For over 45 years, "Commitment to Excellence" has been the talisman of Adelaida. Our topmost priority is to produce distinct and compelling wines full of varietal character and expression. Since its inception, Adelaida has demonstrated a commitment to both conservation and sustainability through water conservation, clean energy, and sustainable farming practices.
Our current portfolio focuses on the grapes sourced from our seven certified organic estate vineyards, which span three ranches: HMR, Viking, and our Hilltop Ranch.
While these three ranches cover 1,900 acres, only 10% of the land is devoted to vineyards. The vineyard sites were selected strategically, spread over as patchworks across the properties -- only planted where their growing environment and soil type was advantagous.
Founders Don and Elizabeth Van Steenwyk quickly learned that to properly take care of such a majestic place, they had to do more than just serve as owners: they had to become stewards of the land.
More than 1,000 acres of the ranch properties remain undeveloped as an ecological and wild-animal habitat. Sustainability is at the heart of everything Adelaida does, and a good portion of the winery's energy needs come from its own solar farm. Water conservation practices are in place to ensure adequate resources will remain for the next generations. In every decision point, Adelaida's devotion and love for the land is continually being carried out.
In 2015, Adelaida's vineyards completed the 82 rigorous prerequisites to be called a Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing Vineyard. The prerequisites for sustainable certification include all facets of vineyard operations, with rigorous requirements and third-party verification to ensure adoption of best practices and continuous improvement.
