Part II: So, why should everyone care about sustainability?

We believe that quality wines start first with quality vineyards.  Here's how we continue to ensure Fiddlestix Vineyard produces the best grapes possible for years to come and uphold our "Sustainability in Practice" (SIP) certification:

1. Social responsibility - We offer competitive wages, medical insurance, training, and education to our workers.

2. Water conservation - We regularly monitor soils, plants, and weather, irrigating vines only when needed.

3. Clean Water - We keep water clean by growing grasses to reduce erosion and filter storm runoff.

4. Safe Pest Management - We introduce beneficial insects, attract raptors, and plant enriching cover crops to keep vineyards healthy.

5. Energy Efficiency - We minimize tractor use to reduce our carbon footprint, and use alternative fuels and energy sources like wind and solar.

6. Habitat - We create wildlife corridors to give animals access to traditional watering holes and food, helping them maintain biodiversity.

7. Third Party Audit - We verify adherence to SIP's strict standards through third party documentation and onsite inspection.

8. Improvement - We annually update and regularly peer review the farming standards, as best management practices evolve with new science, technology and research.

And it doesn't stop at our efforts in Santa Barbara County.  Our source for Pinot Noir in Oregon - Alloro Vineyard - participates in a similar program: "Low Input Viticulture & Enology," or LIVE (click to read more).