Over in Oakville, Far Niente is also taking a science-forward, ecologically mindful
approach to farming.
“It’s vineyards — but it’s so much more,” said John McCarthy, director of
vineyard operations. “We have animals, insects, pathogens, plants — our job is to
help them coexist while still making sure we produce one heck of a bottle of
wine.” Far Niente’s efforts span pest control, pollinator support and water conservation. Instead of blanket chemical sprays, the winery uses parasitic wasps to manage the vine mealybug, a major vector of leafroll virus. Far Niente also cultivatescover crops, avoids attracting virus-spreading insects like the three-corneredalfalfa hopper through plant selection and mindful mowing practices, and uses a “triangulation approach” to balance pest suppression, water conservation and emissions reduction.
