At Wilson Creek Winery, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a legacy in the making. For over a decade, we’ve been deeply committed to environmental stewardship, starting with the elimination of herbicides, reduced tillage, efficient irrigation, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). We planted diverse cover crops to naturally enrich our soils and support biodiversity.
Seven years ago, we took our commitment further and fully transitioned to regenerative agriculture—a science-based, ecosystem-first approach built on the idea that everything in nature is connected. Our goal is to create a thriving, self-sustaining system where soil, plants, animals, and people flourish together. Today, we’re proud to be one of the leading voices in regenerative viticulture. From biweekly sap analysis and soil microbiome testing to grazing sheep and planting insectary cover crops, our practices are data-driven and rooted in nature. We’ve partnered with USDA researchers, Regen Ag Labs, and universities to better understand and improve our vineyard ecosystem. As one of the first wineries to integrate multi-year soil, plant, and microbial data through platforms like Ag Code, we’re not just regenerating our land—we’re helping define the future of winemaking. And through our direct-to-consumer experience, we’re able to share that story openly with every guest who visits.
Regenerative farming is more than a method. At Wilson Creek, it’s a mission—one vine, one vintage, and one vibrant ecosystem at a time.
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that focuses on restoring natural systems, building healthy soils, and enhancing the long-term vitality of the land. Rather than simply sustaining the current state, it seeks to regenerate what has been depleted—improving soil biology, increasing biodiversity, and strengthening the resilience of the entire ecosystem.
At its heart, regenerative farming recognizes that everything in nature is interconnected. Healthy soils lead to stronger plants, which support more balanced insect populations, water retention, and carbon sequestration. These benefits ripple outward, creating a vineyard environment that is more adaptive, productive, and environmentally sound.
Unlike conventional farming, which often relies on inputs and short-term outputs, regenerative agriculture works with natural processes—leveraging biology, biodiversity, and data to create self-sustaining systems that can thrive with fewer outside interventions.
At Wilson Creek, regenerative agriculture is more than a technique—it’s a commitment to improving the land with every season, ensuring that our vineyard remains vibrant, balanced, and alive for generations to come.
Healthy soil is the foundation of regenerative agriculture—and at Wilson Creek Winery, we treat it as a living, breathing system. By focusing on soil biology, not just chemistry, we work to build resilient, microbially rich soils that support vine health, increase nutrient availability, and enhance water retention.
We use a multi-faceted approach to monitor and improve soil health, including:
Monthly Haney soil respiration tests to assess biological activity
Biannual PCR testing to track changes in soil microbiome diversity over time
USDA soil health assessments to measure physical and biological integrity
Regular compost trials in partnership with CR&R and Abbott Pharmaceuticals to boost organic matter and microbial life
Annual planting of diverse, multi-species cover crops that naturally feed soil organisms, prevent erosion, and add carbon back into the ground
These practices don’t just benefit our vineyard—they contribute to global climate resilience. As organic matter increases, our soils act as carbon sinks, drawing down atmospheric carbon and storing it underground through natural biological processes.
By regenerating our soil, we’re creating a vineyard that is not only more productive and disease-resistant, but also actively helping to mitigate climate change—one root system at a time.
At Wilson Creek, we believe the healthiest vineyards are those in balance with nature. Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program reduces reliance on synthetic inputs by using smart, sustainable strategies to manage pests while protecting beneficial species.
We monitor pest populations year-round and use targeted, data-driven interventions only when necessary. We’ve planted insectary flowering plants within our cover crops to attract natural predators and pollinators, and we regularly introduce beneficial insects to maintain ecosystem balance.
We’ve also taken a leadership role in regional pest monitoring, stepping in to continue Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter tracking in Temecula after state funding ended in 2023.
By supporting biodiversity and letting nature do the heavy lifting, our IPM approach keeps the vineyard thriving—without disrupting the environment.
As part of our regenerative approach, we’ve introduced grazing sheep into the vineyard—an age-old practice with modern benefits. The sheep help naturally manage weeds, reduce the need for mowing or herbicides, and fertilize the soil as they graze, enriching it with organic matter. Their presence also supports a more diverse vineyard microbiome, promoting healthier soils and increased biological activity. By integrating animals into our system, we create a closed-loop, low-impact solution that benefits both the land and the vines.
At Wilson Creek, even our weed control is part of the ecosystem.
California’s drought conditions challenge all farmers, but our regenerative practices ensure water is used wisely. At Wilson Creek, we combine modern technology with nature-based solutions to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
We utilize:
Precision irrigation systems to deliver water only where and when it’s needed
Soil monitoring sensors for real-time insights into moisture levels
Deep-rooted vines that tap into natural underground moisture
Satellite and ground-based tools in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District to fine-tune irrigation and plant health monitoring
Through these methods, we protect one of California’s most precious resources—using less water while growing healthier vines.
Regenerative farming at Wilson Creek goes beyond our vineyard rows—we’re committed to shaping the future of agriculture through education, collaboration, and leadership.
We proudly:
Partner with Temecula Valley High School’s Regenerative Agriculture Club to inspire the next generation of land stewards
Host hands-on training for vineyard workers, promoting soil health, sustainability, and biodiversity practices
Lead and participate in cutting-edge research with the USDA, NRCS, UC Irvine, and other institutions to advance the science of regenerative viticulture
Collaborate on regional initiatives, including taking over the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter monitoring program when funding ended in 2023
By sharing knowledge and driving innovation, we’re helping to build a more resilient and regenerative future—for our region and beyond.
2021 Block 9 Cabernet Sauvignon is the culmination of six years of scientifically guided research into conversation from standard agricultural practices to regenerative practices. In conjunction with University of California Riverside.
We utilized a combination of biological inoculants, cover crops, organically chelated fertility and sheep produced fruit of rare density and balance.
The result? Healthier vines, richer fruit, and wines that express the purest characteristics of our land.
At Wilson Creek, regeneration isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about crafting wines that tell a story.
At Wilson Creek Winery, we are dedicated to being responsible stewards of the land, champions for our employees, and engaged members of our community. As the world faces ever-evolving environmental and social challenges, we believe that regenerative agriculture is the key to preserving not only our vineyards but the future of winemaking itself. By restoring the land, nurturing biodiversity, and sharing our knowledge, we are committed to being part of the solution— ensuring that Temecula Valley remains a thriving, world-class wine region for generations to come.
The goal of regenerative agriculture is to reverse environmental decline and establish a resilient, thriving ecosystem. At Wilson Creek, this philosophy touches every part of our operation—from the way we feed our vines to the way we engage with our guests. The future of regenerative farming in Temecula is bright. Our region’s favorable climate and strong direct-to-consumer connections give us a unique platform to lead by example and educate the public about real ecosystem restoration—not just marketing buzzwords. Wilson Creek stands for transparency and action. By welcoming guests onto our property and into our story, we offer a genuine, personal experience that connects people to the land—and to the future of farming.
Our commitment isn’t just about today’s harvest. It’s about ensuring that future generations will inherit vineyards that are richer, more diverse, and more resilient than ever before.
Open 7 Days a Week
35960 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92591
(951) 699-9463
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