Sustainability Practices
An Unwavering Commitment
As a family-owned and operated winery, we are committed to doing our part to ensure we remain stewards of the environment. We are steadfast in our pledge to improve the environment for our community now and the generations to come.
Certified Sustainable Winery
Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery have been assessed and verified under the Sustainable Winegrowing Practices workbook. This statewide certification program provides third party verification of a winery’s commitment to continuous improvement in the adoption and implementation of sustainable winegrowing practices. In 2004, we received our top achievement in the area of sustainability with the Sustainable Winegrowing Green Medal Leadership Award, which is the highest sustainable certification possible.
Carbon Neutral
Rodney Strong Vineyards was the first winery in Sonoma County to offset our carbon footprint. By reducing our carbon footprint and carefully purchasing carbon credits, we have lowered our winery and vineyards’ carbon impact to zero.
Water Conservation
We employ drip irrigation and practice regular deficit irrigation to lessen water usage in conjunction with Tule’s Evapotranspiration (ET) sensor, an advanced metering device that closely monitors water levels in soils and vines. We also take important steps to prevent erosion to keep silt and fertilizers out of the local watershed.
“We all need to do our part to protect the environment. Rodney Strong Vineyards has been a leader in sustainability for decades and we will continue to remain passionate stewards of the land.”
– TOM KLEIN, PROPRIETOR
Soil Conservation
We conserve soil in two ways, by practicing runoff management and erosion control. We compost grape pumice to support the return of soil to organic matter. We utilize natural cover crops, such as peas and oats, which help avoid erosion during the long and potentially wet winter months.
Solar Energy
In 2004, Rodney Strong was awarded the Green Power Leadership award from the Environmental Protection Agency. Our winery boasts one of the largest solar arrays in the world. At just over 1.5 Megawatts, this system supplies 49% of our overall electricity.
Wildlife Protection
By leaving sensitive areas undeveloped, we have minimized adverse effects to threatened or endangered plant and wildlife species. In addition, since 2009, all vineyards have been certified by the Fish Friendly Farming program.
