Introduction   |   Green Definitions   
J. Lohr's Sustainability Commitment  |   J. Lohr's Sustainable Wines
Water Conservation Interview with Jeff Zucker   |   J. Lohr's Solar Tracking Array
Solar Tracking Array Fact Sheet

Introduction: J. Lohr’s Commitment to Sustainability

Jerry Lohr was raised on a South Dakota farm. This formative experience taught him many lessons. The most important was the idea that respect for the land means working to put back what you take, and striving to leave the land healthier and in even better condition for the next generation. Today, this ideal is at the heart of J. Lohr’s sustainable winegrowing and winemaking efforts. For many years, we have been working to establish a comprehensive, sustainable approach to farming our vineyards and producing wines that are good for our environment, our employees and our communities.

Our commitment to sustainability naturally begins in the vineyards, where the health and vitality of the vines dictates the flavors in our wines.  Following is a snapshot of our sustainability practices, with more developments in the coming months.

Sustainable farming
We prepare our 3,000 acres of estate vineyards using organic amendments—materials or process added to soil to improve its physical properties, such as water retention, permeability, water infiltration, draining and structure—years before we plant the first vines.  Once the vines are planted, we use cover crops to limit weeds, enhance soil health and prevent erosion.

Pest management
Owl boxes on J. Lohr’s satellite ranches help mitigate vertebrate pests, while J. Lohr’s home ranch has a substantial number of oak trees which are a natural habitat for birds of prey. Weather data, degree-day calculations and certain cultural practices are used to minimize the use of sprays, as are minimizing soil tillage, maintaining vine vigor, and controlling vehicle speed to reduce dust, and leaf removal. Vineyard employees are trained to keep detailed records of pest lifecycles, which impacts economic decisions in the vineyard while allowing beneficial weeds and insects to thrive.

Water conservation
J. Lohr Water Quality Manager Jeff Zucker has instituted a comprehensive water conservation program which has cut water usage by nearly 15% since 2004, and which has also helped optimize the use of waste water to improve performance. Click here to read the full interview with Jeff.

Clean energy
J. Lohr believes clean, renewable energy is critical to sustainability and essential for preserving the environment. Click here to learn more about J. Lohr’s 3-acre solar tracking array which offsets 75% of the winery’s energy usage in Paso Robles.

Packaging materials and recycling
J. Lohr recycles all packaging materials including bottles, cans, plastic, paper and cardboard, in addition to production and operational materials including batteries, bulbs, tires, wood pallets and wood packaging. J. Lohr also partners with Re-Cork America, a new wine cork recycling program, to repurpose natural cork for other uses. J. Lohr is also exploring more environmentally-favorable inks and packaging processes which reduce the number of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released into the atmosphere.

Leadership in sustainabilty
J. Lohr’s culture is one of knowledge-sharing and industry leadership—particularly, in the area of sustainability. J. Lohr’s Red Winemaker Steve Peck and Viticulturalist Anji Perry serve on the Board of Directors for sustainability stewards the Central Coast Vineyard Team. Jerry and SVP of Planning and Development Steve Lohr have been involved with the design and development of the Sustainable Winegrowing Program’s certification efforts through the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance in concert with the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

In January 2010, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines received Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing distinction from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance for its estate vineyards in the appellations of Paso Robles and Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, as well as for its two wineries located in Paso Robles and San Jose. This certification is the end result of J. Lohr’s participation in a pioneering, statewide pilot program to establish criteria for, and provide third-party verification of, a vineyard’s and/or winery’s adherence to a “process of continuous improvement” in the adoption and implementation of sustainable winegrowing practices.