– Wineries are embracing sustainability practices due to shifting consumer values
– Whitehall Lane Winery has implemented sheep grazing and Oakville bluegrass as sustainable solutions
– These practices reduce the need for herbicides and tilling while improving soil health and combating pests
Whitehall Lane Winery in California’s Napa Valley is embracing sustainability practices, with Director of Winemaking and Viticulture, Jason Moulton, leading the charge since joining the team in 2016. The focus is on regenerative farming, including transitioning from herbicides to no-till farming to restore soil health. The winery is also looking at using sheep grazing as a natural and sustainable way to manage weeds, provide natural fertilizer, and reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen.
Sheep grazing in vineyards is not a new concept, having been practiced for centuries, and has been proven to be effective in maintaining soil health and biodiversity. Moulton was inspired by his studies in New Zealand and hopes to phase out traditional tilling practices that release CO2 into the atmosphere and kill beneficial microorganisms in the soil. The Whitehall Lane Winery intends to integrate sheep and Oakville bluegrass cover crops to reduce herbicide use, erosion, and tractor passes, ultimately achieving greater sustainability in their vineyard practices.
Moulton aims to have a herd of sheep at the vineyard by 2025 and eliminate herbicides and tilling by 2028. By partnering with sustainability experts, the winery hopes to set benchmarks and reach their sustainability goals. The combination of sheep grazing and cover crops like Oakville bluegrass shows promise in reducing environmental impact, promoting soil health, and contributing to a more sustainable industry overall.