Celebrating Earth Day: A Commitment to Sustainability at Somerston Estate

 

As the world comes together to celebrate Earth Day each year on April 22nd, it serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve our planet. Established in 1970, Earth Day was born out of concern for the environment and the increasing awareness of the impact of human activities on our natural world. Over the decades, this observance has grown into a global movement, inspiring millions to engage with and advocate for environmental protection, sustainability, and a healthier planet. And that rings true for our beloved Estate, Napa Valley, and industry. 

 

At Somerston Estate, we are proud to be part of this movement, particularly within the wine industry. We were established by the values of our late Co-Founder and Founding Winemaker, Craig Becker: "Our guiding mission at Somerston is to operate systemically as a sustainable, efficient, and land-focused project..." As stewards of the land, we recognize that the health of our environment is intrinsically linked to the quality of our wines and the longevity of our vineyards. On this Earth Day, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the importance of sustainability in winemaking and how it shapes our practices at Somerston Estate. For us, Earth Day is about learning from the past, effecting change in our current time, and looking for a brighter future.

 

The Origins of Earth Day

Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970, initiated by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson after witnessing the environmental devastation caused by industrial pollution. The response to the inaugural event was overwhelming, with an estimated 20 million people participating nationwide. This grassroots movement led to significant environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishment.

 

Today, Earth Day is celebrated in over 190 countries, uniting individuals, organizations, and governments to foster awareness and support for environmental causes. The theme for Earth Day 2023, "Invest in Our Planet," emphasizes the dire need for collective action toward a sustainable future, pushing for investments in green technologies, renewable energy, and conservation initiatives. In 2024, the Earth Day theme was “Planet vs. Plastics,” as a global push to reconsider single-use plastics and look towards options that favor a future of a cleaner, greener planet. This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” which echos empowerment on many levels but rings true to Somerston Estate, where we feel it’s our land and responsibility to nurture and appreciate our property.

Earth Day and the Wine Industry

The wine industry is deeply intertwined with the natural environment. Grapes are a product of their terroir, encompassing the soil, climate, and ecosystem in which they are grown. As climate change poses a growing threat to traditional viticulture, the importance of sustainable practices has never been more apparent. Earth Day serves as a vital reflection point for wineries like Somerston Estate, reminding us of our commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability, which we do daily but get to truly celebrate on a day like Earth Day.

 

Sustainable winemaking goes beyond organic and biodynamic certifications. It is about implementing holistic practices that minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and enhance biodiversity. The associated benefits to soil health, water management, and carbon sequestration ultimately yield higher-quality grapes and, consequently, exceptional wines. All while protecting our planet.

 

Pruning Practices and Sustainable Viticulture

At Somerston Estate, sustainability begins in the vineyard. We prioritize regenerative agricultural practices that encourage the health of our vines and the biodiversity of our ecosystems. One such practice is responsible pruning. By employing techniques that promote balanced growth, we ensure that our vineyards remain healthy and productive without over-reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. 

 

Pruning helps control yields, with careful attention to canopy management aiding in sunlight exposure and air circulation, reducing the risk of disease while enhancing grape quality. Our team takes great care to optimize growth cycles, taking into account factors such as soil condition and climate, which ultimately harmonize with the natural rhythms of the environment.

 

We are also constantly looking for sustainable innovations to improve our practices and help our team perform more efficiently. We recently started utilizing automatic tying machines, allowing our vineyard team to breeze through blocks in preparation for a new growing season. One of the tying machines uses natural jute thread, which breaks down and is not harmful to the vine or soil.

Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and effective management of this resource is particularly crucial in wine regions where competition for water can be fierce. At Somerston Estate, we are committed to sustainable water management practices. We employ advanced irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, that reduce waste and ensure our vines receive precisely what they need to thrive. This targeted watering reduces runoff and conserves water, allowing us to grow high-quality grapes while respecting our most vital resource. We have multiple reservoirs on our property that support our irrigation system, further impacting the Somerston sustainable ecosystem.

 

In addition, we actively monitor soil moisture and forecast weather to inform our irrigation practices further. We enhance our productivity by employing technology and data-driven strategies while minimizing environmental impact and conserving water.

 

Biodiversity and Habitat Preservation

Somerston Estate is situated in a stunningly diverse ecological landscape. Our commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond the vineyard itself, as we recognize the importance of preserving local ecosystems. Biodiversity is essential not just for a balanced environment; it significantly contributes to the health of our vineyards.

 

To promote biodiversity, we maintain natural habitats around our vineyards, encouraging pollinators and beneficial insects that support the grapevines' growth. Planting cover crops and integrating wildlife corridors within our farming practices enhances soil health while promoting a thriving ecosystem.

 

We also engage in integrated pest management (IPM) practices that leverage natural predation and reduce pesticide use. The resulting healthy ecosystems increase resilience against pests and diseases and create a beautiful landscape that harmonizes with our vineyard management and winemaking philosophy.

 

Organic and Biodynamic Practices

At Somerston Estate, we've made it our mission to integrate organic and biodynamic practices into our winemaking. From sourcing organic grapes to employing holistic vineyard management, we are committed to producing wines without synthetic chemicals and adhering to natural principles. 

 

Biodynamic practices take it a step further, emphasizing the interdependence of nature and farming. By treating our vineyards as a self-sustaining ecosystem, we enhance soil fertility through composting and crop rotation. Less reliance on outside inputs translates to reduced environmental impact and a focus on the earth's natural rhythms.

 

This approach elevates the quality of our wines and assures our customers that they’re supporting a brand that champions environmental responsibility. Plus, we have a dedicated team that cares not only about our Estate but also about the planet and is constantly reviewing practices and potential innovations. Our Director of Vineyard Operations, Jake Knobloch, has been in agriculture since a young age. When the opportunity to work alongside Craig Becker, he knew Somerston Estate was just the place for him. As a mentor, Craig continued to instill the importance of the land with Jake, which has pushed him to have an always opportunistic outlook for practices to protect the land we love so much.

 

Community Engagement and Education

Earth Day is not just a day for reflection; it is a call to action. At Somerston Estate, we believe in the importance of community engagement and education in fostering a culture of sustainability. We actively participate in local initiatives to raise awareness about the significance of environmental stewardship within the wine industry and beyond.

 

Through organizations, vineyard tours, and educational events, we encourage our team and visitors to explore sustainable viticulture practices and inspire them to implement eco-friendly choices in their own lives. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we empower our community to become advocates for the environment—echoing the Earth Day spirit of activism and dedication to protective stewardship.

 

Celebrating with Gratitude

On this Earth Day, we urge our patrons and supporters to join us in celebrating the vital relationship between wine and the environment. Our commitment to sustainability is not a mere obligation; it is at the very heart of our brand and our legacy. The land we cultivate, the unique wines we produce, and the vibrant ecosystem we nurture are testimonies to our reverence for the earth.

 

We invite you to visit Somerston Estate and experience firsthand our sustainable practices and the wine produced as a reflection of our commitment to the planet. Together, let’s honor Earth Day not just once a year but as an ongoing mission to protect the natural world because every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact.

 

As we celebrate Earth Day, we encourage you to appreciate the beauty of the earth and the bounty it provides. The wine industry is responsible for being leaders in environmental stewardship, and at Somerston Estate, we strive to embrace that calling. Let’s invest in our planet and pursue a sustainable future together—one sip at a time. Now, let’s raise a glass of Somerston Estate wine and cheers to a healthier planet and a thriving wine community!