Sustainable Farming

We treasure our historic Alegría Vineyards, and feel we are the stewards of a tradition created by generations of winegrowers.

We have always farmed sustainably. Our land was farmed for a hundred years before us, and we farm it to be productive for future generations. We enjoy living with nature in a vibrant ecology, with balance among the grapevines and wildlife. Hedge rows, cover crops, fruit trees, native oaks, vines, and bird houses provide habitat for a diverse population.

There is a clear relationship between biodiversity and soil health. In the fall, we spread compost and seed a cover crop of grasses, legumes, and wildflowers between the grapevines. Our farming is a labor-intensive process that ensures individual, mindful, hands-on attention to each vine.

Most vineyard work is done by hand. We remove leaves and manipulate the vine canopy to expose the grapes to sunlight. This maximizes color and flavor development and reduces the risk of pests.

During the growing season we visit each vine at least a dozen times (for pruning, tying, suckering, training , leaf removal, crop thinning, trimming, etc.) to ensure the crop is in balance and the harvest will yield flavorful, complex wines.

We use the same products and methods that organic growers use. The cover crop between the grapevines prevents erosion and provides habitat for beneficial insects. We monitor to be sure “good bugs” are there to control the “bad bugs”.

Our farming practices have evolved with climate change. The vines sequester carbon. Mowing the cover crop without tilling allows organic matter and carbon to accumulate in the soil. Calculations by the Climate Adaptation Certification Program indicate that our soils sequester more greenhouse gases than they emit and offset greenhouse gases from our fuel use.

Alegría Vineyards is a California Sustainable Vineyard, certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The Fish Friendly Farming program is another third party certification that documents environmentally-friendly land practices that benefit the environment and protect fish by reducing runoff into streams.