Sustainability

The Viticulture Association of the Santa Cruz Mountains supports sustainable winegrape growing and has worked to promote sustainable practices in our region’s vineyards.  We have brought the programs of the Sustainable Winegrape Growers Alliance to the region, including the Self-Assessment, Energy Efficiency, and Ecosystem Management workshops.  As well, our meeting programs stress best vineyard and sustainable practices, including cover crops, erosion control, canopy management, etc .

Since the first self-assessment workshop here in early 2004, we have seen in increase in the adoption of sustainable practices in the vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices describes the value of sustainability in vineyard management.  Click here for a PDF of this page.

Organic Vineyards

Silver Mountain.   Estate vineyard certified organic by the CCOF:  Chardonnay (Mt. Eden clone) and some Merlot (13 acres total).  Also farms a local Pinot Noir vineyard organically.  Contact:  408-353-2278, email, web site

Ahlgren Vineyard – Organically-farmed; and sustainable.  Contact:  831-338-6071, email, web site

Alfaro Vineyards – Preparing for CCOF certification on 2 acres (out of 14); sustainable practices include wildlife corridor, cover cros and sustainable canopy management systems, etc. Contact:  831-728-5172, web site

Big Basin Vineyards – This Syrah vineyard is organically-farmed and sustainable; includes solar system.  Contact:  831-621-8028, email, web site

Kathryn Kennedy – Certified organic by the CCOF and sustainable; practices include minimal pesticides, no herbicides, cover crop management, organic mildew control, composting, biodiesel vehicles, integrated pest management, recycling, etc.  Contact:  408-867-4170, email, web site

Legan Vineyards — utilizes organic practices.  Contact Prudy Foxx

Ridge Vineyards: Ridge is committed to sustainable practices and is transitioning to organic farming on 56 out of the 120 acres of vineyard on Monte Bello Ridge above Cupertino.  Every operation is evaluated based on how it effects the environment, community, and grape and wine quality.  Practice include soil management, composting, integrated pest management, raptor roosts and owl boxes for natural control of gophers, etc.  Code of Sustainability available on request.  Contact: Caleb Mosley, 408-867-3233, web site

Sustainable Practices in Vineyards

Biagini Vineyards — Biodynamic and organic practices.  No till, no herbicides, proactive viticulture management. Contact Prudy Foxx

Bargetto’s Regan Vineyard – 40 acres planted to 12 different varieties and clones; supports sustainable practices, with solar, biodiesel, erosion control, biological gopher control, etc.   Contact: John Bargetto, web site

Cooper-Garrod – sustainable practices includie solar, biodiesel, composting, wildlife management, etc.  Bill Cooper is on the Board of the state Sustainable Winegrape Growers Alliance, and is one of about 5 profiles on the organization’s web site.  Contact:  408-867-7116, web site.

Lester Family Vineyards – Sustainable practices include cover crops, no till, no herbicides, emphasis on canopy management and proactive viticulture management to keep the vines healthy and more resistant to problems.  Organic and IPM minimum spray program.  Contact Prudy Foxx

Saveria Vineyards — Sustainable practices include cover crops, no till, no herbicides, emphasis on canopy management and proactive viticulture management.  Organic and IPM minimum spray program.  Contact Prudy Foxx

Terra Serena Vineyard – sustainable practices include erosion control, solar power, and an organic approach.  Contact:

Windy Oaks – biodynamic and sustainable practices.  Contact: 831-786-9463, web site

To serve the common interests of all Santa Cruz Mountains appellation winegrape producers, and to enhance the quality, profitability and reputation of winegrape production in the appellation through promotion and education.