We know—“sustainable winegrowing” sounds like something you’d hear at a very serious farming seminar. But here’s the twist: it’s actually a pretty fascinating (and important) topic, especially if you enjoy sipping wine that’s not just delicious but also kind to the planet.
In New York and beyond, more and more vineyards—like ours at Suhru & Lieb—are embracing sustainable practices. It’s about more than just grapes; it’s about caring for the land, supporting the people who grow your wine, and making sure great wine can be enjoyed for generations to come. Let’s break it down.
Think of sustainable winegrowing as the triple threat of vineyard management—it’s about protecting the environment, treating people right, and running a smart, long-lasting business. Instead of doing whatever it takes to get big yields fast, sustainable growers think long-term. That means fewer synthetic chemicals, healthier soils, happier workers, and a future-friendly vineyard.
Here in New York, the New York Sustainable Winegrowing program gives vineyards a roadmap to do exactly that. It’s a voluntary certification with science-backed standards, regular check-ins, and helpful tools for wineries that want to do things the right way.
Let’s be honest: farming can take a toll on the environment. But when it’s done sustainably, winegrowing becomes part of the solution, not the problem. At Suhru & Lieb Vineyards, for example, we use organic and low-impact pesticides, mechanical weed control instead of herbicides, and even special sprayers that recover 90% of what they apply. Less waste, less pollution—more peace of mind.
Hand-harvesting grapes may sound old-school, but it’s an awesome way to cut back on fuel use and create local jobs. Sustainable winegrowing makes sure the people working behind the scenes are treated fairly and given safe, supportive working conditions. Happy vines, happy crew, happy wine.
Going green isn’t just good karma—it’s good economics. Healthier vines mean better grapes, and better grapes make better wine. Plus, more consumers are looking for that “sustainably grown” label. Getting certified can help your wine stand out on the shelf and taste even better in the glass.
Located on Long Island’s North Fork (yes, it’s as beautiful as it sounds), we farm 54 acres of sandy-loam soils surrounded by water and sunshine. And we’re proud to do it sustainably.
Here’s a taste of our approach:
✅ Low-impact, organic-approved sprays (because less is more)
✅ Mechanical weed control (no chemical nasties)
✅ Bird netting and deer fencing (protecting our crop, without harming the wildlife)
✅ Recyclable sprayers (smart tools for smart farming)
✅ Hand-harvested fruit (gently picked, better flavor)
✅ Bee and bird-friendly biodiversity (yes, we’ve got bird boxes and vineyard bees!)
What’s the Deal with Certification?If you’re wondering how you can spot a sustainable wine on the shelf, keep your eyes peeled for the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Trustmark. That little logo tells you the wine was grown with love for the land, the people, and the planet.
The program holds vineyards to high standards—environmentally, socially, and economically—and makes sure they stay accountable with third-party audits and tools like the VineBalance workbook. It’s legit, and we’re all in.
Sustainable winegrowing isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a way to grow better grapes, support local communities, and be a little kinder to the earth—all while making amazing wine. We’re proud to be part of the movement here at Suhru & Lieb, and we hope every sip of our wine reminds you that small choices can make a big impact.
Cheers to wine that does good and tastes even better.
For more on how New York vineyards are leading the way in sustainability, check out New York Sustainable Winegrowing.
