Green Initiatives Hank and Linda Wetzel treasure the spot they call home and have taken steps to preserve it. Early on they composted winery waste, practiced irrigation management and planted cover crops in the vineyards to minimize the use of pesticides and control erosion. Their motto was “use less and have more” and they instilled those values into their family. The next generation has followed their lead on sustainability. Harry says, quite simply, “it is the right thing to do.” Sonoma Green Business AVV is one of 18 wineries recognized as a Bay Area Green Business. This certification recognizes AVV as an environmental leader that conserves resources, minimizes waste and prevents pollution. Organic Vineyards We began farming eight acres of Cabernet Sauvignon organically in 2008. Over the last decade, we have increased the varietals and vineyards that we farm organically and produce two wines from CCOF-certified “California Certified Organic Farmers” 100% organically grown grapes. Organic practices are just one part of the sustainable initiatives practiced at AVV. Organic Gewurz: 16 acres: planted 1994 CCOF certification received: 1990 Elevation: 1000 feet AVA: Potter Valley – Mendocino County Organic Cabernet Sauvignon: 8.5 acres: planted 2005 Clones: 4 & 6 CCOF Certification received: 2011 Elevation: 200 feet AVA: Alexander Valley – Sonoma County Organic Cabernet Sauvignon: 5 acres: planted 2013 & 5.94 acres planted 1996/1998 Clone: 337 CCOF Certification received: 2018 Elevation: 200 – 240 feet AVA: Alexander Valley – Sonoma County Organic Merlot: 5.28 acres: planted 1994/1995 Clone: 181 CCOF Certification received: 2018 Elevation: 200 feet AVA: Alexander Valley – Sonoma County Organic Zinfandel: 2.96 acres: planted 2003 Clone: Rockpile Elevation: 240 feet AVA: Alexander Valley – Sonoma County Organic Cabernet Franc: 1.79 acres: planted 2020 Clone: 11 Elevation: 200 feet AVA: Alexander Valley – Sonoma County California Sustainable Winegrowers Since 2006 the winery has participated in the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program. The vineyards received certification in 2014. We’ve made a commitment to vineyard and winemaking practices that are sensitive to the environment, responsive to the needs and interests of society and economically feasible. This includes pest management, water management, energy management, waste management and human resources.
