Thirty-five percent more California vineyards used the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing in 2016-2020 to guide their operations, a just-released report says. That represents a 45% increase in acres, a 60% increase in wineries and a 58% increase in cases produced using sustainable principles since 2016, a just released report says.
“These practices improve resource efficiency and wine quality, reduce risks and, in many cases, reduce costs, while contributing to a healthier environment, stronger communities and vibrant businesses,” said Allison Jordan, executive director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
The 2020 report shows that 2,300 vineyards representing 262,000 winegrape acres used the 3rd edition Code to evaluate and improve their practices since 2016. The data show that a majority have adopted sustainable practices for water and energy efficiency, pest management and soil health, among other areas, as detailed below:
- Water Efficiency: 82% of growers used micro-irrigation systems to target irrigation, optimize water use and conservation.
- Energy Efficiency: 90% of growers reduced energy use through water pump improvements, the largest energy saving opportunity in the vineyard.
- Pest Management: 83% of growers used cultural practices to naturally manage pests, reducing need for pesticides.
- Soil Health: 99% of growers used resident vegetation, cover crops and/or compost.
CALIFORNIA WINERY DATA
The 2020 report shows that 230 wineries that produce 262 million cases used the 3rd edition Code to evaluate and improve their practices since 2016. A majority are adopting sustainability practices for energy, water and their overall business, among other areas.
- Energy Efficiency: 86% of vintners conducted an energy audit of their winery within the last five years to save energy and costs.
- Water Efficiency: 90% of vintners measured and monitored water use to manage it responsibly.
- Sustainable Business Strategy: 91% of vintners integrated sustainability into their business strategy.
CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY DATA
The livelihood of California vintners and growers depends upon the health of the environment and local communities. The 2020 report shows that a vast majority of the state’s vintners and growers are taking action to protect wildlife, positively contributing to their communities and encouraging employees to become engaged in enhancing sustainability.
- Employees: 89% of vintners encouraged employees to provide suggestions for improving operational efficiency to enhance sustainability.
- Neighbors: 99% of growers provided neighbors with contact information and responded to community concerns.
- Wildlife: 91% of growers allowed growth of resident or native vegetation to protect local water bodies and positively impact surrounding community.
- Contribution: 94% of vintners volunteered or provided other contributions to enhance their local community.