Sustainability

Water

Wente Vineyards practices site-specific irrigation with flow meters and evapotranspiration sensors to enable precision of watering the vines when needed. We plant hedgerows to avoid run-off and protect the integrity of groundwater. We use one steam sanitation unit for the barrel and tanks to reduce water waste in the cellar.

Our winery’s wastewater is put into a water reclamation pond where it is treated. The pond is the most effective means for the biological oxidation of winery wastewater.

Soil

Wente Vineyards implements regenerative farming practices to build and maintain healthy soils and keep carbon in the ground. We practice a no-till system that does not disturb the soil and produces fewer tractor emissions. Cover crops are planted to the specific block and soil type to promote biodiversity, beneficial insects, improve microbiological life and soil structure. Sheep graze the vineyard weeds in the winter to eliminate the use of tractors and chemicals. We focus on integrated pest management to control vineyard pests without chemicals throughout the year and we employ a full-time falconer during harvest season.

We collect soil and water samples annually and tissue samples three times a year from each vineyard block to understand our vine nutrient status. We also apply compost and biochar in areas that have shown soil structure could use improvement.

Energy

Wente Vineyards is proud to own one of the first electric tractors from Monarch Tractors. The electric tractors will dramatically reduce carbon emissions, energy expenditure, fuel spending and labor compared to standard vineyard tractors. Based on 1000 hours of runtime, the carbon emission reduction will be 34.5k+lbs CO2e.

We have invested in a STARS filtration unit to reduce energy load during our cold stabilization process in the winery. This filtration system saves 90% of energy compared to traditional cold stabilization methods.

We are also embarking on a significant solar installation project to offset energy usage at the winery.

Packaging

Wente Vineyards is committed to sustainable initiatives throughout the supply chain. We are transitioning several of our bottles to lighter-weight glass to reduce our carbon emissions from the supplier to the consumer. In addition, we produce our collateral and point of sales materials from recycled material that can be easily recycled after its use.

In 2022, Wente Vineyards installed a new bottling line to increase energy efficiencies further.

People

Beyond the vineyard and winery, we are committed to positively impacting our communities and our team members. Wente Family Estates employees 151 full-time employees and 53 part-time employees. The overall average tenure is 10 years for full-time staff. In addition, all employees receive paid volunteer hours to donate their time and effort to influential organizations in their community.

We support over 50 community-based non-profits across the United States. Proactive efforts are made to foster good relations with neighbors and promote a better understanding of our operation and the industry. In addition, our team members sit on various community boards to advocate for positive changes.

Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

Our commitment to holistic sustainability is reflected in every facet of our operations, including The Course at Wente Vineyards, which has been a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for over 15 years. Re-certified every three years, this prestigious designation highlights our dedication to environmentally responsible practices in areas such as wildlife and habitat management, water conservation, and chemical use reduction. By integrating these sustainable practices into our golf course management, we ensure the protection and preservation of the natural ecosystems that enrich our property, underscoring our pledge to sustainability across all areas of our business. For more information, read our blog post on the Audubon certification.