News From The Trail
Sustainable Grazing: Meet the Sheep of Our Stags Leap District Vineyard
Across the terraced hillsides of our Stags Leap District, Napa Valley estate vineyard, a special kind of vineyard crew is hard at work—our adorable flock of sheep. These four-legged vineyard stewards are more than just charming additions to the landscape; they play a crucial role in our commitment to sustainability and low-impact viticulture.
As proud members of Napa Green and International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), we continuously seek ways to lower our carbon footprint while maintaining the health of our vineyards. By using sheep to graze, we significantly reduce the need for tractor passes, cutting down on emissions and soil compaction while fostering a more balanced ecosystem.
🐑 Natural Weed Control: Our sheep graze on cover crops and unwanted vegetation, eliminating the need for herbicides.
🚜 Fewer Tractor Passes: Reducing mechanical mowing decreases fuel consumption and soil disturbance.
🌱 Low-Input Viticulture: By integrating livestock, we create a more self-sustaining environment, improving soil health and biodiversity.
💚 A Vibrant Landscape: Beyond their sustainability benefits, our sheep remove weeds naturally while also adding charm to the vineyard, delighting guests as they roam the hillsides.
Our terraced estate in Napa Valley is designed to work with nature, not against it, and the presence of our sheep exemplifies that philosophy. As they graze beneath the vines, they help maintain a healthy vineyard ecosystem, contributing to regenerative farming practices that will sustain our land for generations to come.
Next time you visit in spring, keep an eye out for our woolly vineyard team, doing their part to shape a greener future—one bite at a time.