At Wilson Creek Winery, we’re fully committed to a sustainable and regenerative approach to agriculture. Eleven years ago, we began with a traditional sustainability program that included eliminating herbicides, introducing cover crops, reducing and eliminating tillage, improving irrigation efficiency, and minimizing the use of fungicides and insecticides through integrated pest management programs.
Seven years ago, our team took it a step further by adopting a regenerative agriculture program. The core idea behind regenerative agriculture is that everything in nature is connected, forming a self-regulating, diverse community. To better manage these complex ecosystems, we implemented a comprehensive environmental monitoring system to track the impact of our regenerative practices. Here’s what we’re doing to ensure our vineyard thrives:
- Plant Sap Analysis: We conduct biweekly sap analysis during the growing season. This gives us a detailed, time-lapsed understanding of nutrient uptake by our plants, ensuring they receive exactly what they need.
- Soil Health Testing: Monthly Haney biological soil respiration tests help us gauge the soil’s biological activity. Additionally, twice a year, we use PCR tests to monitor changes in the soil microbiome. This allows us to track and understand the biodiversity beneath our feet.
- Physical Soil Assessments: Each month, we carry out USDA physical soil health assessments. These help us keep a close watch on the physical characteristics of our soil.
- Insect Monitoring: We actively monitor potential insect pests and beneficial insects year-round. We also incorporate insectary flowering plants within our cover crops to attract and support beneficial insects. In partnership with the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, we’ve taken over the monitoring of the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter after funding for the program was cut in 2023.
- Collaborative Studies: Our ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Soil Salinity Lab focuses on the effects of increased organic matter and biological activity on soil salinity and plant nutrient uptake. We also worked with the Metropolitan Water District on a multi-year study using satellite and ground-based technologies to monitor irrigation, plant health, and environmental models predicting pathogen vulnerability.
- Compost Testing: In partnership with Abbott Pharmaceuticals and CR&R Waste Management, we tested various compost levels and application strategies to enhance soil health.
- Ant Control Research: We completed a year-long study with UC Irvine to develop seaweed-based natural alternatives for controlling Argentine ants.
- Cover Crops: Each year, we plant diverse cover crops to boost soil health. We monitor their effects in collaboration with Green Cover Seeds, Regen Ag Labs, and Advancing Eco Agriculture.
- Soil and Plant Health Correlation: Wilson Creek Winery is one of the first agricultural operations in the U.S. to conduct a multi-year study correlating in-depth soil health analysis with plant sap analysis to understand the vineyard microbiome better. We use Ag Code field software and data from Regen Ag Labs and Advancing Eco Agriculture for this project.
- Grazing Sheep: We’ve introduced grazing sheep into our vineyards to enhance microbial diversity and soil health naturally.
All this information helps us make data-driven decisions for custom foliar and fertigation nutrient applications. For example, Block Nine, one of our most intensively managed areas, has shown significant improvements in yield, reduced pathogen pressure, a healthier vineyard microbiome, and better winemaking results over three years. We’re also tracking economic inputs and returns to demonstrate the financial viability of regenerative practices.
Introducing Our New Block Nine Cabernet Sauvignon
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve just bottled our first wine from Block Nine, our 100% regenerative agriculture block here at Wilson Creek Winery! This Cabernet Sauvignon embodies our commitment to sustainability and our passion for creating exceptional wines. Crafted with care and precision, it reflects the rich, balanced flavors that are only possible when the vineyard’s ecosystem is in perfect harmony. Keep an eye out for the official release, because this is a wine you won’t want to miss. It’s not just a new addition to our lineup; it’s a milestone in our journey toward making Wilson Creek Winery a leader in regenerative viticulture. Get ready to experience the bold, complex taste of our Block Nine Cabernet Sauvignon – a true testament to the power of nature and thoughtful stewardship.
What Does Sustainability Mean to Us?
At Wilson Creek Winery, we support all efforts toward sustainability. Traditionally, sustainability aims to minimize negative environmental impacts. However, considering the ongoing degradation of our ecosystems, we believe it’s essential to go beyond mere stability. Regenerative practices are about reversing this downward trend and fostering an upward spiral of biodiversity, resilience, and improvement.
The Future of Regenerative Agriculture in Temecula
Temecula is uniquely positioned for success with its excellent climate and strong connection with the public through direct-to-consumer experiences at our wineries. We know that people can be skeptical of “greenwashing,” where companies claim to be environmentally friendly while doing the bare minimum. At Wilson Creek Winery, we’re dedicated to providing authentic, face-to-face experiences that genuinely reflect our commitment to true ecosystem restoration and regeneration. By engaging directly with our guests, we aim to educate and inspire, showing them the tangible benefits of our regenerative practices. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our community and beyond.
