Caring for the Whole System

At Alta Orsa, sustainability is not a single practice but a way of thinking. Each decision, in the vineyard, the cellar, and beyond, is made with the long view in mind: to leave the land, and the work, better than we found it.

People: Good farming depends on good people. We are committed to paying a living wage and building long-term relationships with those who work this land. Ricardo has cared for the vineyard since 1999. Octavio has been with us since the early days of Alta Orsa. Ramon and his crew have supported harvests and vineyard work for years. Their knowledge, consistency, and pride in the work are essential to everything we do.

Energy: We rely on the sun whenever we can. Sixty-two solar panels on the winery roof help offset our energy use, much of which goes toward cooling the barrel room. A second, larger array powers our storage barn, where wines rest in proper conditions before they reach you.

Beyond generation, we focus on use. We time energy consumption to reduce strain on the grid, invest in insulation to limit loss, and source renewable electricity through Sonoma Clean Power. Together, these choices reduce our footprint while keeping the wines stable and protected.

Glass: One of the most direct ways to reduce impact is through the weight of the bottle itself. Heavier glass requires more energy to produce and more fuel to transport. For that reason, we aim to use bottles under 500 grams and prioritize glass made in the United States. We do not equate weight with quality. Our focus is on farming and crafting the best wine possible, then placing it in packaging that reflects the same sense of responsibility. It is a small shift, but one that carries meaningful impact across every case we produce and ship.

Materials: We look for opportunities to remove what is unnecessary. Our Orsa wines are bottled without capsules, reducing material use and waste. All corks and tin capsules (Alta Orsa) are collected and recycled, keeping them out of landfills and returning those materials to use. If you live locally, bring us your corks and tin capsules, and we’ll recycle them.

Wildlife: A healthy vineyard is part of a larger ecosystem. Owl boxes placed throughout the property provide habitat for natural predators, helping to manage populations of ground-dwelling animals without the need for poisons or traps. It is a quieter, more balanced approach that supports both the vineyard and the surrounding landscape.