The journey to achieving the Gold Award from SWGB has been marked by several key sustainability practices and innovations at Ridgeview. One of our primary focuses has been sustainable pruning methods. Under the guidance of Marco Simonit (a renowned pruning specialist) our vineyard manager, Matt Strugnell, has transformed our approach to winter vine care. This collaboration ensures that our vines are pruned in a way that promotes long-term health and productivity.
Maintaining year-round ground cover in the alleys and headlands of our mature vineyards helps to protect the soil from erosion, improve water retention, and promote biodiversity. This practice not only supports the health of our vines but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem within the vineyard. We actively monitor the range of plants in our vineyard alleys and headlands, ensuring a healthy and diverse ecosystem that benefits both the vineyard and the surrounding environment.
Reducing herbicide usage has also been a priority. Our vineyard has not been treated with herbicides for two years now, and the results have been remarkable. The vineyard looks healthier, and we have seen an increase in biodiversity with a diverse mix of plant species growing and fewer problem weeds. We have increased our organic soil matter to enhance fertility and structure. Soil health remains a key focus for the future.
