In the Vineyard...
Conservation
Growing winegrapes is a long term prospect; when well-managed, vineyards can have a life span of 25 years or more. Because of this, protecting the ecosystems in which they are situated is a high priority for California's winegrape growers. Enhancing and maintaining ecosystems integrity keeps soils and vines healthy and produces higher-quality winegrapes.
Pest Management
Pest problems are a fact of life in vineyard management, so California winegrowers have devised numerous methods for addressing pests using biological and/ or cultural controls that minimize impacts to the environment.
Our Approach
Water
Winegrapes use less water than most crops. California's Mediterranean climate (rainy in the winter, warm and dry in the summer) is one of the reasons the state is an ideal place to grow grapes for high-quality wines. Still, water is a precious natural resource here, and using it wisely is a priority for California's winegrowers.
Energy
Conserving energy in the vineyard has a double benefit; it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and keeps farming costs in check. In an effort to reduce carbon footprints and keep their ranches economically viable, California winegrowers have adopted a number of energy-saving practices.
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Our Story
Sustainable Winegrowing
Sustainable winegrowing practices in both vineyards and wineries help California vintners make high quality wines and provide a healthy and beautiful environment for employees, neighbors, and wine country visitors. Sustainable winegrowing can include biodynamic or organic farming practices. Some examples of sustainable practices include:
- sheep and beneficial birds to control weeds and pests
- cover crops, drip irrigation and process ponds to conserve water
- composting, recycling and reuse to minimize waste
- protecting air and water quality
- preserving local ecosystems and wildlife habitats
- practicing environmentally preferred purchasing
Sustainable Farming
Caring for the future…
Just about any farmer, gardener, landscaper or groundskeeper will inform you the well-being of the plant is directly related to the health of the soil. They will also tell you that a “living” soil is a healthy soil. Sustainable farming techniques yield wines that are more complex, better balanced and more reflective of the terroir from which they came.
Soil Management
One of our primary goals is to keep our vineyard soils as rich as possible in microorganisms. To achieve this, we have introduced a number of farming procedures modified to our unique location.
Fertilizers
For nearly all pest and fertilization situations we are able to utilize natural methods and applications to solve a problem or accentuate a positive circumstance. Non-natural controls are administered rarely and only as a last resort.
Composting
Compost is added to the soils to help retain moisture and improve water circulation. This is a key aspect of sustainable farming. Natural fertilizers are used to help add life to the soils, supplying bacteria, photo nutrients and trace elements. Leaf tissue analysis is used to help amend soils and bring soils back in balance.
Preservation of Native Flora & Fauna
All native plants and grasses along waterways and vineyard margins are left untouched to encourage populations of beneficial insects. Non-indigenous plants that harbor harmful grapevine pests are removed. The reflection of this native flora & fauna can be discerned in the ambiance of the final wine product.
Weeding and Mildew Management
Because we preserve the natural habitat we are gifted with a healthy population of beneficial insects that keep the harmful insects to a bare minimum. We do not use pesticides. Spray calibrations are closely monitored. This keeps populations of beneficial insects in our vineyard. Grape vines are susceptible to mildew infection which we are able to control with sulfur and mineral oil applications. Strip spraying is done only where needed, minimizing usage by maintaining narrow strip spray patterns. Equipment such as spray nozzles, hoses, tanks and pumps undergo routine maintenance to ensure that the proper amount of fungicide is being used.
Water Management
We are watering between rainstorms to mimic the regular winter season. This practice allows us to keep the soil moist so when we do have even the slightest rain fall, the ground can better absorb the water and nutrients, leading to healthier vines and ultimately better grapes. By carefully managing the irrigation, we are able to produce wines with a unique expression of our terroir and a true reflection of the vintage. Our commitment to sustainable farming practices and attention to detail in the vineyard is evident in every bottle of wine we produce. Come visit us and taste the difference for yourself.
The Promise of Sustainability
Ecologically-sound agriculture is a necessity for the long-term health of our planet and all of its inhabitants. At Vindemia Vineyard & Winery, we understand the responsibility we have to protect our land for our customers, employees, local communities and future generations.