Greg Pennyroyal, vineyard manager of Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards in California — from his presentation at the 2023 Acres U.S.A. Eco Ag U:
In block 9, where we’ve instituted the full regenerative program, we’ve seen 50 to 100 percent reduction in fungicides…. Our yields are going up and our use of water is going down. A lot of that’s the water holding capacity efficiency… I plan more and react less. I have more time with my crew. I have more time with my customers. I have more fun. And for the first time ever in my career, I don’t work on weekends. Usually!
2023 Wilson Creek Winery Block 9 Results:
- 146 percent of the five-year regional average yield, compared to 66 percent for the rest of the region
- Excellent quality
- Wine marketed as a separate label — $80-$100 per bottle
- $144,401 in gross profit compared to $76,244 for same-size blocks across the rest of the vineyard — increased profit of $68,157 for an investment of $18,600 in materials and labor (sap/soil testing, inputs) — ROI of 366 percent
