CLIMATE RESILIENCE
RAISE A GLASS TO RESILIENCY
TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
Photo: Visit Temecula Valley
When a trip to Temecula includes wine tasting, select one of the many wineries that are actively investing in regenerating vineyard ecosystems. After your trip, encourage vineyards at home to do the same.
What's
changing
A recent study published by Nature found that 70% of the world’s wine production is threatened by increasing temperatures.
What's already
possible
In Temecula, California, Wilson Creek Winery has been experimenting with a variety of regenerative agriculture tactics and shares their knowledge with smaller producers.
Seizing
the opportunity
The winery’s tactics range in investment levels. Activities include insect monitoring, introducing wildflowers to attract beneficial insects for pest control, sap analysis, soil respiration tests, transitioning to compost from chemical fertilizers, and decreasing herbicide use in favor of seaweed
Standout
tactic
A simple and easily accessible solution for the winery is using cover crops like oats, barley, peas and vetch to combat erosion, increase nitrogen in the soil and avoid between-row tillage.
How
it helps
After nearly a decade of experiments and monitoring, the winery found that vines grown with regenerative principles consistently outperform standard grown vines due to their increased tolerance to heat and drought. When these tactics are combined with improved water distribution, the winery says that they have reduced water use by 40% while increasing yield by 28%.
Diving
deeper
While regenerative agricultural practices benefit the wine, what downsides might come with modifying established vineyard ecosystems?
Increasing
impact
To make an impact beyond the vines, wineries can invest in native ecosystem restoration in neighboring areas, support innovation hubs that facilitate accelerating agricultural advancements, lean on circular economy principles, and prioritize water stewardship.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
