Certified Sustainable in Clarksburg, Ca

After over 100 years of farming the Clarksburg Region, we have seen first-hand that great wine begins in a Sustainable Vineyard.  With each year, we gain more knowledge of our land, the vines, and the unique characteristics of the wine they produce. We strive to improve the vineyards  through research and certification with CALIFORNIA RULES through Protected Harvest, to produce the best wine in California.

• In 1992, the Lodi Winegrape Commission launched a grassroots farmer education program, aiming to reduce the amount of pesticides used by learning about the entire vineyard ecosystem. 
• This grassroots program turned into the formally accredited LODI RULES sustainable certification program in 2005. 
• In 2009, the first vineyards outside of Lodi became certified. CALIFORNIA RULES is an expansion of the successful LODI RULES program, where vineyards and wineries outside of the Lodi AVA adhere to the same set of rigorous, scientifically sound sustainable winegrowing practices. 
• CALIFORNIA RULES is a comprehensive certification program that addresses the complete scope of farm management practices. 
• As of 2023, over 72,000 acres are "Certified Green" in California. 
• CAlIFORNIA RULES standards must:
  • Address at least one of the three aspects of sustainability (environment, people, business)
  • Be measurable/auditable
  • Be economically feasible to implement
  • Be based on science (not a trend)

Herbicide-free farming in vineyards benefits and improves the quality and taste of the grapes, reduces the environmental impact on surrounding ecosystems, and promotes healthier soil and water. It also enhances the sustainability and long-term viability of our vineyards for future generations.

By adopting herbicide-free farming practices, our vineyards reap benefits beyond just improving the quality of their wine grapes. These include:

• Reduced risk of groundwater contamination: Herbicides can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. By eliminating herbicides, we reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and promote cleaner water sources.

• Biodiversity conservation: Herbicides can harm not just the target weeds, but also non-target species such as beneficial insects and pollinators. By avoiding herbicides, our vineyards help preserve biodiversity and promote a healthier ecosystem.

Transitioning our vineyards to 100% herbicide-free has had significant environmental, economic, and social benefits.

To enhance our sustainability practices we have built a lasting partnership with the Wildlife Care Association of Sacramento and provide habitat for rehabilitated owls.  If you are lucky enough to be there in the last moments before sunset, you may even see an owl flying low to the ground looking for dinner to feed her young owlets or snuggled safe and cozy in an owl box lining the vineyard.