Sustainable Viticulture

Flying Goat prioritizes sustainable practices and we source from Santa Barbara County vineyards that are like minded. There are many ways to integrate sustainable practices into the vineyard and there are at least four certifications available. For example, Ampelos Vineyard has a history of its conversion to sustainable practices that is worth reading.

CA Wine defines sustainable winegrowing "as a comprehensive set of practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable. Sustainable winegrowing is being used by winegrape growers and vintners throughout California to grow and make high quality grapes and wine. These sustainable vineyard and winery practices conserve water and energy, maintain healthy soil, protect air and water quality, enhance relations with employees and communities, preserve local ecosystems and wildlife habitat, and improve the economic vitality of vineyards and wineries." Learn more here .

Vineyards with Certifications:

Ampelos Vineyard- California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), Biodynamic Farming (Demeter) and Organic Farming

Bien Nacido Vineyard - California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and Sustainability in Practice (SIP) 

Dierberg Vineyard - California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA)

Nielson Vineyard - Sustainability in Practice (SIP)

Sierra Madre Vineyard - Sustainability in Practice (SIP)

Solomon Hills Vineyard - California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and Sustainability in Practice (SIP) 

We have also sourced from Clos Pepe Vineyard (CSWA) and Riverbench Vineyard (SIP). Rio Vista Vineyard is a favorite vineyard of ours that is not currently certified but implements sustainable practices, such as owl houses for rodent management. 

Sustainability Certifications:

Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CSWA)

• addresses the whole farm by protecting both natural and human resources, while still growing as a business
• main focus include environmental stewardship, social and economic equity, and economic profitability
• major goals are to develop economically viable ecosystems and to enhance the quality of the environment, so that farmlands remain productive indefinitely

Sustainability in Practice (SIP)

• addresses the whole farm by protecting nature and human resources, while still growing as a business
• main focus includes environmental stewardship, social and economic equity and economic profitability
• major goals are to develop economically viable ecosystems and to enhance the quality of the environment so that farmlands remain productive indefinitely

Organic Farming (USDA Organic)

• avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and harmful chemical pesticides that can influence the growth of crops and health of the soil
• main idea behind organic farming is 'zero impact' on the environment
• motto of the organic farmer is to protect the earth by relying on natural fertilizers and pest control systems to care for the plants

Biodynamic Farming (Demeter)

• practices exist to move a vineyard back to a state of natural balance
• views the farm as a self-contained, self sustaining ecosystem responsible for creating and maintaining its individual health and vitality
• sees the need for the farm to follow the earth's schedule...not the farmer's!