Sustainability

"God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools." - John Muir

Our vineyards and winery are managed under the strict sustainability standards set by the California Association of Winegrape Growers and the Wine Institute.

Click here to learn more about the steps we are taking to become a sustainable winery.

Restoring a Vineyard

• We are using compost to return organic material to the vineyard. Using compost has started the process of rebuilding our soil. Our soil analysis is showing huge progress and worms and other beneficial insects are teeming with life.
• We have stopped discing (shallow plowing), allowing grass to grow between the Vines. Then we simply mow them, saving fuel and reducing soil compaction. These plants loosen the soil allowing nutrient transport and beneficial insects to promote the health of the vines.
• We are reducing waterings during the ripening period. This "deficit" irrigation reduces berry size increases the ratio of skin to pulp, thickens the skins, and increases wine flavors.
• We are "leaf pulling" on the East side of the vines. This exposes the fruit to the morning sun, prior to maturity, which results in a "fruitier" taste (as opposed to a more "vegetable" taste) in the wines.

We strive to be great stewards of the land, and to produce wines with the flavors typical of our area, served directly to you, our wine club members and guests. To read more about our sustainability practices throughout Ponte, please visit our Sustainability page.