Sustainability in
every sip
Certified through Sustainability In Practice (SIP) and Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Leading the Way
At La Crema, our philosophy of gentle handling extends beyond winemaking to the stewardship of natural resources. Through regenerative farming, water and energy conservation, and a commitment to sustainability, we are ensuring the longevity of our vineyards and producing balanced, high-quality wines. These efforts not only strengthen ecosystems and combat climate change but also earned us the honor of being named Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Winery of the Year.
Regenerative Farming – Nurturing the Land for the Future
At the heart of La Crema’s sustainability efforts is regenerative farming, a practice focused on improving soil health and fostering a thriving ecosystem. By building organic matter in the soil, we boost microbes that feed the plants, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers while also sequestering carbon to combat climate change.
- Reduced Tillage: Minimizing disruption keeps the soil cooler, increases its water retention, and supports beneficial microbes.
- Compost and Teas: By using pomace (grape residue) and nutrient-rich compost teas, we enrich the soil and divert 99% of organic waste from landfills.
- Cover Crops: Nitrogen-fixing crops like legumes and clover prevent erosion, attract pollinators, and act as living mulch, helping vines withstand extreme heat.
- Livestock Integration: Sheep and chickens control weeds through grazing and fertilize the soil, boosting organic matter.
- Nesting Boxes: Raptors, owls, and falcons are encouraged to nest in our vineyards, providing natural pest control.
- Biodiversity: We leave 60% of our estate vineyard properties unplanted, allowing natural habitats to thrive and integrating our vines into the land’s ecosystem.
Through these practices, we aim to create healthier soils, vines, and ecosystems, while sequestering three times more carbon than we emit annually.
Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and a Sustainable Future
In addition to regenerative farming, La Crema is committed to conserving water and energy through:
- Rainwater Capture: Our system collects tens of thousands of gallons annually, providing untreated, nutrient-rich water ideal for vine growth.
- Reusing Water: We recycle water used in the winery to irrigate vineyards, allowing any unused water to replenish natural aquifers.
- Drip Irrigation: Wireless probes monitor soil moisture, ensuring irrigation occurs only when necessary and with recycled water.
- Solar Power: A solar array of 3,000 panels offsets 70% of our winery’s electricity needs annually—enough to charge over 103,000,000 smartphones.
La Crema’s sustainability efforts are certified through rigorous third-party audits, including Sustainability In Practice (SIP) and Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW). In 2020, we launched our 10-year Rooted for Good Roadmap, aiming to cut carbon emissions in half, expand water conservation, and enhance local watersheds by 2030.
