Sustainability
Our Commitment to the Land and Environment
Our business is based in nature, so we feel a responsibility to be good stewards of our land and our surrounding environment.
We are proud to have been recognized as the Greenest Winery In Virginia upon opening in 2010 and then again in 2015 and to have been awarded the Virginia Green Star Travel designation for most Innovative Green Program last year for our Sipping for Saplings initiative that enabled planting 2,000 trees.
You can even recharge your Tesla (or other EV)at our complimentary charging station.
Our Ongoing Efforts
- Limit chemical sprays by using organic materials, biological methods, and pheromones to protect vines.
- Grow clover to manage vine vigor and provide nitrogen.
- Eliminated use of RoundUp herbicide in the vineyard.
- Eliminated invasive Tree of Heaven (Alanthis) as a favored host for Spotted Lanternfly
- Compost grape waste for fields and gardens.
- Maintain a riparian buffer along the stream.
- Plant wildflowers adjacent to the vineyard for beneficial insects.
- Provide nesting boxes for kestrels – to help control songbird damage to grapevines
- Process winery wastewater with an artificial wetland system.
- Use solar panels for green power for heating, cooling, lighting, and making wine.
- Use locally-sourced reclaimed hardwoods for tasting room.
- Support a range of local nonprofits.
- Sponsor programs like Sipping for Saplings and Farm to Table dinners to encourage community involvement in agricultural & environmental efforts.
- Source locally for products and suppliers, utilizing the Buy Fresh Buy Local program sponsored by the Piedmont Environmental Council.
- Eliminate plastic use in tableware and water bottles with US manufactured biodegradable/compostable tableware.
- Use lighter wine bottles, reducing fuel consumption in shipping.
- Recycle corks for use in flooring products.
- Support sustainability projects to offset carbon footprint.
- Eco-friendly shipping with no styrofoam via our Certified Carbon Neutral shipping provider.
- Provide vineyard training through community college viticulture and enology program.
- Offer Tesla/EV charging station and participate in Carbonfree program for environmental efforts.
Sustainability Podcast with Dylan Welch
Green.org Sustainability Podcast
In our continued commitment to environmental stewardship, we’re proud to feature the Green.org Sustainability Podcast. Host Dylan Welch, CEO of Green.org and accomplished media entrepreneur, engages with innovative leaders who are reshaping our approach to environmental responsibility. Through enlightening conversations with industry pioneers, the podcast explores how successful businesses can drive positive environmental change while maintaining economic viability, offering valuable insights that align with our mission.
Listen on: Apple Podcast | Spotify
DuCard is good at being green for the same reason they’re good at making wine- it’s a passion project for all involved, one that connects nature, compellingly delicious wine and people who appreciate both. (Click to read full review)
