FARMING PRACTICES

CARBON SEQUESTRATION
Maximize mowing and minimize discing, plowing, and other activities that disturb the soil and release carbon dioxide.

COVER CROPS
Cover crops are planted between vine rows to protect the soil from erosion, regulate vine growth, improve soil fertility and structure, and provide a habitat for beneficial insects.

WATER CONSERVATION
Soil probes are used to monitor soil moisture at various depths, enabling the regulation of irrigation timing and water conservation.

WEATHER AND SOIL MONITORING TECHNOLOGY
Remote-monitoring technologies accumulate historical and real-time weather data allowing us to predict harmful fungus or mildew infestations in the vineyard.

SOLAR POWER
We recently completed the construction of a 4,600-square-foot solar power system generating 48 kilowatts of electricity to support our Rutherford Farm Center’s year-round electricity needs.

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Pests and vine diseases are managed sustainably to minimize environmental impacts.

SOIL PREPARATION
Major emphasis is placed on soil preparation prior to planting, ensuring optimal growing conditions for young vines.

CUSTOMIZATION
Customized farming plans are created for each vineyard block to ensure farming and management objectives are aligned with those of our winery clients.

CANOPY MANAGEMENT
Vine canopies are configured to maximize captured sunlight and provide the proper balance between leaves and fruit, resulting in the optimization of fruit color and flavor development.

VINE TRELLISING
State-of-the-art trellis and vine training systems like our “Hybrid Cane” and “Hopland Quad” systems are specifically tailored to unique vineyard characteristics.

SELECTIVE MECHANIZATION
Selective use of mechanized equipment and technologies during harvest, leaf removal, and pruning allows our team to focus on critical field operations that require hands-on attention and carbon sequestration to reduce carbon footprint.

NIGHT HARVESTING
Nighttime harvest ensures that the highest quality cool fruit is delivered to our winery clients.

STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT
Modern vineyard equipment combines energy efficiency and pinpoint accuracy with ease of use and worker safety.

BIRD AND RODENT CONTROL
Owl boxes provide a haven for owls that prey naturally on vineyard pests.

BIODIESEL AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
In 2023, we acquired Monarch Tractors to reduce our diesel use and carbon footprint. Our tractor fleet and other diesel-powered vehicles are powered by a mix of 50% biodiesel and 50% diesel fuel reducing harmful emissions that are a primary source of greenhouse gases.

WATER TREATMENT
Rock-lined “tumbling channels” precipitate contaminants naturally before the water enters our irrigation networks.