Cooper-Garrod Vineyards honored for leadership in going green

When it became a certified sustainable vineyard and winery in 2010, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms in Saratoga was ahead of the curve. The winery recently received the prestigious Green Medal Community Award for leadership in sustainable winegrowing for 2024, the 10th year the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing award has been presented.

The award recognizes vineyards and wineries that are leaders in implementing the Three E’s of sustainability: environment, economic and social equity.

In particular, the Community Award is given to the vineyard or winery that uses innovative practices to improve relationships with employees, neighbors and/or communities, and is one of four Green Medal awards each year; this year, Cooper-Garrod joins fellow winners LangeTwins, Gloria Ferrer and Vino Farms, LLC.

Cooper-Garrod is part of a generational family farming operation that began in 1893. Co-located with Garrod Farms Riding Stables, the winery opened to the public in 1994.

Their wine label depicts the Santa Clara Valley in the spring bloom of orchards that lasted for decades until the advent of Silicon Valley. Today, few orchards remain, but the vineyards, also present again in the valley, are still part of the agricultural landscape. Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the Cooper and Garrod families work the land.

Fourth-generation owners Bill and Doris Cooper are dedicated stewards of the land they have inherited. Realizing that time was running out, they began switching to organic farming in 2005.

They started with a 2-acre block, and the experiment went well enough that they decided to transform the entire 28-acre vineyard to the highest standards of organic farming. Certified Organic Farmers of California gave the vineyard their stamp of approval in 2011.

Fifth-generation family members working at the vineyard and winery are Cory Bosworth, tasting room, club and events manager, and Trevor Garrod, assistant winemaker and production manager.

Going organic seemed intimidating. Winemaker Bill Cooper says of the transition to organic: “The biggest hurdle was deciding, ‘We can do this.’ The biggest positive surprise was the money savings and the feeling that we had taken our viticulture to the next level. »

He says the downside is that growing organically requires more attention. “You can’t just call a chemical company when a disease or pest invades the vineyard; the winemaker must be proactive and more aware of what is happening or could happen in the vineyards.

Cooper says one of the key results of going organic was their decision to switch to fermentation with native yeasts starting in 2011. “Instead of buying commercial yeast, we let the yeasts from the vineyards ferment the grapes. We believe that these yeasts, combined with our estate and vineyard-designated grapes, give the full expression of our Santa Cruz Mountain wines.

Other vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains that have gone organic include Silver Mountain, Ridge, Big Basin Vineyards and Storrs. “We can all offer words of encouragement to those considering an organic transition or embarking on a more sustainable path, but the day-to-day work is individual,” says Cooper. “Plus, certification agencies and sustainability organizations want you to succeed and have a wealth of information. » Visit www.organicwinetrail.org

When asked about the biggest overall benefit of going organic, Cooper says, “Just like participating in a sustainable viticulture program, you have the confidence that you’re doing the best for the environment, your community and your bottom line. »

According to the press release announcing the awards, “Cooper-Garrod’s impact extends beyond the vineyards and into the community. From launching the Firewise Community initiative, to actively participating in the benefits for schools, mental health, chambers of commerce and historical foundations, to inviting community members to use the trails hiking the farm, they actively contribute to the well-being of their neighbors.

“Their “Walk and Sip for Six” donations provide an immersive sustainability experience at vineyards and wineries, while “Walk with the Winemaker” tours during Down-to-Earth Month in April demonstrate the commitment unwavering commitment to sustainable development.

“The family and staff actively engage in public policy, environmental action and community organizations by serving on numerous boards and committees, demonstrating their commitment to broader sustainability efforts. »

Green Medal awards are presented by several leading sustainability organizations: California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Green, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team .