Sustainability In Our Vineyard
Following this week’s Earth Day celebrations, we’re reminded that Earth Day is just about every day around here - especially in our vineyards. We're proud to share our ongoing efforts to cultivate sustainability on our farm and in our vineyard practices. At Bluemont Vineyard, we believe in stewarding the land for future generations while producing exceptional wines.
Here are three sustainability initiatives that our winery and production team have been implementing.
Mustard Planting:
This is our first year working with planting mustard and we have high hopes that it will become a beneficial part of our vineyard sustainability. We identified a few vineyard blocks that are lacking in overall nutrition and mustard planting is a notable step in helping to build soil structure, assisting in crowding out weeds, and suppressing nematodes. Nematodes are pesky microscopic worms that cause damage to the roots of the vines which leads to vine decline.
Composting:
We're committed to minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency in our winemaking process. Through composting, we repurpose seeds, skins, and stems leftover from wine production, along with straw, manure, and lime. This composting process not only diverts organic material from landfills but also enriches our vineyard soils, creating a closed-loop system that nurtures our vines and ecosystem.
Targeted + Timed Spraying
While pest and disease management are essential for vine health, we prioritize a prudent and precise approach to spraying. Rather than adhering to a rigid schedule, we employ targeted and timed spraying practices based on vineyard observations, weather conditions, and insect patterns. This hands-on, low-impact approach minimizes chemical usage, reducing our environmental footprint while safeguarding vine health.
At Bluemont Vineyard, we're not just growing grapes—we're nurturing Mother Nature with every sip.
Around here, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a core value woven into every aspect of our operations and ethos. As we raise a glass to Earth Day, we invite you to join us in our commitment to stewardship and environmental responsibility. Together, we can nurture the land and enjoy the fruits of our labor for generations to come.