Wine is a multi-billion dollar industry. Raking in more than 276 billion dollars in combined earnings in 2022, the breadth of production constantly evolves which begs the question — who’s doing it right?
California is the top wine-producing state in the US. That title comes with its special circumstances. The terrain can change in an instant across over 2,800 registered wineries across the state.
Local California wineries in Sonoma County have the chance to revolutionize sustainable growing and production methods — and they’re taking it.
A Sustainable Sonoma Wine Experience
Sonoma, with its 1,800+ grape growers and almost 399,000 acres spread across 19 AVAs, is prime real estate for green initiatives.
Nearly a decade of commitment to increasing sustainable farming practices backs the movement. The label itself is the product of its 2017 launch that stands for a “triple bottom line” quality control practice, meaning producers must be “socially responsible, environmentally conscientious and economically viable as a business” in order to qualify. To date, over 33 million bottles of wine from Sonoma County have been printed with this distinctive label.
Farmers and winemakers have taken steps to implement sustainable practices that include:
- In-ground reservoirs holding approx. 1.8 million gallons each that catch rainwater to preserve through drought seasons (exclusive to Dutton Ranch)
- Cycling through cover crops that are affordable and offer nutrients for the soil
- Support for additional crops outside of grapes, including apples and other produce
- Over 140 best management practices that continue to evolve and rise in standards
- Incorporation of Ford Pro™ vehicles and Ford Pro Telematics for data collection
The Ford™ Approach
Creating said sustainable farming techniques also brought some unexpected partners into the project: Ford.
Ford Pro teamed up with Sonoma County Winegrowers to Smart vehicles have massive potential for fuel reductions and cost efficiency. Using Ford F-150®Lightning™ Pro pickups, E-Transit™ cargo vans, and other Ford Pro™ Intelligence™ products, a crusade in sustainable agriculture practices kicked off in early 2022.
Bevill Vineyard Management and Vino Farms in Healdsburg and Dutton Ranch in Sebastopol — which has white wines that change lives, take my word for it — are the acting pilot program for the initiative.
Karissa Kruse: Wine Wonder Woman
Sonoma County Winegrowers president Karissa Kruse spearheads this mission. Her 11+ years in the position continues to generate efforts to become “the most sustainable wine region in the world,” according to Kruse herself.
Founding organizations and initiatives include the Sonoma County Center for Agriculture Sustainability, that encourages conversations surrounding preservation and progress in farming; the Climate Adaptation Certification that encourages carbon sequestration; the Ford relationship that is set to revolutionize grape-growing. Her “Farm of the Future” goal is supported by her relationship with the county.
“This collaboration with the Ford Pro team is a great natural next step to help us continue our progress in sustainable agriculture,” Kruse stated in a recent press release.
Beyond Sustainable Wine
From its abundance of charm and quality in production, Sonoma wine is a pioneer in environmental best practices. Even casual wine drinkers can appreciate — and anticipate — further greatness from the region in the years to come.
Find more wine, travel and food and beverage fun throughout the blog. While Avison Ventures is a wine-friendly site, cocktails are no stranger to the scene.
Special thanks to Lou Hammond Group.
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