Page 44 - Grapevine MayJune 2021_REV

Around The Vineyard

the Carneros region of Napa Valley, California, is
noted for its environmentally friendly approach to
pest control. Bouchaine was the first Fish Friendly
Certified vineyard in Napa Valley. It also holds Napa
Green Land and Winery Certifications.

Bouchaine Vineyards features an integrated pest
management program that includes bird boxes and
raptor perches stationed throughout the vineyards.
The bird boxes attract bluebirds that feed on pest
populations, along with owls and hawks that con-
trol gopher damage. Chris Kajani, winemaker and
general manager for Bouchaine Vineyards, explains
how her company uses another grape defense
method to protect crops from pesky birds.

“Our vineyard is surrounded by telephone wires
which pesky birds sit on and then swoop down to
snack on grapes all day. To mitigate this bird dam-
age, we have daily site visits from our falconer from
véraison through harvest. Blackbirds and starlings
are terrified of falcons and will fly off when one is
released. Our falconer will fly her birds multiple
times a day if the bird pressure is high. We also
provide demonstrations to guests who are interest-
ed in falconry throughout the year.”

While some vineyards rely on Mother Nature to
handle their wildlife challenges, others turn to tech-
nology options. Sutton Agricultural Enterprises pro-
vides answers. Headquartered in Salinas, California,
the company counts among its clients vineyards in
Salinas Valley and throughout the country.

Sutton Agricultural began under another company
name in 1956. It became a pioneer in bird deter-
rence, initially through sales of pyrotechnic devices.
John Sutton bought the company in 1973 and con-
tinues as operations manager to this day. He says
the most common bird pests include European star-
lings, horned larks, house finches, crows and Old
World sparrows. According to Sutton, vineyards are
an irresistible dining spot.

“One of the disadvantages of vineyards is their
proximity to rural areas, rolling hills, open habitat.
Put yourself in their shoes (or little tiny feet). You
live near a vineyard, maybe in a grassy field or
wooded area. Late in the year, when there’s very

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