Kari Auringer of Silver Trident Winery
Tell us about the sustainable and eco-friendly practices at the vineyard: Our vineyards are sustainably farmed. We manage the cover crop by disking and not using chemicals. We also focus on protecting wildlife and the ecosystem within the vineyard. For example, we use sheep to trim the cover crop; we have bird boxes to shelter birds of prey who then manage the pests in the vineyard. We also use recycled water and also watering a lot less. We also have recently focused on making fewer passes through the vineyard. We’re intentionally limiting the number of times we go in, whether with a tractor or a crew.
In terms of winemaking, we’ve also taken on reducing our use of water. During harvest we sweep and use squeegees and use water minimally. The staff started a campaign watching the amount of water we use and set targets. If we see a spike in water usage, we now know how to find the leaks. Water conservation has made the biggest impact in both our vineyards and at the winery.
Another thing we’re doing at the winery is composting our fermentation waste (skins, pomace, seeds, etc.) and then putting it back into the soil.
Tell us about the varietals you make: 2022 Symphony No. 9 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley), 2021 Benevolent Dictator Pinot Noir (Russian River), 2019 Playing with Fire Proprietary Red Blend (Napa Valley), 2018 Twenty Seven Fathoms Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), 2019 Friends & Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) and 2022 Apollo’s Folly Rose
What are a few wines that readers should try right now?
2022 Symphony No. 9 Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Twenty Seven Fathoms Cabernet Sauvignon