Since 1989, the Bleecher family has sustainably farmed grapes for their terroir driven, small production, estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc at Napa Valley’s Jericho Canyon Vineyard.
Having raised their kids, grapes and multiple wine dogs on the estate, the Bleechers believe in being responsible land stewards. According to owner and vineyard manager Dale Bleecher, “Our approach to green growing is multi-pronged, employing tools like no-till farming, insectaries, bird boxes and erosion control.”
No-till farming reduces wind and water erosion, while providing crucial habitat for beneficial insects. Insectaries also provide habitat for beneficial insects, which keeps Jericho Canyon insecticide free. Within the vineyard, owl boxes attract nesting owls that provide rodent control, and bluebird boxes invite bug-eating birds to call the canyon home.
More and more wineries are taking an Earth-friendly approach to farming their vineyards and making their wines, including those featured in the Earth Friendly sampler on sale at Vinesse.
Like the Bleechers, the owners of these estates understand that the decisions they make today have a direct and lasting impact on our world in general, and the wine world in particular.
