Three Who Make Wine While Minding The Earth

While today is officially Earth Day, many folks make environmental issues a focus for the entire month of April (along with poetry … you did know it is National Poetry Month, right?). Then, there are those for whom there is no calendar: Taking care of Mother Earth is a year-round consciousness and way of life. Here are three wineries that put their best down to earth

practices in place every day.

In California, Ironstone Vineyards has been at the fore of agricultural best practices for 60+ years, stewarding water conservation, soil health, pest management and naturally occurring biodiversity. It started in the 1940s with Kautz Farms in Lodi, where the family pioneered projects to recapture/conserve water and restore Riparian water systems. Throughout the decades, they have added expertise in soil conservation, established an Integrated Pest Management Program to reduce chemical inputs, which has informed standards practiced today, and continue to set standards for stewardship and sustainability. All vineyards and orchards are regeneratively farmed, using natural cover crops that encourage deep rooting, and mitigate erosion.

And it’s not just about the grapes. Being mindful of soil health assists with creating beneficial habitats above and below surface for toads, worms, lizards and microlife. Additional dedicated efforts in biodiversity and wildlife conservation include an award-winning duck box program; establishing 140 owl boxes to provide habitat for natural predators that aid in pest control (and at the same time, enable and support a naturally occurring ecosystem); and restoring a riparian creek system to support myriad fish and wildlife, encourage native species and promote native and migratory birds. The winery has also planted 400 native oak trees in Lodi to replenish an important diminishing native species.

Ironstone operates the bulk of its production in Lodi, where the entire winery is sustainable including a waste-water treatment facility, and their signature wine line comes from their Murphy’s winery in the Sierra Foothills, where the family hosts tastings, education, a car show to benefit local 4-H and FFA organizations and has created numerous opportunities for public and community engagement.

Wines to try:

Ironstone Reserve Rous Vineyards “Ancient Vines” Zinfandel 21

Ironstone Pinot Noir 22

Ironstone Petite Sirah 21

Hailing from Washington State, Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard is another multigenerational whose founders passed down their environmental ethos to the current generation of three siblings who lead operations. The original patriarch, M.L. Monson, initially focused on cattle and through the decades, apple and cherry orchards were established. In the late 1990s, the family turned their attention to vineyards, planting 2,000+ acres and establishing Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards & Winery. The planted in the hills around Red Mountain, which would become part of the Goose Gap AVA in 2021.

Today, Goose Ridge (is one of the state’s largest single vineyards. The vines—like many Washington wineries—are on their own ungrafted stock, which is about the purest and closest you can get to true terroir. Farming practices include low yields to ensure fruit concentration and eliminate competition from overplanting; regular soil testing, and irrigation management with benefits for erosion control and water conservation and supporting regenerative agriculture practices. Other best practices include nutrient and pest management through fertigation, composting, and pest monitoring. Grape must is not wasted but fed to cattle and otherwise recycled.

The Revelation label of wines from Goose Ridge are 100% sustainable and boast a “Verified Carbon Footprint,” an independent assessment confirming the accuracy and reliability of carbon footprint data. They have also hired an outside company to analyze all of their carbon emissions, and to certify that they are a carbon neutral company. Goose Ridge is the only winery in Washington undertaking such a rigorous effort, with the goal to be carbon negative by 2026.

Within the winery, energy efficiencies extend to using electric/battery powered equipment where possible, energy-efficient lighting, attention to reducing emissions, and a commitment to eco-friendly packaging.

Wines to try:

Revelation by Goose Chardonnay 23

Revelation by Goose Ridge Rose 23

Revelation by Goose Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 23

Farther afield in New Zealand, the Marris family at Marisco Family Vineyards is upholding

three generations of producing wines and through dedicated environmental stewardship. Located in the Waihopai Valley of Marlborough, the nearly all woman owned- and operated winery was established in 2006 and today they farm five distinct vineyards that reflect the diversity of New Zealand terroirs.

With 2,500 acres of vineyards and two purpose-built wineries, the family maintains meticulous control over every step of the winemaking process. They have been part of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) program since 2008. To qualify, they must undergo regular on-site audits and submit an annual report on their impacts across soil, water, plant protection, waste, people and climate change, as well as a full “spray diary” that documents agrichemical applications.

On the farm, best practices include using 5,500 sheep for weed control and soil tilling, and which reduces mechanical tilling; mulching vine prunings, returning natural production waste (grape marc and water) to the vineyards, and recycling materials. Their water conservation includes using sustainable irrigation systems and reusing treated winery water for irrigation. They support biodiversity through native plantings and a “Falcon to Vineyards” program for natural pest control. Some 960 acres have been planted each year with wildflower seeds to attract beneficial insects and pollinators.

The winery repurposes by-products to enhance soil health and uses carbon-neutral refrigerants to reduce emissions. They aim to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Future initiatives include: use of solar for equipment and processes, insulating wine tanks to increase refrigeration capacity while using less power; efficient use of electricity throughout all systems and a commitment to work with suppliers on packaging that reduces waste and carbon footprint.

Wines to try:

The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2023

The Ned Pinot Noir 2021

Leefield Station Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Leefield Station Pinot Noir 21

And for Earth Day/National Poetry Month, check out this selection from the American Academy of Poets.