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The Sustainability in
Practice (SIP)™ Vineyard Certification Program provides
a comprehensive and verifiable method to authenticate a
vineyard’s attention to integrated farming practices—a
commitment to environmental stewardship, equitable
treatment of employees, and economic viability.
Developed by the Central Coast Vineyard Team—a
non-profit dedicated to sustainable winegrowing since
1994—this program represents one natural outgrowth of
the group’s pioneering work.
Certification
In order to qualify for vineyard certification, growers
must farm in a way that protects both natural and human
resources. This is accomplished by achieving and
documenting the forty requirements followed by an
on-site audit from an independent inspector.
Comprehensive Standards
After four years of development, the standards and
requirements for SIP Certification were independently
peer reviewed by environmental, regulatory, and academic
representatives. They address several interrelated
elements of the farming system.
Values & Trust
At Hahn Estates, we recognize that the care in which the
fruit is grown represents one layer of a quality
product. We demonstrate our dedication by adhering to
sustainable farming practices every day and by investing
in the SIP certification. |
HAHN PRACTICES
SUSTAINABILITY
The Hahn Vineyards achieved this Certification through
its dedication and farming practices in the following
areas:
Biodiversity—In addition to cover crops and vines,
Hahn encourages biodiversity by allowing a multitude of
flora and fauna to thrive in the vineyards, providing
wildlife habitat and encouraging residency.
Vineyard Management—Hahn
Vineyards is continually improving farming practices to
make them more environmentally sound, socially just and
economically viable.
Soil Conservation—At
Hahn, we improve the soil by natural methods such as
cover crops, including legumes which mulches into the
soil and helps improve nitrogen.
Pest Management—Hahn
promotes a wide range of natural pest controls including
beneficial insects such as beetles, lady bugs and lace
wings.
Water Quality and
water and energy conservation—Hahn uses VFD
(Variable Frequency Drive) pumps which control water and
energy usage and uses UV light treatment to give pure
clean water to the winery and vineyards.
Organic Approved and
Reduced-risk synthetic pesticides—Hahn uses Stylet
oil instead of sulfur when possible which controls
mildew and suppresses mites.
Social Equity—Hahn
considers quality of life issues for farm workers and
neighbors in the community. The core group of farm
workers at Hahn is provided with full benefits, and the
winery stays involved with the farm-growing community.
Continuing Education—Hahn
Vineyards is continually monitoring the latest in
sustainable farming practices and making improvements to
the vineyard program to meet those standards.
Fruit Quality—Fruit
quality is of the utmost importance to us, and that is
reflected in the quality of our wine.
Economic Viability—Hahn has been in business growing
grapes and producing wine since 1980 and has expanded
over the years to own over 1,000 acres in Monterey
County |
