VINCENZO DE SIMONE TAKING A SUSTAINABLE & ORGANIC APPROCH

 De Simone Vineyards is fully Sustainably Certified, & Organically Certified this includes our winemaking process, vineyard & farming.

What does sustainable mean?

Being sustainable means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves using resources responsibly, minimizing waste, and protecting the environment. Sustainability encompasses economic, social, and environmental aspects, aiming to create a balance between these three pillars for long-term well-being and resilience.

Why is it important for wineries to be sustainable?

It is important for wineries to be sustainable for several reasons:

1. Environmental Conservation: Winemaking involves agriculture, and sustainable practices help protect the environment. By implementing practices such as organic farming, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation, wineries can minimize their ecological footprint, reduce soil erosion, and protect natural habitats.

2. Climate Change Mitigation: Climate change poses significant challenges to the wine industry, affecting grape quality and vineyard ecosystems. Sustainable wineries focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting renewable energy sources, and implementing carbon offset initiatives. These actions help mitigate the industry's contribution to climate change and build resilience against its impacts.

3. Preservation of Terroir: Terroir refers to the unique characteristics of a wine region, including soil composition, climate, and local ecosystems. Sustainable wineries prioritize the preservation of terroir by implementing practices that maintain soil health, biodiversity, and natural water sources. This ensures that the wines produced reflect the authentic flavors and qualities of their specific regions.

4. Conservation of Water Resources: The winemaking process requires significant amounts of water, and sustainable wineries focus on water conservation and responsible usage. By implementing efficient irrigation systems, wastewater management practices, and water recycling methods, wineries can reduce their water consumption and minimize their impact on local water sources.

5. Social Responsibility and Community Engagement: Sustainable wineries prioritize social responsibility by engaging with local communities, supporting fair labor practices, and contributing to the economic development of the region. They often collaborate with local farmers, employ local workers, and participate in community initiatives, fostering positive relationships and contributing to the well-being of the community.

6. Consumer Preference and Market Demand: Consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability and seek out products that align with their values. Wineries that prioritize sustainability can attract environmentally conscious consumers, enhance their brand reputation, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

By embracing sustainability, wineries can not only minimize their environmental impact but also contribute to the long-term success and resilience of the wine industry as a whole.

LOOK FOR THIS LOGO

The Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario (SWO) Certified logo assures consumers that the complete grape to glass cycle is sustainable – that the grapes are grown and the Ontario VQA wine is crafted with sustainability at the forefront of each winery and vineyard’s business philosophy. Look for this logo on Ontario VQA wine from SWO Certified wineries.

For more info on Sustainable or becoming sustainable visit link below

Wine corks

Vincenzo De Simone a first to use beeswax corks, specifically those from a company called Diam. Vincenzo, has been using Diam Corks since 2017 vintage, and is proud to be supporting such an amazing product especially the Origin series.

Firstly, beeswax is a natural and sustainable material. It is harvested from beehives without causing harm to the bees or the environment. By using beeswax corks, we can reduce our reliance on synthetic materials that may have negative impacts on the planet.

Secondly, beeswax corks offer excellent sealing properties. The wax creates a tight seal between the cork and the bottle, preventing oxygen from entering and preserving the quality of the contents. This is crucial for wines and other beverages that rely on proper aging and preservation.

Additionally, beeswax corks have been found to be less prone to taint or contamination compared to traditional cork stoppers. This ensures that the flavours and aromas of the beverage remain intact, providing a better drinking experience.

Furthermore, Diam is a reputable company known for its high-quality corks. They have developed a unique process that removes any chemicals or impurities from the cork, resulting in a cleaner and more reliable product. This attention to quality and innovation makes Diam beeswax corks a trusted choice for Vincenzo.

Overall, the use of beeswax corks, particularly those from Diam, is important because it promotes sustainability, ensures proper sealing, minimizes taint, and upholds the quality of the beverage.

Look forward to trying Vincenzo’s wine with these supper cool corks and learn all about his efforts in sustainability.

Visit De Simone Vineyards link in bio!

Vincenzo is the first winery owner in the region to utilizes an ozone machine as a sustainable solution to combat mildew in his vineyard. These machines generate ozone, a naturally occurring gas, which is then dispersed throughout the vineyard. Ozone effectively eliminates mildew by neutralizing spores and inhibiting their growth. This method is sustainable as it avoids the need for harmful chemical pesticides that can negatively impact the environment and human health. Ozone machines also require minimal energy consumption and produce no harmful byproducts, making them an eco-friendly choice for vineyard maintenance. By employing ozone machines, we can effectively prevent mildew while promoting sustainability in our vineyard practices.

No Herbicides!

Vincenzo De Simone chose not to use herbicides in the vineyard. Our vineyard as been hand planted in 2010 and has never seen herbicides. Hand hoeing and mechanical weeding has been implemented and is an extremely sustainable & organic option.

Here are a few reasons why avoiding the upswing of herbicides in vineyards is an essential part of sustainable agriculture: 

 1. Environmental Impact: Herbicides can have detrimental effects on the environment, including soil degradation, water contamination, and harm to beneficial insects and wildlife. By reducing or eliminating the use of herbicides, vineyards can help preserve biodiversity and protect the natural ecosystem.  

2. Soil Health: Herbicides can negatively impact soil health by depleting beneficial microorganisms and disrupting the natural balance of the soil. This can lead to reduced fertility and diminished long-term productivity. Adopting alternative weed management practices, such as cover cropping, mulching, or mechanical cultivation, promotes healthier soil and enhances the overall sustainability of the vineyard. 

 3. Water Conservation: Herbicides can leach into groundwater and nearby water bodies, posing a risk to aquatic organisms and human health. By minimizing herbicide usage, vineyards can help safeguard water quality and contribute to water conservation efforts. 

 4. Human Health: Some herbicides have been classified as carcinogenic or have other adverse health effects. By avoiding the use of these chemicals, vineyards prioritize the well-being of workers, nearby communities, and consumers. 

 5. Organic and Biodynamic Certification: Many vineyards aspire to obtain organic or biodynamic certifications, which require strict adherence to sustainable practices, including limited or no use of synthetic herbicides. By opting for alternative weed management methods, vineyards can align with these certification standards, providing consumers with reassurance about the sustainability and safety of their products. 

 By choosing sustainable weed management practices that minimize or eliminate herbicides, vineyards can protect the environment, promote soil health, conserve water, prioritize human health, and work towards organic or biodynamic certification. These practices contribute to a more sustainable and responsible approach to viticulture, ensuring the long-term viability of vineyards and the preservation of our natural resources.

Adding under drainage is a great sustainable approach in vineyards for several reasons: 

 1. Water Management: Under drainage systems help to manage water effectively in vineyards. They improve soil drainage by removing excess water from the root zone, preventing waterlogging and reducing the risk of water-related diseases in grapevines. Efficient water management is crucial for sustainable agriculture, as it minimizes water waste, promotes healthy root development, and optimizes irrigation practices. 

 2. Soil Health: Excess water in the soil can lead to poor aeration, compaction, and nutrient leaching. By installing under drainage systems, vineyards can improve soil structure and prevent soil erosion. Well-drained soils promote root growth, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity, which are essential for maintaining healthy vineyard ecosystems. 

 3. Disease Prevention: Proper drainage helps to reduce the incidence of fungal diseases, such as root rot and downy mildew, which thrive in wet conditions. By keeping the soil adequately drained, under drainage systems create an unfavorable environment for disease-causing pathogens, minimizing the need for fungicides and other chemical interventions. This aligns with sustainable practices that prioritize reducing chemical inputs and promoting natural disease resistance. 

 4. Enhanced Vineyard Longevity: By improving soil drainage, under drainage systems contribute to the long-term viability and productivity of vineyards. Excess water can cause root stress, reduced vine vigor, and decreased grape quality. By maintaining optimal soil moisture levels through effective drainage, vineyards can ensure the longevity of their vine plants and maximize grape production. 

 5. Environmental Stewardship: Under drainage systems help to protect the environment by preventing water runoff and reducing the risk of soil erosion. They also promote water conservation by minimizing water wastage and reducing the need for excessive irrigation. By implementing sustainable water management practices, vineyards contribute to the preservation of water resources and minimize their ecological footprint. 

 Overall, adding under drainage systems in vineyards is a sustainable approach that improves water management, enhances soil health, prevents diseases, prolongs vineyard longevity, and promotes environmental stewardship. It is an investment that supports the long-term sustainability and productivity of vineyards, while minimizing the use of chemical interventions and preserving the natural ecosystem.

Vincenzo is always thinking about biodiversity by planting beneficial flowers around the farm and winery.

 1. Biodiversity: Planting flowers increases the biodiversity within and around the vineyard ecosystem. Flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. These pollinators play a vital role in the reproduction of plants, including grapevines. By providing a diverse range of flowers, vineyards can support a healthy population of pollinators, which in turn contributes to the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem.  

2. Pest Control: Certain flowers attract beneficial insects that act as natural predators to pests in the vineyard. For example, ladybugs feed on aphids, which can damage grapevines. By creating a habitat that encourages the presence of beneficial insects, vineyards can reduce the need for chemical pesticides. This practice aligns with sustainable agriculture principles that aim to minimize chemical inputs and promote natural pest control. 

 3. Soil Health: Flowers can help improve soil health in vineyards. Some flowers have deep roots that penetrate the soil, breaking up compacted layers and improving soil structure. Additionally, flowers can act as cover crops, protecting the soil from erosion and nutrient leaching. As cover crops, they also add organic matter to the soil as they decompose, enhancing its fertility and water-holding capacity.

 4. Erosion Control: Planting flowers as ground cover around vineyards helps prevent soil erosion. The flowers' root systems hold the soil in place, reducing the risk of runoff during heavy rainfall. This helps to maintain soil health, prevent sedimentation in nearby water bodies, and preserve the quality of surrounding ecosystems. 

 5. Aesthetics and Visitor Experience: Planting flowers around vineyards and wineries enhances the visual appeal of the landscape and creates a welcoming environment for visitors. It adds beauty, color, and fragrance to the surroundings, contributing to a positive and enjoyable experience for tourists and wine enthusiasts. This, in turn, can support the local economy by attracting visitors and promoting wine tourism.

 Vincenzo’s efforts in planting flowers around vineyard and winery, sustainable practices are promoted by supporting biodiversity, natural pest control, soil health, erosion control, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. It is a simple yet effective way to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly vineyard ecosystem.