Sustainable farming practices
The Mesa family vineyard has changed and adapted over centuries of family-owned grape-growing, always trying to adapt to the changing conditions. With climate change now having visible effects – like unpredictable rainfall and droughts that impact the local farming landscapes, the Mesa family faces the tough task of protecting their family business while adapting to these impacts.
For the Mesa family, saving their family vineyard isn’t just about keeping the business running, it’s also about preserving their family heritage, caring for the land, and building a sustainable future for the next generations. These challenges have motivated them to adopt eco-friendly practices that reduce climate risks and make the vineyard stronger. Their story shows the resilience needed to keep family traditions alive in a changing world. Here’s a look at some of the key practices they’ve adopted.
Water management and conservation
One of the most significant challenges the Mesa family faces is the changing rainfall and drought patterns in their region, where intense rain has become more common. This means that a lot of that much-needed water ends up running off quickly instead of soaking into the soil where it’s needed. To counter this, the Mesa family has introduced terraces with a slight incline across their vineyards. This terrace layout controls the movement of water, allowing it to soak into the soil gradually and providing the grapes with much-needed moisture. The design also minimizes soil erosion and prevents potential landslides by ensuring excess water can run off without damaging the vineyard.
“Water conservation has been a big focus for us, especially with the effects of climate change becoming more obvious in the region we live in”. (Angel Mesa Mariscal, 3rd generation)
Protecting and enhancing biodiversity of the vineyards
The Mesa family has also focused on enhancing biodiversity within the vineyard to promote a healthier ecosystem. Planting cover crops between vine rows is one of their primary strategies. These crops not only enrich the soil and prevent erosion but also serve as habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife, creating a more balanced vineyard ecosystem. This approach, they believe, not only strengthens the vines but also contributes to a more nuanced and complex wine flavor profile.
They also put a lot of care into pruning and canopy management based on the vineyard’s natural resources – how much water, sunlight, and nutrients are available. This thoughtful, resource-aware approach to canopy and pruning management supports the vineyard’s long-term sustainability.
“For us, supporting biodiversity means helping the vineyard thrive as a whole, with every plant, insect, grape and us, humans, working together”. (Angel Mesa Mariscal)
Ethical viticulture approach
The Mesa family vineyard follows an ethical approach that respects both their family heritage and caring for the environment. They combine traditional methods passed down through generations with sustainable practices, making sure the traditional practices are honored while new approaches are embraced to protect the land for the future. Their connection to the land runs deep, and they believe in maintaining its health for the future.
“Caring for the land is at the heart of everything we do”. All Mesa generations
Perspectives from multiple generations
The Mesa family’s commitment to their vineyard has only grown stronger over the generations. Each family member brings a unique perspective, but they all share the same core belief: that caring for the land is at the heart of everything they do. They don’t cling to the past, they know that climate change and market pressures are real challenges, and they’re ready to meet them with a blend of tradition and innovation.
The Mesa family’s story is a true testament to the respect for nature, power of adaptation and the strength of family.
