Pioneering Wine Grower, Ned Hill, Continues to Protect the Environment
February 18, 2026 (Sonoma, CA) — La Prenda Vineyards is the first Sonoma County Wine Grower to have its wines certified as Glyphosate free by the internationally recognized The Detox Project. Ned Hill founded the La Prenda Vineyards Management Company with his wife Erika Hill in 2008. Based in their hometown of Sonoma, La Prenda farms more than 30 estate properties covering more than 900 acres of prime vineyard land. They are dedicated to sustainable farming, a way of growing grapes that protects soil, water, ecosystems, and farm workers, while still producing high-quality fruit.
Best known as the active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate is a widely used broad spectrum herbicide used in agriculture. In grape growing, it is primarily used to control weeds growing between rows of vines. In spite of some contested studies questioning its safety, glyphosate usage is still widespread. Ned Hill’s commitment to sustainable farming caused him to stop using glyphosate in 2020.
To solidify his commitment to Sustainability, Hill reached out to The Detox Project to have 22 of their wines tested for Glyphosate residue. They designated a non-partial approved laboratory, in this case ETS Labs, to test 22 of the wines produced exclusively from La Prenda grown grapes, and all were fully certified as glyphosate residue free.
Wine growers and producers are always looking for factors that set them apart from the competition. As the consumer focus moves from traditional, baby boomer wine buyers, attention has shifted to appealing to Gen Z and Millennials. Those younger consumers show concern over planet change and have championed organic farming, natural winemaking, and reasoned stewardship of the environment. Ned Hill thinks his dedication to sustainable farming may be attractive to these new consumers.
“I just love farming,” said Hill. “I’ve been working in vineyards my whole life. I see the interaction between farming and the environment. I grew up in in the Sonoma Valley, fishing the creeks and farming the land, my children and now doing the same, and we have to be farming safely and sustainably to let my Grandchildren have the same opportunity someday”
Hill has been putting his time, money, and effort into sustainability. So much so that Fish Friendly Farming has recently recognized La Prenda for outstanding achievement in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs are essential for sustainable agriculture, helping to prevent pollution and contamination before problems occur. La Prenda was honored in the category of awards called “The Next Wave of Sustainability.”
Hill is hoping his message resonates with all consumers, “Our company controls everything from vine to bottle, starting with growing the grapes all the way to the wine in your glass. It is important to have our customers know that we are producing these grapes and making our wines the right way. All our vineyards are farmed sustainably, Fish Friendly Farming Certified, and we are adding this Glyphosate Free Certification together as evidence of producing truly sustainable wines. People who enjoy our products can be assured they are supporting family farmers with a deep connection to the land.”
About La Prenda Vineyards Management
La Prenda Vineyards Management has been in business since 2008 and farms over 30 properties in Sonoma Valley, Carneros, Sonoma Mountain, Bennett Valley, and Alexander Valley appellations accounting for more than 900 acres of prime vineyard land. All these vineyards are certified as Fish Friendly Farming. Ned Hill also produces multiple wine brands including La Prenda, Sonoma Collection. Sonoma Cellars, A-list, Fifth Hill, and Happy Wife. For more information visit laprendawines.com.
