Organic vs. Sustainable Winegrowing: What It Really Means at The Lucas Winery
You’ve seen the words on wine labels… organic, sustainable, maybe even both. And you’ve probably wondered, what’s the actual difference? At The Lucas Winery, we do a bit of both, and we’re here to break it down—no lab coat or science jargon required.
What Is Organic Wine Farming?
When we say our ZinStar Vineyard is certified organic, we mean it. That’s not just marketing fluff. It’s a legal designation backed by annual inspections from CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). We’ve proudly held that certification since 2009.
So what makes a vineyard organic?
-No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Ever.
-Two full years of clean farming before we could even apply for certification.
-A focus on healthy soil, balanced ecosystems, and low-impact farming.
Instead of waging war with nature, we work with it. That means inviting beneficial insects to hang out in our vines, encouraging cover crops to grow between rows, and saying no to harsh chemical shortcuts.
We also:
-Avoid tilling to protect soil structure, retain moisture, and reduce carbon emissions
-Let native grasses and wildflowers grow between the vines… hello, biodiversity!
-Maintain hedgerows to provide safe havens for pollinators and birds
-Keep meticulous records and harvest carefully to prevent cross-contamination
Here’s a fun fact for your next wine night trivia: While our grapes are 100% organic, our wine isn’t technically labeled as such. Why? Because we add a small (and safe) amount of sulfites to help preserve aroma and freshness. If we didn’t, your Zin might taste more like vinegar than velvet.
(Fun fact: your glass of wine has about ten times less sulfites than a serving of french fries!)
What Is Sustainable Winegrowing?
Now let’s talk sustainability – a word that goes beyond the vineyard. Sustainable farming means taking a whole-systems approach to how we care for the land, our team, and our community. It’s about being good stewards today, so future generations can keep making (and enjoying) great wine tomorrow.
All of our vineyards, including ZinStar, are certified sustainable through the LODI RULES program. It’s one of the most rigorous sustainability certifications in the country, covering over 150 best practices.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
-Installing owl boxes and planting hedgerows to welcome natural pest control
-Limiting tilling and growing permanent cover crops for long-term soil health
-Managing irrigation and nutrients efficiently to avoid waste
-Attending regular sustainability workshops and investing in our team’s development
-Making conscious business decisions that support people, planet, and profit
TL;DR: Why We Do Both
Organic and sustainable farming aren’t the same… but they complement each other beautifully. At The Lucas Winery, we believe that great wine starts in the vineyard, and that taking care of the earth and the people who farm it isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the smartest way to make delicious, age-worthy wines.
So the next time you sip a glass of our ZinStar Zinfandel, know this: it’s made with integrity, care, and a deep respect for the land we’ve farmed since 1978.