NAPA VALLEY, Calif. – October 16, 2023 — Jackson Family Wines is delighted to announce the achievement of organic certification for all its Napa Valley estate vineyard properties through the Certified California Organic Farmers (CCOF) program. Covering approximately 480 planted acres across 15 estate vineyards throughout Napa Valley, this milestone aligns with the company’s Rooted for Good: Roadmap to 2030 sustainability initiative.
“I firmly believe that agriculture should lead the way in redefining our relationship with the planet as a species. Transitioning our Napa Valley vineyards to organic practices is a testament to the Jackson family’s broader commitment to sustainability,” stated Christopher Carpenter, winemaker at Jackson Family Wines. He added, “This organic certification in Napa represents the initial step as we progress towards regenerative organic certification and continue to foster harmony between the natural world and the agricultural world.”
In overseeing the company’s Napa Valley vineyards, Carpenter collaborated with Vineyard Manager Rafael Jimenez, a 35-year veteran of organic farming. Together, they implemented a range of organic practices, including the use of biochar and compost to enrich the soil and increase organic matter under the vines. Additionally, they transitioned to no-till farming methods and introduced sheep for controlled grazing in the vineyards. Integrated pest management strategies, such as employing ladybugs to control leaf hoppers and installing owl boxes, were also employed.
Securing organic certification was a significant endeavor, considering the diversity of the company’s estate vineyards, which span from valley floor vineyards in Oakville and Rutherford to hillside and mountain estates in Mt. Veeder, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, and Diamond Mountain. These vineyards are the primary source for some of the company’s most sought-after wines, including Cardinale, Freemark Abbey, Lokoya, La Jota, Mt. Brave, and Caladan.
These organic vineyard practices are an integral part of the company’s Rooted for Good: Roadmap to 2030 social impact and environmental sustainability plan. One of its core objectives is to transition 100% of the company’s estate vineyard properties to regenerative farming practices. Many of the organic farming practices employed in Napa Valley align with the principles of regenerative farming, aimed at enhancing soil health, increasing biodiversity, and improving the ecosystems surrounding the vines.
Certified California Organic Farmers (CCOF) is a nonprofit organization, governed by the individuals responsible for growing and producing our food. Founded in California 50 years ago, CCOF’s influence now extends throughout North America and is internationally recognized. Supported by an organic community of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers, they collectively work towards a future where organic practices become the norm. Certified organic foods adhere to federal standards established by the USDA National Organic Program, which was initiated in 2002 as a result of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. These standards continue to be interpreted and developed by the National Organic Standards Board, a federal advisory committee appointed by the secretary of agriculture. Organic standards encompass various factors, including soil quality, animal husbandry, pest and weed control, and the use of input materials. For more information on materials approved for and prohibited from organic production, please refer to the National List. Certified organic produce is grown on soil that has been free of prohibited substances for three years before harvest to ensure the purity of crops. Prioritizing the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water, organic farmers are dedicated to enhancing and preserving the environment for future generations.
About Jackson Family Wines
Jackson Family Wines is a family-owned, vineyard-based company with a penchant for exploration. Founder Jess Jackson placed his faith in farming and a meticulous expression of wine with his first landscape-changing vintage in 1982, an ethos that chairman Barbara Banke and the Jackson family continue to uphold to this day. The Jackson family’s collection of 40 wineries spans significant winegrowing regions, from California, Oregon, Washington, France and Italy in the northern hemisphere, to Australia, Chile and South Africa in the southern half of the globe. Vineyard ownership and sustainable practices remain key to consistent quality and artisan winemaking is built to scale, underscoring a steadfast commitment to making wines of character and integrity. For more information, visit https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com/
