053: A Picture of Vineyard Sustainability with Niner Wine Estates

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Niner, President of Niner Wine Estates, and Craig Macmillan, their Critical Resource Manager, to discuss sustainable vineyard management. The episode covers innovative water and soil management techniques, including rainwater capture, advanced monitoring tools, composting, and mechanical weed management. We also go over pest and disease management and what records to keep. Tune in to learn about the economic considerations of sustainable practices, the importance of quality over yield, and tips on improving sustainability in your vineyard operations. In this episode, you will hear: Why choose the SIP certification How water management has evolved at Niner Wine Estates How to incorporate composting into your soil management Hands-on materials Niner Wine Estates uses for input What pest management looks like in a sustainable vineyard The importance of record keeping for your vineyard Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click the '+ Follow' button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Resources: If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.  Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Today's Guest: Andy Niner is the president of Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles, CA and Craig Macmillan serves as the Critical Resource Manager for Niner Wine Estates. Niner Wine Estates is a near-perfect picture of sustainability with 3 SIP-certified vineyards, a SIP-certified winery, and a LEED Silver Certified and solar-powered tasting room and winery. Niner Wine Estates: Website: https://www.ninerwine.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninerwine  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninerwineestates/  Episode Sponsor: Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [email protected] with any questions. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.