Bonterra's commitment to organic vineyard management is based on farming fundamentals: building organic matter in the soil with cover crops, welcoming the natural predators of vineyard pests, controlling weeds by physical means, and encouraging natural airflow around the fruit.
As well as growing all of its grapes using certified Organic practices, Bonterra Vineyards farms some of its acreage as Demeter certified Biodynamic. Biodynamic farming practices are guided by natural cycles and are based on diversity within the farm in order to mimic natural ecosystems. This reduces dependence upon outside resources and results in a very sustainable farming system.
On the Bonterra Vineyard, up to 100 bluebird houses can be seen lining the rows of grapes, home to bluebirds that eat insects, reducing the need for organically approved pesticides. The Vineyard also uses mobile chicken coops which are pulled into different areas of the vineyard. The chickens work the rows between vines, eating insects and fertilizing the soil, also helping to reduce the need for outside inputs.
The Vineyard alternates rows of cover crops with grapevines. The cover crops are used to improve the health and vigor of the soil, as well as provide habitat for beneficial insects. Sheep are allowed to graze on the grass, which fertilizes the soil and reduces the use of fossil fuels for weed control.