Green Practices
Domaine Carneros places a high value on preserving the environment and is committed to sustainable farming, not only because it is the right thing to do but also because it results in the highest quality wines.
As early as 1992, Domaine Carneros began using sustainable methods of farming and began replacing inorganic fertilizers with compost in the vineyard and using equipment to control weeds without the use of herbicides. In 2014, the winery began its latest initiative to push the sustainability envelope to ensure the land was protected while producing great grapes and wine, and gained certifications in Fish Friendly Farming, California Sustainable Winegrower, Napa Green Winey and Napa Green Land.
Gaining these certifications has allowed Domaine Carneros to produce lower carbon emissions, less soil compaction, a healthier environment for fish and other animals, better disease control in the vineyards, and an overall better stewardship of the land.
Going Solar and Other Developments
In addition to its commitment to sustainable viticulture, in 2003 the winery installed the largest photovoltaic solar collection system on any winery in the world at that time, and led a series of seminars for other wineries to learn about the technology. Other conservation elements at the winery include lighting by skylights, night cooling systems to maintain cellar temperature, and building into the earth for insulation. There are also owl boxes placed in all six vineyards, which are inhabited and contribute to rodent management.
