Korbel Champagne Cellars' 2011 Garden Opening

It may be coincidence that Korbel Garden opens this year just a week before the world celebrates Earth Day, but several aspects of its care are representative of Korbel's efforts to conserve, reduce, reuse and implement natural, sustainable techniques throughout its vineyard and winemaking operations. The garden's drip irrigation system, carefully calibrated to each planting, and operated at night to conserve water and keep energy use off-peak, is similar to that used in Korbel's vineyards. The garden and vineyards both benefit from integrated pest management, including utilization of beneficial bugs and nematodes to control destructive insects. The rich, natural compost for the garden and the vineyards is produced from vineyard waste, including pruned vine canes, grape stems and grape pomace. Native, drought-resistant California plants, a significant element in Korbel Garden's vibrant color palette, help reduce water consumption.