DrinkTheEarth.com Blog

Two new solar arrays were installed at Gundlach Bundschu in November, 2008

Situated in the southern corner of Sonoma County wine country, Gundlach Bundschu has a 150-year history of winemaking.  Varietals produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo Rose (not commonly made in California), Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer (one of our absolute favorite Gewurzt’s of all time).  We recently corresponded with Susan Sueiro, Gundlach Bundschu’s Director of Marketing, on their current efforts to pursue organics as well as other sustainability methods at the winery.  While not certified organic at this time, Gundlach is implementing many organic conventions as well as other efforts aimed at eventually becoming carbon neutral.

Today, the winery utilizes many organic farming practices, including the use of registered organic compounds, cover crops, owl boxes, and beneficial predators like lady beetles and lacewings.  We were also told that a few of their 60 blocks are trial organic blocks.  While those efforts are certainly meaningful, Gundlach Bundschu’s non-farming sustainability practices might be even more impressive than how they are growing the grapes.  In addition to tractors fueled by bio-diesel, the winery also deploys a water reclamation system that ultimately results in 70% of the water being re-used.  This system is completely powered by solar, which today is the power source for 60% of all of Gundlach Bundschu’s needs through two solar arrays.  Eventually a third array will be installed to produce 100% of all power used.

The Bundschu family also manages a small boutique winery in Sonoma called Bartholomew Park.  Producing only 3,500 cases annually, the 37-acre site is farmed by famed organics aficionado Phil Coturri, featuring estate Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.