Winner of the 2021 California Green Medal Environment Award

Preserving our environment isn’t about lip service, it’s a lifestyle and our hard work has paid off. We’re proud to have our efforts recognized with the 2021 California Green Medal Environment Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.

Project Ovis

With the effects of climate change threatening the future of agriculture, we’ve taken action.

Project Ovis is the transformation of our 1,000-acre Lake County California mountain vineyard estate into a completely sustainable, regenerative organic farming system. It is our reimagining of viticulture and winemaking to address the effects of climate change. We are pioneering change and setting industry standards in an ongoing effort to improve the way we treat the planet and its swiftly dwindling resources.

We are proud to be 100% Certified Sustainable, and by 2022, Shannon Family of Wines became one of the largest Certified Organic mountain-grown vineyards in the country.

Sustainability isn’t some philosophical concept; it’s the way we live our lives.

Clay Shannon
A group of fluffy sheep standing closely together in a sunny field. One sheep is looking directly at the camera, with others blurred in the background. The scene is warm and calm.

A farmer sporting a hat and jacket strolls through the Shannon Ranch, moving among a flock of sheep in a lush green field enclosed by wooden fencing. Hills and trees reach into the distance beneath a cloudy sky.

Regenerative Organic Farming in Action

Our efforts are both holistic and dynamic, combining carbon sequestering practices with permaculture initiatives and energy efficiency applications. Every decision we make reinforces our commitment to sustainability:

  • Water Conservation – Efficient irrigation and dry farming techniques reduce water use while protecting local resources.
  • Energy Efficiency – Renewable energy solutions power our operations and minimize waste.
  • Healthy Soils – No-tillage farming and cover cropping enhance soil structure, increasing carbon storage.
  • Biodiversity – Wildlife corridors, native plant restoration, and owl and bat boxes maintain ecosystem balance.
  • Livestock Integration – Sheep naturally manage cover crops, reducing the need for mechanical intervention.

This closed-loop agriculture system reduces environmental impact and supports the long-term health of our vineyards and surrounding ecosystems.

A scenic view of a vineyard with rows of grapevines stretching into the distance. The sun casts a warm glow over the green leaves. In the background, low hills are silhouetted against a clear blue sky.

Farming for the Future

Our vineyard practices are focused on building healthier soils and a more resilient ecosystem. We’ve eliminated all in-row crop cultivation, herbicides, and fossil fuel-based fertilizers and fungicides. Instead, we use only certified 100% organic farming materials and compost all organic waste into fertilizer or mulch.

Close-up of green grape clusters growing on a vine with bright green leaves. The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Out-of-focus vineyard rows can be seen in the background.

Smart Water Stewardship

In a warming climate, water matters. We’ve transitioned to drought-tolerant rootstocks grafted to vinifera, incorporated grape varietals that require less water, and implemented drip irrigation and dry farming techniques to reduce overall consumption without compromising quality.

A close-up view of numerous empty glass bottles, arranged in a dense formation. The bottles have a shiny, reflective surface, giving off a metallic appearance due to the lighting.

Reducing Our Footprint

We take responsibility beyond the vineyard. By decreasing wine bottle weight, we reduce fuel usage during transport. We use 100% all-natural renewable cork and have reserved 60% of our property for unplanted wildlife corridors—preserving biodiversity and protecting the land we farm.

A ewe stands on a dirt ground feeding its lamb. The background features a vineyard and rolling hills under a clear sky.

Forging a Better Way

At Shannon Family of Wines, sustainability is woven into our winemaking, our land management, and our everyday lives.

Project Ovis is just the beginning. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we are constantly innovating to find new ways to improve. We believe in leading by example, proving that world-class wines and responsible farming can—and must—go hand in hand.

It’s just the start of big things to come. But it’s a step in the right direction. We invite you to join us on this journey.

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