Sustainable Philosophy of the Family Farmer

Sustainable Philosophy of the Family Farmer
‘Sustainability’is a term referring to
processes involved in protecting and
conserving natural resources. Although
the term is relatively new to winegrowing, the Brassfield family has embraced
sustainable practices for generations.
Jerry Brassfield’s father grew apples,
wheat, peaches, and almonds in
California’s Central Valley. Knowing
that his family would consume these
foods, he and the other family farmers
of his generation would never think of
using harsh fertilizers or herbicides, or
wasting precious water. That philosophy continues here at High Serenity
Ranch and extends beyond the farming
activities to the entire ecosystem of this
beautiful land.
The use of cover crops between our
rows provides nutrients gently and
gradually to our soils. Soil moisture
sensors allow us to conserve our limited
water supply by irrigating only where
and when needed. Maintaining strict
erosion controls keeps fine silt out of
our waterways and reservoirs, which
lead into the streams, rivers, and bays
of Northern California. All water used in
the cellar, crush pad, and other work-
ing areas of the winery is recycled and
reused in our landscape and vineyard
irrigation systems.
Animal and insect pests can plague
vineyards. Rather than use poisons or
traps to control them, we’ve built bluebird and owl boxes, as well as hawk
perches, to provide a natural balance.
We deter grape-loving birds with foil
streamers and, when we have to, we
use environmentally gentle preparations
to control insect infestations.
High Serenity Ranch supports a diverse
ecosystem, and nearly half the property
is maintained as a wildlife preserve for
the deer, wild turkeys, bears, coyotes
and other critters that roam our land.
Additionally, we have provided extensive wildlife corridors around and
through our vineyards to ensure the animals can easily and freely traverse the
property. We have collaborated with the
California Waterfowl Association since
2008 to expand our population of wood
ducks and we have created canals and
islands near our reservoirs to provide
other migratory birds with safe nesting
and breeding habitats.
Another important aspect of sustainability is recycling, repurposing, and
reusing. Much of our new visitors’center
was constructed from recycled building
materials, including bricks, timbers, roof
tiles and granite salvaged from demolished buildings in San Jose and San
Francisco. And all our wine labels are
printed exclusively on recycled paper.
Brassfield Estate wines artfully combine
the uniqueness of our land along with
world-class, handcrafted winemaking
as the sustainable philosophy of the
family farmer presides from grape to
glass. Cheers!