Pure Fruit for Pure Wine
Organic Grapes Sourced from French Camp Vineyard
What is good for the land is good for you, and by exclusively sourcing organic grapes, Reciprocity pays tribute to this extraordinary symbiosis. French Camp Vineyard’s Certified Organic blocks ensure no chemical pesticides or herbicides are used at any time during the growing cycle. Organic fertilizers are employed, as well as the introduction of native wildlife that offers a natural source of pest and weed control. These organic practices not only replace harmful chemicals but also nourish the land naturally, which has a profound impact on the quality of our grapes. Collectively, these efforts result in exquisite wines that are delicious on the palate, beneficial to our health, and give back to the land where they grew.
Sustainable Beyond the Wine
Sustainably Driven Packaging
Our drive to take care of the planet does not stop with our wine. Conscientious thought is put into the bottles we use and the packaging required for shipping and transport. From the label and cork to the shippers themselves, natural materials and sustainable practices guide all of the choices we make. We continue to search for new and better options along our journey to replenish what we receive.
Natural Materials, Sustainably Driven
Sourced from cork oak trees that naturally sequester CO2, all of our corks are made of natural materials and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Partially Recycled Glass Bottles
Our bottles use up to 35% cullet (recycled broken or waste glass particles used in winemaking), which take less energy to melt than raw materials.
Labels Made from Recycled Fibers
All Reciprocity labels are made from 80% recycled fibers and 20% pure fibers, both certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Receive & Replenish
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Reciprocity’s commitment to sustainability drives every decision of our winemaking process, from the care of our grapes and land to the crafting and bottling of our wine. By replenishing what we receive, we are able to capture the true essence of California’s Central Coast, and, more importantly, we are leaving the environment nourished and rich so that future generations can enjoy the exceptional fruit that this region has to offer.
Conscientious Water Use
Using Deficit Irrigation Methods, French Camp Vineyard forgoes regular irrigation practices and instead measures soil moisture levels to determine when watering is absolutely necessary for the vines.
Thoughtful Timing with Big Results
Meticulously managing a purposeful schedule for deliveries and equipment cleaning has enabled French Camp Vineyard to cut its daily water usage in half during the busy harvest time.
Our Investment in Clean Air
By employing cutting-edge technology, French Camp Vineyard is able to capture ethanol created during wine fermentation and dispose of it in a specialized facility. This process prevents the ethanol from releasing into the atmosphere, where it would normally damage the ozone layer.
Minimal Influence with Maximum Results
The foundation of our vineyard is found in our soil, so nourishing it with conscientious thought is of the utmost importance. Specialized tools like lysimeters are used throughout the vineyard to measure the soil’s vitality and identify its specific needs, ensuring that we fertilize and water only as often as necessary.
Soil Nourishment from Cover Crops
Cover crops like vetch and legumes, plants known for their ability to produce nitrogen and prevent weeds, are planted within the vineyard to return important nutrients to the land, as well as to bind soil particles and prevent erosion. This further allows us to minimize our impact on the land and rely on natural sources of nourishment.
The Impact of Energy Efficient Lighting
By investing in energy-efficient lighting features and motion detectors, French Camp Vineyard was able to cut its energy use by 57%. Now, all lighting at both wineries is optimized for energy efficiency.
Biodiversity on the Vineyard
Maintaining as much biodiversity as possible is an important priority for French Camp Vineyard, benefiting both the native environment and the surrounding community. Lemons and avocados are grown on-site in addition to grapes, owls and falcons are supported to control pests, and sheep, goats and donkeys have a home on the vineyard, helping to naturally control weeds.
Native Wildlife as Pest Control
To avoid harmful chemicals and protect the yineyard’s native environment, barn owls and falcons are welcomed onto the land to offer a natural source of pest control. This not only protects the grapes and vines but supports native wildlife with as little interference as possible.
1% FOR THE PLANET
GIVING BACK IS IN OUR NATURE
Our commitment to replenish what we receive doesn’t end at the vineyard. As a 1% for the Planet member, a portion of our sales will always go towards organizations that are taking care of the planet, just like we do. We know we can’t do it alone and this initiative ensures that we don’t have to. Currently, we support CCOF, CSWA, and SIP, 3 organizations that prioritize sustainability and taking care of the land. We believe that, together, we can make a better future for our planet.
What It Means
Reciprocity Glossary of Terms
Explore what it means to be organic and sustainable, as well as other terms used in our farming and winemaking process.
Made with Organic Grapes
When wine is labeled “made with organic grapes,” all grapes used in the crafting process must be grown under certified organic conditions, including no use of synthetic chemicals for herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. This does not mean that other parts of the crafting process are organic, including the addition of yeast and sulfites.
Organic Wine
When the wine itself is labeled as organic it means that it not only used certified organic grapes, but that it also followed specific conditions during the winemaking process, including only the addition of organic yeast, no added sulfites, and ensuring that naturally occurring sulfites fall under 10 ppm.
*Reciprocity wines are crafted using certified organic grapes but are not considered fully organic wines as we add some sulfur to the natural amount that is created as a byproduct of fermentation. This addition is important as the sulfur protects the wine quality and prevents spoilage during aging.
Certified Sustainable Wine
Wine that is labeled as sustainable was produced with a commitment to protect the environment and promote social responsibility, throughout the entire winemaking process.
Deficit Irrigation
Deficit Irrigation is a strategy used to optimize the timing and amount of water used to hydrate crops. With a thorough understanding of the plant’s needs, farmers are able to minimize their use of water and only irrigate when absolutely necessary.
Lysimeter
A lysimeter is a measuring device used in sustainable farming that measures the soil-water balance to help determine when irrigation is necessary.
