Our Approach to Farming | December 2023

Watch our From Soil to Bottle; Our Farming Philosophy 

Our Heritage vineyards, Durell, Gap’s Crown, and Walala, as all vineyard properties of Price Family Vineyards and Estates, hold long-time certifications with California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Fish Friendly Farming. These independent, third-party certifications rely on constant improvement and annual recertification processes to not only maintain but increase the level of conscientiousness and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Sustainability was once defined as using “The Three E’s” in all decision-making. As ultimate wine quality is the desired destination for Durell, Ecological stewardship, social Equity, and Economic validity are held as the true path to get there. As Rob Harris often says, “I prefer that we work with the land, not against it”. This holistic approach encompasses not only the vineyards themselves, but also the people who work in them and the ultimate product that comes from them, hopefully promoting a better world, better people, and better wines.

Like all vineyard properties of Price Family Vineyards and Estates, the Monopole vineyards, Alana, One Sky, and William James continue to uphold their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. It proudly maintains its certification from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, signifying its dedication to environmentally conscious viticulture. Additionally, the vineyard holds the esteemed Fish Friendly Farming certification, reflecting its efforts to preserve waterways and aquatic habitats. Sustainability in viticulture revolves around minimizing environmental impacts while ensuring the long-term viability of the vineyard. Embodying this ethos, Rob Harris, the caretaker of the vineyards, emphasizes the importance of working in harmony with the land rather than against it. His holistic approach encompasses not only the well-being of the vineyard itself but also the individuals involved and the resulting wines. By embracing organic farming practices and considering the interconnectedness of the environment, the workers, and the final product, the Monopole vineyards nurture healthier soil and robust plants. This holistic approach ultimately yields grapes of exceptional quality, which in turn leads to the creation of even more remarkable wines. Each vineyard remains a beacon of sustainable and mindful viticulture, dedicated to producing wines that exemplify the harmony between nature and craftsmanship.