Green Initiatives

Hank and Linda Wetzel treasure the spot they call home and have taken steps to preserve it.  Early on they composted winery waste, practiced irrigation management and planted cover crops in the vineyards to minimize the use of pesticides and control erosion.  Their motto was “use less and have more” and they instilled those values into their family.  The next generation has followed their lead on sustainability.  Harry says, quite simply, “it is the right thing to do.”

Sonoma Green Business

AVV is one of 18 wineries recognized as a Bay Area Green Business.  This certification recognizes AVV as an environmental leader that conserves resources, minimizes waste and prevents pollution.

Organic Vineyards

We began farming eight acres of Cabernet Sauvignon organically in 2008.  Over the last decade, we have increased the varietals and vineyards that we farm organically and produce two wines from CCOF-certified “California Certified Organic Farmers” 100% organically grown grapes.  Organic practices are just one part of the sustainable initiatives practiced at AVV.

Organic Gewurz:
16 acres:  planted 1994
CCOF certification received:  1990
Elevation:  1000 feet
AVA:  Potter Valley – Mendocino County

Organic Cabernet Sauvignon:
8.5 acres:  planted 2005
Clones:  4 & 6
CCOF Certification received:  2011
Elevation:  200 feet
AVA:  Alexander Valley – Sonoma County

Organic Cabernet Sauvignon:
5 acres:  planted 2013 & 5.94 acres planted 1996/1998
Clone:  337
CCOF Certification received:  2018
Elevation:  200 – 240 feet
AVA:  Alexander Valley – Sonoma County

Organic Merlot:
5.28 acres:  planted 1994/1995
Clone:  181
CCOF Certification received:  2018
Elevation:  200 feet
AVA:  Alexander Valley – Sonoma County

Organic Zinfandel:
2.96 acres:  planted 2003
Clone:  Rockpile
Elevation:  240 feet
AVA:  Alexander Valley – Sonoma County

Organic Cabernet Franc:
1.79 acres:  planted 2020
Clone:  11
Elevation:  200  feet
AVA:  Alexander Valley – Sonoma County

California Sustainable Winegrowers

Since 2006 the winery has participated in the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program.  The vineyards received certification in 2014.  We’ve made a commitment to vineyard and winemaking practices that are sensitive to the environment, responsive to the needs and interests of society and economically feasible.  This includes pest management, water management, energy management, waste management and human resources.

The right thing to do.