break with monoculture farming, which leads to soil erosion and depletion, reduces biodiversity and increases vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Tess & Nic firmly believe a farming system must suit the climate and be reflected in the product. For example at Oak Knoll apple orchard, sheep graze in between the fruit trees. The trees' shade keeps the grass greener, the sheep eat fallen fruit and fertilize the soil. Apples are crushed through fresh hay. This mash is fed back to the animals, creating a zero waste system.

Besides making delightful, gorgeous sparkling wines in all colors of the rainbow, plans are in the works to create vinegars, including fire cider, kid’s juices and ready-to-eat fruit.

Where to find Piquenique Wines

Don’t miss Piquenique’s Open House on June 7, 2025 out at the winery. RSVP here: hello@piquenique.wine for a fun day of farm and winery tours, tastings ($15 pp).

Find Piquenique’s delicious libations at the Market Chef gourmet deli or the San Juan Island Food Coop, both in walking distance to our hotel. Order online. Or schedule a private tasting in Friday Harbor at hello@piquenique.wine.