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. As a family-owned winery rooted in Sonoma County, where 100% of our vineyard acreage is certified sustainable, we are steadfast in our pledge to improve the environment now and for generations to come. This means using sustainable practices now. We have gone acre by acre through our Estate properties to ensure we are taking every step we can to safeguard this region’s ecosystem and continue to focus on sustainability.
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 our 12 estate vineyards. Not only does this allow us to use water efficiently and responsibly, it has a positive effect on the grapes by allowing the vine to concentrate on berry production, resulting in more complex fruit.
“Our dedication to sustainability has been core to who we are for more than 25 years. We approach this through a holistic viewpoint. Not only through our innovative technology and practices to help us make as little impact on our vineyards as possible but also through our commitment to our team, growers, and community to help build and active vibrant place to make wine that surprises and delights.”
– JUSTIN SEIDENFELD, SVP OF WINEMAKING & WINEGROWING
Soil Conservation
We conserve soil in two ways, by practicing runoff management and erosion control, keeping silt and fertilizers out of the local watershed. By composting grape pumice we support the return of soil to organic matter. We utilize natural cover crops, such as peas and oats, which impart nutrients to the soil and help avoid erosion during the long and potentially wet winter months.
Solar Energy
With a new solar array system installed in 2021, we greatly increased our ability to create our own electricity and 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, increasing biodiversity within these habitats. We use grazing cattle for fire abatement and protection. We actively participate in creek restoration and, since 2009, all vineyards have been certified by the Fish Friendly Farming program.
