The Twins: Brad and Randy Lange
You don’t have to look very far for a report on how the skyrocketing price of oil is affecting everyone’s pocketbook. Everyone from the daily commuter to the multi-national corporation is feeling the pinch. It is no different here at LangeTwins Winery and Vineyards.
In the September 8th edition of the Wine Business Daily News, Randy spoke about the increased pressure to operate fuel-efficiently, and how we have already been taking steps in that direction. Along with Brad, LangeTwins has always been innovative in sustainable farming techniques.
Farming sustainably comes with its challenges. Hybrid cars can’t haul bins of grapes during harvest and ‘electric tractors’ aren’t even on the horizon. There are certain areas of our farming operation where are hands are tied. But we have stayed on the forefront of sustainable innovation and strive to do more with less.
Three-row Trimmer
During the growing season, our grape harvesters are converted into multi-row trimmers and crop protection machines, covering three to four times the acreage compared to traditional methods. By doing this we decrease our carbon footprint and our dependency on fossil fuels, but we also develop more specialized employees. Doing more with less justifies an increased income for these skilled operators.
Lodi Rules!
This is a perfect example of the three E’s of the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Program: Economic viability, Environmental soundness, and social Equity. We have over 800 acres of vineyards certified sustainably-grown in the Lodi Rules Program. (Read more about the third-party certification process of Lodi Rules vineyards by Protected Harvest here) Our Lodi Rules certification spotlights our all-encompassing sustainability efforts. Innovative vineyard machinery is only one part of our long list of sustainable farming practices:
Solar Panels in our Vineyard
Renewable Energy
Taking advantage of the sunny San Joaquin Valley, we have installed photovoltaic solar systems at our viticulture headquarters, several agricultural water pumps, and our newly established winery. Our systems currently generate between 88% and 92% of their own energy, thus reducing our carbon footprint.
No Vacancy in our Vineyard Owl Boxes
Habitat Conservation
We recognize that when the environment is healthy and stable, so are our vineyards. The presence of wildlife is encouraged in the vineyards by the introduction and preservation of native grasses and trees, and the placement of nesting boxes for owls, birds, and bats.
Habitat Restoration at Gill Creek
Riparian Vegetation
A riparian area is the portion of a watershed which borders the banks for rivers, streams, and creeks. We understand the watershedʼs role in preventing sediments and nutrients from entering waterways. By restoring these areas and keeping them healthy we reduce erosion, maintain soil balance, and provide wildlife habitat.
Low Volume Drip Irrigation
Water Conservation
Winegrapes use less water than most crops; nonetheless, we constantly monitor soil moisture with a Neutron Probe, and regulate water usage through Low Volume Drip Irrigation. These two techniques allow us to manage when and where to irrigate, and help maintain our most precious resource.
We will continue to be innovative in our farming practices here at LangeTwins. Sustainability to us means more than just saving money at the gas pump – it’s about caring for the environment and the land we have owned for years so our future generations can continue winegrowing.
