Sustainability

FEL’s vineyard philosophy is built upon a commitment to enhancing and protecting the valuable land and water with which we grow our wine grapes.  FEL wines are an exuberant expression of our Anderson Valley vineyards and reflect the natural harmony and balance we encourage through the following practices.

• COMPOST and ORGANIC FERTILIZER is preferred for natural and sustained vineyard nutrition
• COVER CROPPING for erosion control and soil fertility
• CONVERSION TO NO TILLAGE where possible between vine rows to minimize erosion
• MECHANICAL WEED CONTROL reduces or eliminates the use of herbicide
• NATURAL HABITAT for wildlife on unplanted land on over 20% of Savoy Vineyard
• RIPARIAN HABITAT at Savoy Vineyard for wildlife corridors and aquatic habitat
• NATIVE PLANT INSECTARIES attract beneficial insects to assist in pest management
• WEATHER STATION allows for more efficient irrigation and disease prevention based on risk
• DEFICIT IRRIGATION minimizes water use and produces small concentrated grapes
• INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT by
  • Creating habitat for and releasing beneficial insects
  • Using canopy management practices to reduce disease pressure
  • Applying organic products for disease control
  • Assessing risk and monitoring the vineyard before applying pest control measures