Celebrating Sustainability in Lodi Wine Country

This April, we’re raising a glass to Earth Month and inviting you to discover how Lodi’s wineries are making a difference!

Come explore the inspiring ways our local growers and vintners embrace sustainability and care for the land we love, one row at a time.

Guiding principles for LODI RULES

Protecting the Soil – Healthy soil = healthy vines = great wine. Growers utilize composting, cover crops, and minimal tillage to maintain a thriving soil.
Saving Water – Smart irrigation and water monitoring help conserve every precious drop.
Skipping the Harmful Stuff – Pest control is thoughtful, using natural methods first and avoiding chemicals when possible.
Boosting Biodiversity – Many vineyards plant trees, wildflowers, and native grasses to support pollinators and wildlife.
Supporting Workers & Community – Fair labor, safety, and community engagement are all part of the deal.
Track Everything – Detailed records and annual third-party audits keep the standard high and honest.

Leading the Way in Sustainability

Here in Lodi, we don’t just grow amazing grapes, we do it with the future in mind. Sustainability is part of who we are, and you’ll see that in action through LODI RULES. Developed in the Lodi AVA by local growers, and backed by top scientists, LODI RULES was the first sustainable viticultural program of its kind in California and a true catalyst for other sustainable land management programs.

The heart of LODI RULES is to leave the land better than how you found it. This is achieved by farming with care for the land, the people, and the planet to protect our soil, water, and community. Since 2005, LODI RULES has inspired a myriad of land management programs throughout the country and beyond. In a state full of green-minded wine regions, were are proud to say that Lodi continues to lead the way.

Fun Fact: It doesn’t just stop with Lodi, in fact, over 70,000 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards are grown on a global level with a LODI RULES certification.

Practices in the Vineyard

Take a look around the vineyards and wineries in the Lodi AVA, and you might notice some amazing features that are actually LODI RULES sustainable practices in action. Owl boxes dot the vineyards at Bokisch Vineyards, a worm farm at Peltier Winery helps promote clean, reusable water and enrich the soil, and sheep graze on mustard green cover crops at Acquiesce Winery, naturally managing weeds and improving soil health.

These are just a few examples of the over 150 sustainability standards that guide LODI RULES — helping vineyards grow exceptional wine while protecting the land, water, and community for generations to come.

Looking to sip sustainably?

The Lodi Wine & Visitor Center is the perfect place to explore LODI RULES certified wines both in person and online! Their curated LODI RULES section features a handpicked selection of wines from Lodi wineries like Harney Lane Winery, Lucas Winery, Oak Farm Vineyards, m2 Wines, Bokisch Vineyards, and more. Whether you’re visiting Lodi or shopping from home, it’s a great way to support certified sustainable winemaking. Visit here for a full list of LODI RULES certified wineries.

When you sip a wine with the LODI RULES seal, you’re not just tasting Lodi, you’re supporting a greener, better way to make wine. We encourage everyone to learn more about these sustainable initiatives and support them through Earth Month and beyond!

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Natalie Morlino

Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

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