Sustainability
Sustainability Practices on the Hill
Being green has never been more important.
In the Vines
Our vineyard practices focus on soil balance, natural pest management, and reducing environmental impact.
Like all agricultural systems, vineyards rely on nutrients from the soil as vines grow and mature. Annual soil sampling allows us to respond responsibly by returning and replenishing key soil amendments such as potassium, nitrogen, and boron to maintain soil balance and support long-term vineyard health.
To manage one of the common mid-Atlantic vineyard pests, the grape root borer, we use reproductive pheromones rather than pesticides. The red twist ties you may notice in the vineyard disrupt the insect’s reproductive cycle, providing an effective and eco-friendly alternative to harsher chemical treatments.
At Pippin Hill, we also use long-lasting, 10-year-rated netting to protect our vines. This reduces the need for single-use plastic bird netting, significantly cutting down on waste each year.
Geothermal
A geothermal system was installed in 2010 to provide efficient heating and cooling for the Tasting Room and Granary. In 2022, a second, independent geothermal system was added to support climate control in the Greenhouse.
Both systems rely on vertical wells drilled 425 feet into the ground, where temperatures remain a consistent 53 degrees year-round. By tapping into this stable underground temperature, geothermal systems reduce the energy needed to heat buildings in the winter and cool them in the summer. This approach lowers overall energy consumption and supports our commitment to long-term sustainability.
Rain Runoff
We use rainwater collection systems throughout the property to help conserve water resources. Three 2,500-gallon cistern tanks collect rainwater from the roofs of the Tasting Room and Granary, while two 1,500-gallon tanks near the gardens collect rainwater from the Reserve Room and Greenhouse. This water supplies our recirculating veranda fountains, supports lawn irrigation, and helps water the kitchen gardens.
Wildflower Fields
In 2021, we converted a 7-acre hayfield into a wildflower meadow. As summer transitions into autumn, white, pink, and purple cosmos bloom alongside yellow coreopsis. This biodiverse meadow supports a stronger ecosystem by attracting native insects, birds, and other wildlife, and it also provides an important pollination area for honey bees.
Spotted Lanternfly Prevention
Our horticulture and vineyard team is committed to maintaining a healthy ecosystem across the property. One of our key initiatives focuses on managing invasive species, including the spotted lanternfly, which poses a significant economic threat to agriculture in Virginia, particularly vineyards and orchards.
Because the spotted lanternfly relies heavily on the invasive tree of heaven as a host plant, we have taken a proactive approach by removing and treating these trees throughout the property. This targeted strategy helps reduce the risk of infestation while supporting the long-term health of our vineyards.
In partnership with PRISM and the Nelson County Extension Office, we hosted a community workshop that brought together volunteers, neighboring landowners, and local residents from the Charlottesville area. Through this effort, more than 500 tree of heaven specimens were treated, supporting broader regional prevention efforts and helping protect our shared agricultural landscape.
Composting
Composting enriches soil by improving moisture retention and helping suppress plant diseases and pests. It also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers while encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter into humus, a nutrient-rich material. We compost chicken litter along with vegetation from our kitchen and gardens to support healthy soils across the property.
