Lower Lake, CA (September 20, 2021) – Shannon Family of Wines’ Project Ovis, is the transformation of their 1,000-acre Lake County mountain vineyard estate into a completely sustainable, regenerative organic farming system. It is the reimagining of viticulture and winemaking to address the effects of climate change.
Shannon Family of Wines’ efforts are both holistic and dynamic, combining carbon sequestering practices with permaculture initiatives and energy efficiency applications. Shannon Family of Wines is pioneering change and setting industry standards in an ongoing effort to improve the way we treat the planet and its swiftly dwindling resources.
Clay Shannon, CEO and Owner, states “Our commitment is to an earth-first approach to farming and wine making. Our operations are 100% Certified Sustainable, and by the end of harvest 2021 we will be one of the largest Certified Organic mountain-grown vineyards in the United States.”
About Shannon Family of Wines
The Shannon family is committed to preserving their land, not only for the great vineyard sites but also for the bear, elk, mountain lions, eagles and other creatures which live there. Of their approximately 2,500 acres, only about 45% have been converted to vineyards. The balance of the land has been preserved for the wildlife which wanders through the property from the expansive wilderness areas adjoining the ranches. The vineyards were carefully planned out, leaving corridors open to migrating animals, protecting sensitive nesting areas.
The Shannon Family of Wines portfolio includes 13 Rams, Buck Shack, Clay Shannon, Giannecchini, High Valley, Mother Vine, Ovis, Shannon Ridge, Steele Wines, and Urgency.
Green Medal Environment Award
Shannon Family of Wines is the recipient of the 7th Annual Green Medal Environment Award for 2021, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates environmental stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.
Through initiatives such as “Project Ovis,” the family is implementing a completely sustainable, regenerative organic farming system, utilizing livestock like sheep, chickens and cattle in their vineyards and non-crop areas. The sheep have reduced the need to mow by 500% and the use of gas-powered weed eaters has been nearly eliminated.
Shannon Family of Wines strives to bring balance to its farming system through the promotion of beneficial worms and insects and the creation of natural crop protection materials from compost to soil teas. The company is committed to data collection and analysis, that shares both its successes and failures with the greater wine industry.
As one of the largest employers in Lake County, Shannon Family of Wines contributes to a local homeless shelter, an annual wine auction for local charities and scholarship fund for local students; participates in local farmers markets; and educates community members on their sustainable farming practices.
Currently certifications include Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming and LODI RULES, Shannon Family of Wines will be one of the largest certified organic, mountain-grown vineyards in the United States by the end of harvest 2021.
