A Green Winery, No Matter the Hue of the Grape

Far north of Napa Valley, framed by a fertile pond, a wildlife sanctuary, and several waterfalls, lies a 150-acre, lush vineyard bountifully producing grapes for a well-established winery, Parducci Wine Cellars, in Mendocino County, Calif.

The 80-year-old green winery, operated by the Thornhill family, is well-known and firmly rooted in wine circles, and many of its varietals have won acclaim and critics’ favor. The company’s wines are varied and rich in individual distinction, but all are characterized by their unrushed flavor, authentic nose, and long finish—accredited to organically and biodynamically grown grapes and sustainable winemaking.

The wine company is committed to:

• Certified sustainable farming practices.
• Water reduction, reuse, and recycling.
• 100 percent green power (on-site solar, purchased wind credits, and biodiesel-powered farm equipment).
• Carbon neutrality.
• Earth-friendly packaging.

Parducci Wine Cellars uses natural fertilizers, integrated pest management, and practices that conserve water and enrich the soil—both of which are precious determinants of wine quality.

“A better environment makes better vines, and better vines make better wines,” extolled COO and co-owner Tim Thornhill.

Thornhill initiated a water management system by measuring the vines’ moisture content, then timed the frequency of vine irrigation based solely on moisture need. Not only did this lower water use by 25 to 37 percent, it produced balanced vines, better fruit, and better wines, he said.

One of the more unique and innovative environmental efforts Thornhill implemented is a water reclamation process that saves 5 million gallons of water per year. Water from the winemaking process is screened, aerated, and purified by flowing it—primarily by gravity—through constructed wetlands, waterfalls, and the winery reclamation pond.

The process requires more time, thought, and effort than its “intolerable” alternative, which would have required four 10-HP agitators and a lot of electricity. Thornhill said he has the time.

“I’m not going anywhere.” He added, “This is a family business. I want to preserve it for generations.”

A long finish is the best legacy, after all.

Parducci Wine Cellars, 501 Parducci Road, Ukiah, CA 95482, 707-463-5385, [email protected], www.parducci.com