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Kestrel nesting box in the Wheeler Farms vineyard during winter months

To reduce our ecological footprint without compromising the quality of our wines, the experiences for our guests or the work environment for our team, Wheeler Farms currently adheres to the following sustainability measures:

Sustainable Farming

As the present day stewards of Wheeler Farms, we are continually working to better understand our environmental impact with the acknowledgement that this work is multi-faceted and requires an ongoing and evolving effort. 

Active Wheeler Farms bee hive with bees backlit by the sun

Vineyard and Winery
 

  • The vineyard and winery are Napa Green Certified. Napa Green focuses on the sustainability of water, energy, carbon, and other resources. It also focuses on becoming stewards of the land.
     

  • The vineyard employs both organic and biodynamic practices.
     

  • We have a membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment system that treats all the water from the winery which is then used for all landscaping.
     

  • We have moved to using a UV light to sanitize tanks which means we use less water and fewer chemicals.
     

  • Our tanks have a high-grade interior polish which means they require less water and energy to clean. The tanks each operate on a closed system, meaning they have their own pumps and hard lines so we don't need to clean a pump for each pumpover. This cuts down on water and chemical use substantially.
     

  • If we need to use water at a specific temperature, we catch the excess water as it is heating up to use in other areas of the winery / property.
     

  • We compost the grape pomace with Upper Valley Disposal.
     

  • We recycle all of the shrink wrap that goods come in.
     

  • We recycle any extra capsules.
     

  • We collect the lees and have them collected for use in distillation.
     

  • In the break room / production kitchen, we have permanent tableware to reduce use of disposable products.
     

  • All employees have reusable water bottles and coffee mugs to remove the need for single use plastics.
     

  • We use printer paper that is at least 30% post-consumer waste whenever possible and have started using tree-free paper from TreeZero.

    • TreeZero paper is: ​

      • 100% tree free​

      • 100% carbon neutral

      • Made from recycled sugarcane waste fiber (a rapidly renewable fiber) that is traditionally burned or landfilled.

WheelerFarmsNapaGreenImages-SarahAnneRisk.jpg

Garden and Orchard
 

  • The garden and orchard adhere to both organic and biodynamic practices.
     

  • We make our own compost from kitchen scraps, chicken manure, coffee grounds and eggshells to fertilize the garden beds.
     

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps, weeds, imperfect or overgrown vegetables are enjoyed by the chickens as part of their regular diet. 
     

  • Any leftover water from guest visits, including glasses, pitchers, simple cooking water, etc., is collected in the dishroom and used to water the garden daily.
     

  • All egg cartons and berry baskets are made from recycled materials and reused daily. 
     

  • We plant our garden and orchard with the bees in mind to maintain a healthy hive, as they are an integral part of our ecosystem at Wheeler Farms.
     

  • A healthy population of ladybugs and other beneficial insects also plays a role in the health of the garden and orchard, making it easier to keep the property free of pesticides.

Wheeler Farms ladybug walking on kale leaf
three chickens walking through tall green grass on Wheeler Farms in St Helena, CA
Chef Tom harvesting thyme from the Wheeler Farms culinary garden in St. Helena, CA

Kitchen and Hospitality House
 

  • We always cook what is in season. Given that vegetables are the dominant component of tasting, lunch and special event menus, the majority of ingredients are sourced from our garden and orchard. We supplement what we grow on property with products sourced from other local (within 100 miles) farmers, fishermen, foragers and gardeners who also adhere to organic and / or sustainable practices.
     

  • Guest napkins and towels are made from recyclable, unbleached material, and we use only reusable towels for all cleaning and kitchen prep.
     

  • Most of our pots and pans were purchased second-hand from a restaurant that closed. We also use a lot of cast iron instead of non-stick pans in the kitchen, as they are not recyclable.
     

  • Spices and pantry items are bought in bulk and stored in glass jars.
     

  • We have two electric vehicle chargers in the visitor parking lot. 

Over the shoulder shot of a woman holding JH Wheeler Membership invitation

Packaging and Printed Materials

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  • All printed materials used to inform guest experiences in the Hospitality House are produced with Greenerprinter, America’s leading environmentally friendly printer based in the Bay Area.

    • Paper is:

      • 100% recycled

      • Certified FSC

      • Ecologo

      • Chlorine Free

      • BioGas Energy

      • Ancient Forest Friendly ​​

    • ​Inks are:

      • Soy and/or other vegetable-based

      • Low VOC

        ​

  • Our tissue wrapped bottles use Seaman Paper tissue paper. This company practices:

    • Responsible fiber sourcing​

    • Efficient and responsible water consumption, recycling and treatment

    • Energy management with higher levels of renewable energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced energy consumption and costs. 

    • Waste management to minimize landfill waste.
       

  • For wine shipments, our boxes an inserts are made by WineShield which are:

    • 100% Biodegradable​

    • 100% Compostable

    • 100% Recyclable

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