A Day of Learning and Collaboration

The recent Field Day, hosted by The Vineyard Team, Solminer Vineyards, and Measure to Improve, brought together vineyard growers, shepherds, consultants, and industry experts to explore the role of grazing in sustainable vineyard management. Attendees ranged from vineyard managers with extensive grazing experience to those just beginning to integrate livestock into their operations. The event served as an opportunity to exchange knowledge, showcase best practices, and discuss the challenges of implementing grazing strategies in vineyard ecosystems.

The day began with a tour of Solminer, led by owners Anna and David deLaski, who demonstrated their integration of animals into Biodynamic and Regenerative Organic vineyard practices. They shared insights into how these practices improve soil health, reduce synthetic inputs, and create a balanced ecosystem within the vineyard.

Following the tour, Gabe Worthington, Sustainability Program Manager at Measure to Improve, presented the historical and modern applications of grazing in vineyards, highlighting both scientific research and real-world examples. The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion featuring industry leaders sharing insights on the benefits, challenges, and best practices of integrating livestock into vineyard operations.

Solminer Vineyards Sustainability Sheep Grazing — *Gabe Worthington from Measure to Improve presenting a case study on the impact of grazing on carbon sequestration and soil health*

The Value of Grazing in Vineyards

Grazing in vineyards is not a new concept—its roots trace back to ancient Mediterranean civilizations. Historical records indicate civilizations like the Romans utilized grazing animals to manage vegetation and enhance soil fertility. More recently, wineries in Napa and Sonoma have reintroduced grazing as part of organic and biodynamic farming practices, with promising results. Research from UC Davis and international studies confirm that grazing enhances soil microbial activity, improves soil structure, increases carbon sequestration, and boosts nutrient availability. The presence of grazing animals also helps cycle nutrients naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and contributing to long-term soil health.

Case studies, including the Robert Hall Vineyard study, illustrate how regenerative practices such as sheep grazing, reduced tillage, and cover cropping can lead to higher yields, improved water retention, and enhanced microclimates. These findings underscore the economic and environmental benefits of integrating grazing into vineyard management.

Field Days at Solminer Vineyards Sustainability — *Panelists Cole Bakke, Kelly Mulville, Andrew Heilbrun, and Randy Record (left to right) in front of an engaged audience.*

Expert Insights from the Panel Discussion

The panel featured industry leaders with diverse experiences in vineyard grazing:

Gabe Worthington, Measure to Improve Moderator
Kelly Mulville, Paicines Ranch – Runs a 7,600-acre ranch with 600 acres of irrigated cropland and grazing land. Implemented an electrified offset grazing system, reducing herbicide use by 90% and increasing yields by 1.5 tons per acre.
Andrew Heilbrun, Presqu'ile Vineyards – Senior manager in Santa Maria, CA. Integrated kunekune pigs into a 75-acre vineyard to improve soil health and biodiversity. Kunekune pigs require minimal attention once trained and are well-suited for vineyard environments.
Randy Record, Paso de Record– Owns a 105-acre vineyard in Paso Robles, CA. Transitioned to regenerative agriculture by bringing in 1,000 sheep to manage vineyard floors, resulting in increased native plant growth and a reduced need for synthetic inputs.
Cole Bakke, IOU Sheep Co. – A fourth-generation sheep farmer running an operation in Visalia, CA. Modernized his family's traditional sheep farming practices to integrate grazing in orchards, vineyards, and pastures.

Key Takeaways: Benefits & Challenges

Environmental and Economic Benefits:

Reduced herbicide use by up to 90%, decreasing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Improved soil fertility and structure through increased organic matter, nutrient availability and microbial activity.
Enhanced biodiversity and native plant growth, creating a more resilient ecosystem. Kelly Mulville shared that, over time, his vineyard stopped needing cover crop seeding as native species began to thrive naturally in areas where they hadn’t been seen before. In five years, plant diversity increased from 11 to over 100 species, significantly boosting soil fertility and reducing maintenance needs.
Improved pest and disease resistance due to improved soil and plant health.
More efficient vineyard floor management, reducing the need for mechanical mowing and weed control.

Challenges and Solutions:

Transitioning away from herbicides requires an initial investment in mechanical weed control until the grazing system is fully established.
Vineyard infrastructure may need modifications, such as reinforced fencing or adapted trellis systems, to accommodate livestock.
Predator control is essential to protect grazing animals, requiring strategies like electric fencing, guardian animals, or GPS tracking.
Experienced grazers are crucial for successful implementation, as they provide expertise in managing grazing patterns and livestock behavior.

Sheep Grazing in Vineyards — *Solminer’s sheep hard at work grazing in the vineyard*

Integrating Livestock

During a live demonstration, Anna deLaski shared Solminer Winery's approach to integrating baby doll sheep for vineyard grazing. These sheep are known for their docile nature and minimal vine damage, making them a preferred breed for vineyard grazing.

Key considerations discussed included:

Renting vs. owning sheep – Some vineyards opt to rent sheep seasonally, while others establish permanent flocks.
Managing grazing duration – Overgrazing can deplete soil nutrients, so careful rotation is essential.
Infrastructure needs – Fencing, irrigation systems, and shelter must be adapted to support grazing livestock.
Carbon sequestration and water retention – The presence of grazing animals enhances soil organic matter, improving water retention capacity.
Veterinary considerations – Understanding parasite cycles, gut health, and general animal welfare is critical for successful grazing integration.

Key Take-Aways: A Pathway to Sustainable Vineyard Management

The Field Day provided a platform for industry professionals to exchange knowledge and explore innovative ways to enhance vineyard sustainability. Integrating grazing animals into vineyard systems presents a viable strategy for improving soil health, reducing chemical inputs, and fostering a more resilient agricultural ecosystem. With thoughtful planning and collaboration, grazing can play a crucial role in advancing regenerative vineyard management.

For vineyard managers, considering grazing, starting small, monitoring soil health metrics, and refining practices over time is key. Establishing partnerships with experienced grazers and adopting a holistic approach to soil and livestock management will be critical in ensuring long-term success.

To learn more about implementing these practices, download our Sheep Grazing in Vineyards case study.

Exploring the Benefits of Grazing in Vineyards: A Field Day Recap