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What is sustainable viticulture?
Sustainable winegrowing is an approach to growing wine grapes and making wine that is environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable. It means being responsible to the land, the workers, the community and to all those who enjoy the wines.
Why is it necessary?
Sustainable viticulture is a long-term, plausible plan in order to sustain viticulture for the future. A considerable part of sustainable viticulture pertains to pests and how they are maintained. The Lodi Rules program uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is a long-term solution for both the environment and economy. IPM reduces the amount of harmful pesticides that are put into not only the fruit, but also the environment.
Who is involved?
In 2007, there were a total of 7,680 acres that were Lodi Rules certified. Since the 2005 vintage, Herzog has produced three wines that are Lodi certified: Baron Herzog Old Vine Zinfandel, Special Reserve Zinfandel and Special Reserve Zin Gris.
How is it done?
Sustainable viticulture involves care and detail from the farmers. Sustainable winegrowing practices help reduce water and energy use, minimize pesticide use, build healthy soil, protect air and water quality, recycle natural resources, maintain surrounding wildlife habitat, provide employee education, and communicate with neighbors about vineyard and winery operations. Wineries and vineyards practicing sustainable viticulture must use strict checklists in order to be certified as sustainable. When customers see the Lodi Rules Certified Green seal on a bottle of wine, they can trust that every effort has been made in the vineyard to protect the environment for future use.
Our Involvement
Since the Herzog family began making wine in California in 1985, sourcing grapes from vineyards that practice sustainable farming has been a top priority. Now producing three different wines bearing the Lodi Rules certification, the program represents ideals extremely important to Herzog: respecting the environment, accounting for social needs and interests, and helping to balance the costs of implementation. Maintaining a tradition of excellence in all aspects of winemaking is part of the time honored legacy that dates back eight generations in the Herzog family. Protecting the land for the future is part of this ongoing legacy.
One of the main goals of sustainable viticulture is to create lasting farming techniques that harvest healthier produce with fewer harmful pesticides. This helps Herzog in its ongoing quest to produce the highest quality wine possible. The use of healthier pesticides and other techniques help these vineyards be better neighbors to those farms around them. Herzog strongly believes in supporting sustainability for its social and environmental benefits, and for the opportunity to ensure a strong future for the Herzog tradition of fine wines.
*Some information courtesy of the Lodi Woodbridge Winegrape Commission. |
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