The Sheep Are Back: A Time-Honored Practice in Our Vineyards
If you visit Gloria Ferrer over the next few weeks, you may notice some unexpected new team members moving through our estate vineyards… Sheep! Their arrival isn’t a novelty or a photo op; it’s a purposeful return to one of the oldest vineyard practices in the world.
For centuries, European winegrowers relied on livestock to naturally manage vineyard floors as a part of integrated farming systems. At Gloria Ferrer, we’re proud to carry that tradition forward as part of our commitment to organic viticulture and responsible land stewardship.
Why Sheep Belong in the Vineyard
Sheep provide a natural, effective form of grazing that supports both vine health and soil vitality. As they move through the rows, they gently graze cover crops and weeds without disturbing the vines themselves. This reduces the need for mechanical mowing, lowers fuel use, and minimizes soil compaction helping to protect the living structure of our soils.
Their presence also contributes natural fertilization, returning organic matter directly to the vineyard floor, cycling nutrients back to the soil and improving soil microbiology. Healthy soils lead to healthier vines, and ultimately, more expressive wines.
Supporting Organic Viticulture
As a CCOF-certified organic estate, every decision we make in the vineyard matters. Sheep grazing allows us to reduce reliance on mechanical and material inputs while maintaining balance in the ecosystem. It’s a practical, proven solution that aligns with our belief that great wines begin with respect for the land.
Timing is key. The sheep graze during the dormant season and early growth periods, before bud break, ensuring vines are protected while maximizing the benefits to soil health and vineyard balance.
Many Additional Benefits
Our herd provides other services beyond controlling growth on the vineyard floor and nutrient cycling. By lowering the height of our cover crop they assist in vineyard airflow, helping to reduce the risk of spring frosts. As the cover crop grows tall it draws water from our winter soil reserves, keeping it grazed down reduces water loss leaving more water for our vines in the spring when they awake from dormancy.
Sustainability Rooted in Tradition
At Gloria Ferrer, sustainability isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about making thoughtful choices that will sustain this land for generations to come. Bringing sheep into the vineyard is a perfect example of how traditional practices can offer modern solutions.
It’s quiet work. It’s patient work. And it reflects our long-term view: caring for the vineyard today so it continues to thrive tomorrow.
So if you see sheep grazing among the vines this season, know they’re playing an important role in our organic journey and are helping us farm with intention, integrity, and respect for our land.