Earth Month in Lodi: Sustainability in Wine Country

Celebrating Sustainable Winemaking in Lodi

This April, we’re raising a glass to Earth Month and inviting you to discover how Lodi’s wineries are making a difference!

Come explore the inspiring ways our local growers and vintners embrace sustainability and care for the land we love, one row at a time.

The Guiding Principles of LODI RULES

• Protecting the Soil — Healthy soil supports healthy vines and great wine. Growers use composting, cover crops, and minimal tillage to keep the soil thriving.
• Saving Water — Smart irrigation systems and water monitoring help preserve every precious drop.
• Skipping the Harmful Stuff — Pest management is thoughtful, prioritizing natural methods and avoiding chemicals whenever possible.
• Boosting Biodiversity — Trees, wildflowers, and native grasses planted throughout vineyards provide support for pollinators and wildlife.
• Supporting Workers & Community — Fair labor, workplace safety, and engagement with the community are all essential parts of the approach.
• Track Everything — Detailed documentation and annual third-party audits help maintain a high, honest standard.

Lodi Leads on Sustainability

In Lodi, growing exceptional grapes goes hand in hand with considering the future. Sustainability is woven into the region’s identity, and LODI RULES brings that commitment to life. Local growers developed the program in the Lodi AVA with support from top scientists. LODI RULES was the first sustainable viticultural program of its kind in California and a true catalyst for other sustainable land management programs.

At the center of LODI RULES is the goal of leaving the land in better condition than it was found. Careful farming protects the land, people, and planet while safeguarding soil, water, and community. Since 2005, LODI RULES has inspired a myriad of land management programs throughout the country and beyond. In a state full of green-minded wine regions, were are proud to say that Lodi continues to lead the way.

Fun Fact: The impact reaches well beyond Lodi: over 70,000 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards are grown on a global level with a LODI RULES certification.

Sustainability Practices in the Vineyard

A visit to vineyards and wineries throughout the Lodi AVA can reveal LODI RULES practices at work. Bokisch Vineyards has owl boxes throughout its vineyards. At Peltier Winery, a worm farm helps promote clean, reusable water while enriching the soil. At Acquiesce Winery, sheep graze on mustard green cover crops, naturally managing weeds and improving soil health.

These examples represent only a few of the over 150 sustainability standards that shape LODI RULES. Together, those standards help vineyards produce exceptional wine while caring for the land, water, and community for generations to come.

Sip Sustainably

The Lodi Wine & Visitor Center offers a way to discover LODI RULES certified wines in person or online. Its curated LODI RULES section includes a handpicked selection from Lodi wineries such as Harney Lane Winery, Lucas Winery, Oak Farm Vineyards, m2 Wines, Bokisch Vineyards, and more. Whether you are visiting Lodi or ordering from home, choosing from this collection is a way to support certified sustainable winemaking. A full list of LODI RULES certified wineries is also available through the center.

Choosing a wine bearing the LODI RULES seal means more than tasting Lodi. It also means supporting a greener, better way to make wine. Everyone is encouraged to learn about these sustainability initiatives and support them during Earth Month and beyond.

Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

Related Places

• Bokisch Vineyards
  18921 Atkins Rd,
  Lodi, California 95240-9715
  (209) 642-8880

• m2 wines
  2900 E Peltier Rd,
  Acampo, 95220-8912
  (209) 339-1071

• Oak Farm Vineyards
  23627 N DeVries Rd,
  Lodi, California 95242-9613
  (209) 365-6565

• The Lucas Winery
  18196 N Davis Rd,
  Lodi, California 95242-9280
  (209) 368-2006

• Harney Lane Winery
  9010 E Harney Ln,
  Lodi, California 95240-0000
  (209) 365-1900

• Lodi Wine Visitor Center
  2545 W Turner Rd,
  Lodi, California 95242-4643
  (209) 365-0621

• Acquiesce Winery
  22353 N Tretheway Rd,
  Acampo, California 95220-9716
  (209) 333-6102

• Peltier Winery & Vineyards
  22150 N Kennefick Rd,
  Acampo, California 95220-9242
  (209) 367-4882