Calvert Woodley Catalog 2025 - Flipbook - Page 73
Stewards of the Vine:
HOW WINERIES ARE BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
I
n vineyards across the world, winemakers are taking a closer look at how to preserve what makes their craft so
special — the land, the climate, and the generations who depend on them. For many, the focus on sustainability
isn’t about trends or labels but about responsibility and long-term thinking.
In France, Italy, and Spain, family-run estates that have farmed the same vineyards for centuries are adopting
practices designed to maintain healthy soils and balanced ecosystems. Cover crops now grow between rows of vines
to prevent erosion, native plants and beneficial insects are encouraged to thrive, and modern energy systems quietly
power historic cellars. The goal remains the same: to produce expressive, high-quality wines while protecting the
vineyards that make them possible.
In California and Oregon, sustainability often blends tradition with technology. Many wineries have introduced
precision irrigation, composting programs, and energy-efficient cellars to reduce waste and preserve resources.
Certification programs such as Napa Green and LIVE provide structure and accountability for producers who want
to measure and improve their environmental footprint. For many, sustainability also means supporting their teams and
local communities, ensuring that every part of the winemaking process reflects care and integrity.
In regions like Argentina, Chile, and South Africa, innovation continues to grow. Some producers rely on natural
irrigation from mountain snowmelt, while others use gravity-fed winemaking to minimize energy use. Across these
regions, there’s a renewed appreciation for working in balance with the environment — allowing nature to guide
rather than control the process.
Even packaging is evolving. Lightweight bottles, recyclable closures, and sustainable shipping materials are now
common, reflecting an industry-wide commitment to reducing waste and improving efficiency without compromising
quality. These efforts may seem small individually, but together they represent meaningful progress toward a more
mindful approach to wine.
At Calvert Woodley, we’re fortunate to work with producers who take this responsibility seriously — from small
family estates to world-renowned wineries. Their dedication ensures that great wine continues to reflect not only
craftsmanship and place but also care and foresight.
As wine lovers, we share in that story. Choosing bottles made with respect for the land is one small way to
support the ongoing health and vitality of the vineyards we value so much. In the end, sustainability in wine is not
about change for its own sake — it’s about ensuring that the beauty of wine, and the landscapes that give rise to it,
endure for generations to come.
CA LV E R T W O O D L E Y
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