Salmon-Friendly Vineyard and Sustainable Grazing Practices
Wednesday, March 7

Presented by: Kent Reeves, EBMUD & senior author of the Ecosystem Management Chapter for the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices

Livestock and winegrape production are two of the largest agricultural land uses in California and encompass over 38.5 million acres combined. These two forms of agriculture production have been an important component of California’s economic and social fabric since the establishment of the first Spanish mission in San Diego in the late 1700’s. Combined, livestock and winegrape production contribute over $50 billion annually to California’s economy. Resource management professionals recognize the role of sustainable agriculture in the conservation of fish and wildlife. Therefore, understanding the sustainable management of livestock and winegrape production can contribute to an overall benefit for fish and wildlife influenced by these two forms of agriculture.

Implementation of Sustainable Winegrape Growing in California

California is one of the world's leading grape producers, accounting for 90 percent of U.S. production and more than 9 percent of global output - fourth largest after France, Italy and Spain. Winegrapes are grown in 46 of California's 58 counties covering 513,000 acres and ranking among the state's top 10 agricultural products. Within the agriculture industry, California winegrape growers are considered leaders in the sustainable farming arena. However, how does one implement sustainable farming in their own vineyard? The classroom portion of the workshop will address the challenges of sustainable winegrowing, which are: 1) Defining sustainability; 2) Implementing sustainable winegrowing practices in the vineyard; and 3) Measuring progress at the individual vineyard level. Examples of sustainable winegrape growing adjacent to riparian areas will be discussed.

Growing Practices along the Northcoast

For this field trip on Wednesday, March 7th we will visit three vineyards and a winery that are involved in sustainable winegrape growing practices in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Fetzer and Bonterra vineyards have two major projects with the RCD and NRCS to restore watersheds, mainly for the purpose of salmonid habitat enhancement and restoration. We will visit these sites as well as Preston vineyards in Sonoma county, which features hedgerow plantings and creek protection practices. After the tour we will have an opportunity to taste wines at the Fetzer Winery in Hopland.