What makes a sustainable vineyard

Many people love traveling to vineyards on vacation or just as a weekend getaway. The good news is that sustainable vineyards abound throughout the world, so it’s totally within easy reach to plan green travel that includes days of wine and bliss. However, before looking at any one vineyard in particular, I thought we should look at some common terms associated with eco-vineyards. Vineyard : This is the general catch-all term for a plantation of grapevines used to make wine. Although, it’s not uncommon for vineyards to exist to be used for producing table grapes, raisins, and non-alcoholic grape juices. A vineyard may sit on land that also features orchards, other gardens, lodging, restaurants, and more attractions. The actual science, practice and study of vineyard production and farming is called viticulture. While many vineyards are amazing to visit and unique in their own way, not all are sustainable. Organic vineyards and wines : Organic wines are made without synthetic or toxic pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides and the wines won’t have added sulfites. Organic wine can be made on a non-organic vineyard - i.e. part of the land is set aside for organics, or it can be made at a vineyard dedicated to total organics. Obviously, if you’re aiming for a green travel experience, a full-on organic vineyard is the best

place to visit. Vegan wines : Vegan wines are made with no animal derived products (which are sometimes used in the last processes of wine making). Biodynamic vineyards : These vineyards employ a holistic approach to wine making. They practice ethical farming and place importance on animal selection, soil choices, compost, and more issues that may naturally enhance and regulate plant (or in this case vine) growth. This is a tricky term - learn more about biodynamics . Salmon safe vineyards : These are a big deal where I live in the Pacific Northwest. These vineyards protect and restore salmon habitats. They grow cover crops to control run-off, use natural or organic methods to control pests and weeds, and plant trees on streams. Learn more about sustainable wine and vineyards: The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance LIVE: Low Input Viticulture & Enology, Inc Oregon Certified Sustainable Wine EU Organic Legislation Canadian Vintners Association Organic Wine Journal The carbon footprint of wine [image via stock.xchng]

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What makes a sustainable vineyard

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