Lieb Cellars uses only organic and/or low-impact pesticides and in very limited, controlled quantities. We use mechanical cultivation to control weed growth (vs. spraying chemicals such as Round Up, a common practice in many vineyards and farms) and physical barriers to control pests. Deer fencing and bird netting are examples of pest control.
Fungus (powdery or downy mildew) can be a challenge in our region and is best treated with a variety of low-impact compounds including copper, stylet oil (mineral oils), phostrol (phosphorous acid) and sulfur. We also go an extra step in using a recyclable sprayer, which recovers 90% of the materials applied rather than emitting them directly into the air.
Other sustainable practices include hand harvesting (which reduces gas consumption and carbon pollution while positively impacting local economy/workforce) and packaging our wines in eco-friendly containers, which also greatly reduces our carbon footprint.
Our goal in all of these practices is to lessen our impact on our local environment while promoting and protecting the health of our region and our local agriculture and economies.
