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Scenic waterfall with rocks and mossy trees
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dedicated to

Preserving our Land

Since 1967, we have been dedicated stewards of the land, working to honor the integrity of Pritchard Hill. This stewardship manifests itself as a commitment to sustainable and organic practices, both in the vineyard and the winery.

Chappellet Barrel Chai with Solar Panels

powered

by Solar Energy

Our environmental commitment also extends to the winery. In 2008, we unveiled an ambitious solar project. Comprised of 960 individual solar modules capable of producing approximately 280,000 kilowatt hours per year, this 20,000-square-foot solar photovoltaic system generates enough energy to offset 100% of the winery’s PG&E bill. Over a 30-year period it will have the amazing environmental benefit of reducing greenhouse gases by 4,513,275 lbs. In practical terms, this is the equivalent to planting over 40,000 trees.

Chappellet employee washing wine barrels

water use

Conservation Practices

In 2011, we installed a state-of-the-art water processing system to purify all water used during wine production. This system uses natural biological organisms to separate organic matter from the process water. The system allows us to return almost 100% of the process water (approx. 1 million gallons a year) to the vineyard for irrigation. Other than this, only run-off rainwater captured and saved in the winery’s reservoir is used for irrigation.

Chappellet pritchard hill

Organic

Farming

Beginning in the early 1980s (long before the term sustainable was ever used), we were one of the first wineries to plant cover crops as a method for soil conservation and erosion prevention. 100% of the grapes grown on the estate vineyard come from blocks that are farmed using organic methods. In 2012, the entire vineyard, totaling 104 acres, finished an extensive three-year certification process with the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and is now certified organic.

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Our commitment to land stewardship throughout the years.

Chappellet vineyards
We're committed to maintaining the natural beauty of Pritchard Hill. Only a modest 16% of the 640-acre property is under vine; the rest remains uncultivated.
Plantings
Chappellet compost land
Our extensive on-site composting program turns 100 tons of pomace (grape stems/skins/seeds) into high-quality compost, which is used to enhance vineyard health and vitality.
Compost
Chappellet vineyard birdbox
There are ten bird boxes in the vineyard that provide homes to barn owls, kestrels, sparrow hawks and bluebirds. These welcome residents help to naturally keep gopher, mole, vole and insect populations in check.
Bird Boxes
Chappellet cover crops skyline
Chappellet was one of the first wineries to plant cover crops as a method for soil conservation and erosion prevention.
Cover Crops
Pomace
At Chappellet, we repurpose leftover grape seeds from composting. We find they make a beautiful and functional ground cover.
Ground Cover
Chappellet vineyards
Chappellet compost land
Chappellet vineyard birdbox
Chappellet cover crops skyline
Pomace
Chappellet vineyards
Plantings
Chappellet compost land
Compost
Chappellet vineyard birdbox
Bird Boxes
Chappellet cover crops skyline
Cover Crops
Pomace
Ground Cover

Pritchard Hill is the source of some of the world’s finest mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignons, earning numerous comparisons to the great First Growths of Bordeaux.

Chappellet vineyard and solar panels

“It is their romance with the land that makes the Chappellet story so appealing.”

Robyn Bullard, Wine Spectator

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