Sustainable practices in both grape growing as well as winemaking help California vintners make high-quality wines and provide a healthy and beautiful environment for employees, wine drinkers, and countless wine country visitors. Sustainable winegrowing methods include biodynamic and organic winemaking practices.

California wine country has organic wines made with organically grown grapes that come from special vineyards that follow the guidelines set by the National Organic Program (NOP).

• no nonorganic crop protection materials
• only NOP-approved materials (some synthetic materials are allowed)

Additionally, they control the amount of sulfite added to the wines.To be labeled organic, a wine cannot have any added sulfites to prolong shelf life. They can have no more than 10 parts per million.

For more information visit: www.ccof.org the USA’s largest organic certifier.

Biodynamic farming includes farming the grapes with what’s known as a closed-loop that uses organic practices as well as natural alternatives to eliminating waste. This promotes a healthy ecosystem.

• no nonorganic protection materials to crops
• natural preparations to enrich the soil and promote microorganisms
• insectaries are required to control pests
• planting and pruning times are determined by the phases of the moon

For more information, visit: www.demeter-usa.org

Conservation in California

 

 

 

 

Soil Health of California Grapevines

 

Maintaining a healthy soil is also critical to healthy grapevines. The best California grape growers use cover crops between the rows of vines to add nutrients, control growth, attract “good” insects and prevent erosion. Many growers also use types of composts to encourage the growth of organic matter in the soil. The compost holds and maintains nutrients and minerals in the soil that encourage it to soak up and hold water.

 

 

 

 

Habitat restoration of California Vineyards

Because most of California’s best vineyards and wineries are in primarily rural areas, managing a vineyard involves caring for the surrounding habitat. A lot of the vineyards have beautiful green corridors that help the wildlife like deer, foxes, and other wildlife keep their access to forestland and water. Grape growers often work with the local community and governments to restore wetlands and streams for the benefit of all.

 

 

 

 

Biodiversity of California Grapes and Wines

A wide range of plants and animal types are always a great sign of a growing ecosystem. California winegrowers regularly protect trees for owls, falcons, and other natural predators that maintain the levels of the more harmful rodents. In addition, the native habitat and plants are preserved for beneficial insects that control pests. This helpful biodiversity plan builds long-term stability of the ecosystem by recycling nutrients, controlling unwanted pests, regulating water flow, enabling microclimate, and the storing of carbon. All great things for the future of California wines!