Ryan Rech, Sr. of Beringer Vineyards
Tell us about the sustainable and eco-friendly practices at the vineyard: For nearly 150 years, Beringer has been a pioneering presence in the Napa Valley, and sustainability is no exception. The historic vineyards and properties have stood the test of time due to great care and a mindful approach. All of Beringer’s owned and leased vineyards are certified by best-in-class third-party organizations, including Napa Green Winery and Vineyard, California Sustainable Winegrowing and Fish Friendly Farming certified.
Senior winemaker and general manager Rech oversees all vineyard and winery activities and takes a holistic and low-impact approach to sustainability. One of the most important actions is care for the soil, which helps boost water retention and biodiversity and in turn lowers water usage and nutrient additions, in addition to making the vines more resilient against disease and pests.
In its innovating spirit, Beringer initiated the largest solar installation on a winery in the United States in 2009, jumpstarting its parent company Treasury Wine Estate’s sustainable energy efforts for its Americas division. As a result, energy consumption has been lowered by nearly one-third since 2007, and Beringer is on track for 100 percent renewable energy by 2024. It has also decommissioned some of its larger winery fermentation tanks, turning them into rainwater capture vessels. As a result, the winery is able to capture and store approximately 700,000 gallons of rainwater annually, which is later used in place of groundwater to run our evaporative cooling towers, which help to chill our fermentation tanks.
Tell us about the varietals you make: Beringer produces classic, benchmark examples of Napa Valley wines primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. One of the greatest kept secrets and a differentiating factor is our vineyards in the Knights Valley AVA in Sonoma, nestled in a remote area next to Napa County. Beringer has farmed these pristine vineyards and maintained wildlife corridors since the mid-1960’s. The Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers a great introduction to the AVA, with tension between a brambly, wild edge and a polished, elegant profile. The Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay was introduced with the 1978 vintage and represents the pinnacle of the estate’s Chardonnay offerings.
What are a few wines that readers should try right now?
2020 Beringer Private Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay
2019 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon