When you have something good, isn’t it worth protecting?
At a time when Carneros Sonoma region was in its early days of earning recognition for its exceptional wines, Gloria Ferrer became the first to produce exceptional sparkling wines in the area. Growing superior quality grapes is a long-term commitment to the land — locally, regionally, and globally. There’s another word for this; sustainability. Understanding that today’s decisions affect future crops and generations, Gloria Ferrer is actively fulfilling its Sustainability Promise, which includes promoting sustainable agriculture practices, regenerative farming methods, and working toward net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.
The iconic winery has been steadfast in its efforts in sustainable agriculture practices and recently announced an exciting milestone: all 338 acres of its estate vineyards and olives have received organic certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Achieving CCOF certification comes from a variety of practices spanning farm management, operations, and technology.
Receiving this certification means a great deal to everyone at Gloria Ferrer. It represents five years of dedication and hard work, and highlights our pursuit of top-tier farming standards.
Brad Kurtz, Vineyard Director, Gloria Ferrer, as quoted in Wine Business.
The CCOF certification makes Gloria Ferrer the largest certified organic vineyard within Sonomoa County and the only sparkling winery in California with 100% certified organic estate vineyards.
In the Vineyards
Often, top innovations in sustainable agriculture are as simple as getting back to basics. Regenerative farming methods – sheep grazing, non-chemical pest and disease management, enhancement of native species habitats, and smart water irrigation techniques – all support a commitment to keeping natural systems healthy and resilient. This mindset and the resulting actions allow Gloria Ferrer’s vineyard team to better care for each vine more attentively, resulting in high-quality grapes.
Whenever a farmer grows a crop, those plants become part of the ecosystem. Plants grow healthier and better when they work with what the natural ecosystem offers, rather than against it. Guided by research conducted on-site in collaboration with UC Davis, Gloria Ferrer is carefully replanting its estate vineyards by pairing soil types with the most suitable grape clones and rootstocks and redesigning vineyard layouts to support organic farming methods.
Top Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture
Other top innovations in sustainable agriculture come from harnessing AgTech. Gloria Ferrer has integrated its technology with sustainable agriculture practices across its 338-acre estate. Monarch’s MK-V is a key player as an advanced 100% electric, robotic and technological platform. Scout, a state-of-the-art system for monitoring plant health and performance works as a digital implement with the MK-V. Now every tractor pass for routine operations such as mowing also works to collect vine-level analysis for data-driven decision making.
With Monarch and Scout, we’re able to collect valuable data during routine tractor operations. It’s a zero-emissions solution that lowers operating costs and brings precision to every decision in the vineyard. In the past, we tried other solutions to address this need, but nothing matched Scout’s ability to make insights accurate, actionable, and effortless.
Brad Kurtz, Vineyard Director, Gloria Ferrer
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Gloria Ferrer also uses Tule tech, a sophisticated irrigation planning tool and Root Applied Sciences, a service that monitors mildew spores to reduce the need for sulfur treatments in the vineyard.
Growing Achievements in Sustainable Agriculture
Gloria Ferrer’s commitment to sustainable agriculture practices, regenerative farming methods, and environmental stewardship was underscored in 2017 when both the estate vineyards and winery received certification from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) for achievements in water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and soil health. Most recently in 2024, Gloria Ferrer’s ongoing vineyard practices and pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 were honored with a Green Medal from the CSWA.
Monarch Tractor is dedicated to providing accessible and profitable sustainable agriculture practices with its MK-V and MK-V Dairy tractors. We’re celebrating Gloria Ferrer’s accomplishment and are thrilled to be part of its forward-thinking solution.
