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Sustainability

Protecting the environment

Land stewardship is a fundamental principle in our farming strategy. Since 2004 we have employed the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) Code of Sustainability self-assessment program, with independent, third party certification. We engage in a cycle of continual improvement, evaluating our practices as we maximize the potential of each vineyard site to produce the highest quality grapes. For each property in our care, we create a farm plan that maintains long-term viability of agricultural lands, protects riparian habitat and fisheries, prevents soil erosion and employs integrated pest management.

  • Employee Performance

    We encourage employee feedback and suggestions to improve operations.

  • Measuring Water Use

    We install meters to monitor all irrigation operations—wells, pumps and water line performance—documenting efficiencies to increase the beneficial use of water.

  • New Vineyard Layout

    We design vineyards according to soil types, operational efficiencies and worker safety, considering sun exposure, slope, wind direction, and erosion prevention. We create buffer zones around riparian habitat, native vegetation, and environmentally sensitive areas.

  • Safety Training

    We conduct worker safety training meetings on a quarterly basis or as safety issues change, along with “tailgate safety training” as needed, documenting session topics, dates, and attendance. BVM has an “outstanding” rating from our workman’s comp carrier.

  • Promoting Sustainability in the Workplace

    We regularly update employees about the sustainability efforts, encouraging contributions that increase sustainable workplace behavior. Our team actively improves our efficiency and sustainability. We are constantly upgrading our machinery to be more modern, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.

  • Community

    BVM management and employees volunteered to restore the Oak Mound Pioneer Cemetery in Healdsburg. Our employees coach youth Basketball and teach ESL to Spanish speakers. Our company supports many local non-profit agencies, including the Healdsburg FFA Fair, the Sonoma County Fair, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Ag Scholarship Program, and the Sonoma County Grapegrower Foundation. This Foundation provided financial relief to farmworkers during the 2017 Tubbs fire and the 2019 Kinkaid fire.

  • Habitat Enhancement for Wildlife

    BVM encourages and protects native tree habitats—oaks, firs and redwood trees—near our vineyards, which we treat as wildlife sanctuaries. We maintain natural perches and nesting sites and install supplemental nesting boxes near our vineyards and wineries.

  • Sustaining our Employees

    BVM and the Bevill Family Trust provides free housing to all of our H2A farm workers who relocate from Mexico to work for us here in Sonoma County.

We’re partnered with

BVM works with state water agencies, fisheries, and organizations such as Trout Unlimited® and Fish Friendly Farming®, a vineyard certification program designed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality.