How Does Grazing Support Regenerative Farming at Opus One?

Grazing is a core component of our regenerative farming plan, with a target of two strategic passes per year. The first pass begins in January, contingent on ideal soil moisture conditions, and the second pass – a non-negotiable – occurs prior to bud break.

The early season pass is designed to manage the initial emergence of the cover crop. By grazing the first growth cycle, we prevent excessive canopy density that can otherwise shade and suppress the second flush. Additionally, sheep grazing provides a biological stimulus: compounds present in sheep saliva activate root growth in the cover crop. This timing and approach allow subsequent growth to be established more evenly and vigorously.

January grazing also coincides with optimal soil moisture conditions for nutrient availability and biological activity, making it an effective window to fertilize and stimulate the soil microbiome when it is most responsive.

To avoid soil compaction, grazing only occurs once soils are sufficiently dry to support livestock traffic. A herd of approximately 500 sheep is moved rapidly through the vineyard – roughly a quarter acre per day – to minimize pressure on any single area while ensuring consistent impact. This high density, short duration approach allows us to capture the benefits of grazing without compromising soil structure.

The second pass, prior to bud break, functions as an alternative to mechanical mowing. At this stage, vegetative growth is substantial, and grazing effectively reduces the cover crop to prevent overlap with emerging bud growth. Maintaining this separation is critical for vineyard airflow during frost season, and allows frost-mitigation tools to perform as intended.

Ultimately, sheep grazing reduces the need for tractor passes and lowers fuel use, delivering multiple ecosystem services in a single operation. It is a more holistic approach to vineyard floor management and represents a pinnacle practice within our regeneratively managed blocks – supporting soil health and long-term vineyard resilience.

Shared February 2026