Sustainable Farming
We utilize environmentally protective agricultural practices and renewable energy strategies, which is reflected in our Sustainability in Practice Certification (SIP).
Our livestock comprised of Alpaca and grass-fed Black Angus Beef cattle all work together to tend our vine rows and graze the land. These remarkable full-time workers graze our vineyards and are ideal for organic weed abatement, fertilization, and soil management. These charming allies all help to reduce our dependence on energy consumption and pesticides. When you visit our tasting room, we believe you too will be captivated by their presence and work ethic.
The wind and sun supply over 100% of our energy needs for the winery. We conserve and create energy by proudly utilizing a 10KW progressive Wind Energy Conversion Facility (WECF) in conjunction with the 77 solar panels on the property. The carbon footprint is net zero at Oso Libre Winery!
In addition to the vineyards and winery, Oso Libre is a traditional San Luis Obispo cattle ranch. Our Black Angus cattle are free range, grass fed, hormone free animals. Select Angus cuts are first offered to Wine Club members before becoming available for sale a la carte in the Tasting Room.
Sustainability in Practice Certified (SIP)
All of our Vines at Oso Libre are SIP (Sustainability in Practice) certified. We, as a life choice, focus on habitat conservation, energy efficiency, pest management, water conservation, economic stability, and human resources.
Sustainable agriculture rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own needs. It addresses stewardship of both natural and human resources and in agriculture it means that decisions are made with the whole farm system in mind as well as productivity in the long and short term.
The term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:
“satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.” - 1990 Farm Bill
Learn all about the importance of the SIP program at The Vineyard Team website.
Why SIP Certification?
- SIP Certification is available to growers and wineries throughout the United States
- SIP looks at the whole farm verifying the farmer's commitment to environmental stewardship, equitable treatment of employees, and business sustainability
- SIP is a practice and performance based program – every requirement and management enhancement has to do with practices and is measurable, therefore auditable
- SIP has a high threshold for eligibility – not every grower can qualify
- SIP prohibits the use of high risk pesticides (organophosphates, groundwater contaminants, just to name a few)