Climate change has caused significant impact to Napa over the past few years, especially with regards to the historic wildfires. In 2020, unprecedented winds and warm temperatures created a firestorm that nearly destroyed our winery. Today, we are making strides to build fire resiliency through investments in infrastructure and thoughtful land management. While we can’t lower rising global temperatures, end drought cycles, or control extreme weather events, we can act as stewards of our land to mitigate fire damage. 

Clearing the Way Forward

Our most significant investment has been the removal of dead and hazardous trees across our 825-acre property — especially along the boundary shared with the town of St. Helena. This large-scale cleanup, totaling more than $1.65 million, directly reduces accumulated fuel loads that intensify wildfire behavior. For years, our former forests looked like burnt toothpicks across our ridgelines (see the before photo from two years ago). We have diligently been cleaning the landscape and it is looking great. Now, native oaks, toyon, and laurel trees are pushing up through the soil. The olive orchard that burned to the ground is also sending up new growth from its stumps — stubbornly alive. We are nurturing what remains and coaxing these trees back toward productivity.

Four-legged Fire Brigade

Each year, we invite more than 4,500 goats and sheep to graze our mountain, naturally reducing grasses and brush that would otherwise dry out and become combustible during fire season. In areas where livestock cannot reach, our crews mechanically manage the vegetation through targeted weed-whacking and mastication to keep regrowth under control.

Living Fire Breaks

Our vineyards, meanwhile, serve a dual purpose. Clean, well-managed agricultural zones act as natural fire breaks. As we redevelop approximately 220 acres of vineyard, that living barrier grows more substantial. When you look at our property, you see something tidy and organized. That is not an accident - it’s a form of protection.

Ready to Respond

It isn't only about prevention – it's also about response. We are working closely with the local fire chief to ensure our internal roads are navigable for emergency equipment, with plans for formal turn-arounds and widened access routes throughout the property. We're also working with neighboring wineries for reciprocal easements to allow emergency vehicle access. Lastly, we also plan to provide water sheds across the mountain as well as a fire truck available on-site.

Together, these efforts form a comprehensive approach to landscape stewardship – protecting the vineyard, improving ecosystem health, and enhancing wildfire resilience for our neighbors in St. Helena. Our 825-acre hillside property is now designed to limit and hopefully prevent fire from coming through. At the very least, these measures will contribute to slowing any potential firestorm down. It is our contribution to being good neighbors and preserving the beauty of our natural spaces for future generations.