At the Stubbs Vineyard living "off the grid" means living unconnected to PG&E, the region's provider of gas and electricity. But then again so is the challenge of living in the 21st Century in a manner that harkens more to the 19th Century. It's no coincidence that Tom Stubbs, a fourth-generation English farmer, is extremely resourceful. Mary, his wife, is more than usually patient. And their children--- well let's just say they have some great stories of life in the wilds of West Marin to their somewhat more coddled friends.

Ironically, living off the grid, makes the Stubbses all that more reliant on technology - specifically wind and solar power which can be quite plentiful most months of the year. The catch is that the sun and wind are not plentiful all hours of the day which accounts for the room full of batteries that store the electricity generated by the wind and sun, which Tom lovingly nurses through the winter months. Their last resort is a diesel generator which they need to provide a constant source of power for the irrigation.

With chickens strutting around the grounds, and llamas sharing the grazing rights with the neighbor's cattle, the Stubbs homestead has a peaceful, rural and hand crafted feel reminiscent of an older generation. This quality is reflected in the striking home and an office/workshop, both of which the Stubbs built themselves. At present the Stubbs have no plans to build a tasting room, but visitors are welcome by appointment.

With all of its challenges and unremitting hard work, Tom and Mary Stubbs will tell you that they are blessed to live in manner that leaves a small footprint, nurtures the soil and demonstrates a profound love of the land where they raise their family and grow their grapes.