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An Organic Quality Epiphany … “My entire way of thinking about grape growing changed …” After tasting the real difference between organic and conventionally farmed grapes, side by side in a sun-drenched vineyard in 1987, Paul Dolan helped lead a revolution in the way top wineries think about quality.
Rules To Live By; Rules To Farm By … Our vineyards are certified for their sustainable practices. We restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality in vineyards certified as “Fish Friendly Farming.” Our synthetic chemical free farming practices are certified by “California Certified Organic Farmers.” And our Biodynamic vineyards, managed as living organisms, are certified by “Demeter.”
In pursuit of earth-friendly quality, we have moved along a specific farming continuum from what is commonly referred to as “Conventional” farming to Sustainable, Organic and Biodynamic farming practices.
Conventional farming reflects a reliance on chemical and energy inputs typical of large-scale, mechanized farms. Routine pesticide spraying and use of synthetic fertilizers are examples of conventional practices that contrast with alternative practices such as integrated pest management and use of animal and green manures.
www.monsanto.com
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism.
ipm.ucdavis.edu
Sustainable Agriculture generally refers to environmentally friendly methods of farming that allow the production of crops or livestock without damage to the farm as an ecosystem, including effects on soil, water supplies, biodiversity, or other surrounding natural resources.
sarep.ucdavis.edu
Sustainable Winegrowing is defined by The California Wine Institute with a code of practices, a voluntary self-assessment tool for California’s vintners and growers with information on how to conserve natural resources, protect the environment and enhance relationships with employees, neighbors and local communities.
www.wineinstitute.org
Fish Friendly Farming is a certification program for vineyards that are managed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality. This approach ensures long-term environmental improvements, sustainable agriculture and assures the consumer that the wines they purchase are produced by protecting and restoring the environment.
www.fishfriendlyfarming.org/
Bio-Intensive Farming is a whole-system approach featuring double-dug beds (loose, easily penetrable soil), composting (healthier soils), close planting (moisture retention, weed control), companion planting (many plants grow better when near certain other plants), and open-pollinated seeds rather than hybrids (preserving genetic diversity).
www.growbiointensive.org
Organic Farming emphasizes the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations, according to the U.S.Department of Agriculture. Organic farming does without most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients; bioengineering; ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic farms must go through a certification process.
www.ccof.org
Biodynamic Agriculture comprises sustainable systems of production, particularly of food, that respect all creation. It is based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner. It includes the idea of organic farming (but predates the term) and the idea of the soil and the life on it as a living system. Most importantly for wine quality, biodynamic farming aims to produce a unique expression of individuality for each site farmed, and therefore, in the grapes and wines produced from each site. Biodynamic farms must go through a certification process.
www.biodynamics.com
www.demeter-usa.org
locally owned and operated • grapes from family farms • protecting the environment • solar power • earth-friendly packaging • carbon neutrality