Every Earth Day, we’re reminded of the importance of preserving the land we love—for ourselves, our children, and future generations. But here at Wilson Creek Winery, we believe that stewardship of the earth should be a daily mindset, not a once-a-year reflection. That’s why we’ve committed to something bigger than sustainability. We’re going regenerative.

Regenerative agriculture is a bold, holistic farming philosophy that doesn’t just aim to “do less harm”—it strives to heal. It’s about restoring vitality to our soil, increasing biodiversity, improving the resilience of our vineyard ecosystem, and creating a long-term positive impact that ripples far beyond our property lines.

And we’re proud to be leading the charge in the Temecula Valley.

      

What Is Regenerative Agriculture?

While traditional sustainable farming focuses on reducing chemical use and preserving resources, regenerative agriculture goes further by actively rebuilding the health of the vineyard from the ground up—starting with the soil. Healthy soil is alive. It teems with microbes, fungi, and organisms that work in harmony with the vines to naturally retain water, cycle nutrients, and boost plant resilience.

At Wilson Creek, our regenerative journey includes:

  • Building Soil Health & Capturing Carbon: Through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, we nurture the microbial life beneath our feet and help pull carbon from the atmosphere back into the soil.
  • Water Conservation: We use precision irrigation and soil moisture sensors to deliver just the right amount of water to each block—vital in a drought-prone state like California.
  • Biodiversity in Action: Sheep graze through the vineyards naturally mowing grass and fertilizing the soil, while owl boxes and beneficial insect habitats help us control pests without harsh chemicals.
  • Eliminating Synthetic Inputs: Our team avoids chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides that degrade the ecosystem, opting instead for organic alternatives and integrated pest management practices that work in sync with nature

 

Meet the Steward of Our Vines:

Greg Pennyroyal

Our Vineyard Manager, Greg Pennyroyal, is a nationally recognized voice in regenerative farming. With a background in botanical medicine and ecosystem management, Greg brings a systems-thinking approach to the vineyard. His belief? That truly great wine starts long before harvest—it begins with living, thriving soil and a healthy, balanced vineyard.

Greg has helped lead research projects with the USDA and NRCS, started a Regenerative Agriculture Club at Temecula Valley High School, and regularly trains vineyard workers on regenerative methods. His passion is contagious, and it has set the tone for our entire viticulture program.

A Taste of Regeneration: Block 9 Cabernet

This year, we’re proud to release our very first vintage from a fully regenerative block—the Block 9 Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown without synthetic inputs and managed with regenerative techniques from start to finish, this wine is proof that what’s better for the land can also be better in the glass.

Block 9 Cabernet showcases rich notes of blackberry, cedar, and chocolate-covered espresso beans. But it’s more than a wine—it’s a story in a bottle. A story of care, science, and a little bit of magic from Mother Nature.

Giving Back to the Valley

We know that one vineyard can’t change the world on its own, which is why we’re also sharing our knowledge with others. Through our Small Wine Growers Association and ongoing educational partnerships, we’re empowering other local farmers to adopt regenerative practices and make Temecula Valley a model for responsible, climate-resilient winemaking.

We believe that true leadership means lifting others up—and that the health of our entire wine community is stronger when we learn and grow together.

Explore More: Our Regenerative Agriculture Page

Curious to learn more about what we’re doing and how you can support regenerative agriculture in wine country? Visit our new webpage dedicated to all things regenerative:

 wilsoncreekwinery.com/regenerative-ag/

There you’ll find more details, behind-the-scenes photos, and updates on how our practices are evolving.

Cheers to Earth Day—And Every Day

At Wilson Creek Winery, we’re raising a glass not just to great wine, but to a better future. Regenerative agriculture is about more than farming—it’s about healing. It’s about hospitality with heart, rooted in responsibility. This Earth Day, we invite you to celebrate with us and become part of a movement that’s growing deeper roots every day.

Happy Earth Day—from our vineyard to your glass.