Landowner Resources
Managing land comes with both responsibilities and opportunities, and understanding the resources available can help you make informed, long-term decisions for your property. Whether you are exploring ways to protect natural resources, enhance agricultural productivity, or preserve your land for future generations, a variety of options may be available to support your goals.
Some opportunities are only available to Tri-Valley Conservancy conservation easement holders, while others are open to all landowners.
Conservation Easement Holders ONLY
Sponsored Replanting Program
The next step in investing in the future of the Livermore Valley wine region is to replant aging vines with varietals that support the valley’s unique character and reputation.
Tri-Valley Conservancy recognizes the upfront financial burden associated with replanting. To aid in abating the cost, we have designed a pilot program to provide low-interest 15-year loans of up to $15,000 per acre (or 50%) to replant in Cabernet Franc or Sauvignon Blanc Musque.
The UC Davis study and analysis of the region in 2022 identified Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc as varietals exceptionally suited to Livermore’s climate and terroir. The Livermore Valley Wine Community has also adopted the varietals as the region’s Signature Varietals to promote and represent the Valley.
The TVC Sponsored Replanting program is available to landowners with a TVC conservation easement on their land to replant existing vineyards or fallowed agricultural land. The loans will fund the planting of between 8 acres to 20 acres of vineyards. Any borrower replanting more than 8 acres may replant in two phases.
For an overview of the loan criteria and terms, click here.
Please contact replanting@trivalleyconservancy.org for more information.
Farmland Leasing
Have fallow land or vineyards/ orchards that are no longer being managed?
Interested in leasing your land for short-term use for growing annual crops? Opening up underutilized land to new farmers can revitalize properties, improve soil health, and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both landowners and growers. Leasing arrangements can be flexible and tailored to meet the needs of both parties, whether for short-term seasonal crops or longer-term agricultural projects.
Visit Farmlink’s portal for landholders and landseekers and consider adding your property to their portal: https://www.californiafarmlink.org/services/land-access
Or contact TVC to let us know you may be interested in leasing farmland.
Organic Certifications
In a challenging market, farming organically can give growers a competitive edge.
It can also improve the health and resiliency of your farmland while adding complexity and quality to harvested fruit.
Market research from the Wine Market Council indicates a 66% consumer preference for sustainably produced products.
Eco-conscious Millennials represent the largest U.S. wine drinking demographic, making organic certification a significant market advantage.
Thinking about Organic Farming and Certification?
For more information about organic production, please contact Sarah O’Doherty, TVC Agricultural Outreach Associate, at 925-449-8706 ext. 6 or email info@trivalleyconservancy.org
Certified Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
The CCSW program provides third-party verification of a winery or vineyard’s commitment to sustainability. The program encompasses over 200 best practices, with 60 specific criteria for vineyards and 41 for wineries.
Participants must undergo annual third-party audits to ensure they meet rigorous environmental, social, and economic criteria.
Logo Usage: To use the CCSW logo, 85% of grapes must come from certified vineyards and 100% must be grown in California.
Learn more about the requirements for your vineyard, winery and/or wines to become Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing and how to apply for certification
https://wineinstitute.org/our-work/responsibility/sustainability/certified
Our Local Winemaking & Viticulture Consultants assist with methodology, procedures, and techniques to ensure the highest quality wines. They also organize seminars on topics relevant to local Livermore growers and provides technical assistance as requested related to the vineyard. Read more about our local consultants and how to contact them below.
Wine Consultants
Expert Guidance
Dr. Luca Brillante is the Consulting Viticulturist for the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, where he works with growers on vineyard management, irrigation, vine balance, fruit quality, and precision viticulture strategies adapted to Livermore Valley conditions. His consulting and research activities focus on translating field data, plant physiology, and remote sensing technologies into practical vineyard decisions. He also serves as a faculty member in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at California State University, Fresno, specializing in wine grape production and vineyard management.
Contact: viticulturist@lvwine.org or 530-902-3447
Dr. Luca Brillante
The Livermore Valley Wine Community is a 501 (c)6 organization that supports the wineries, growers and members in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area through educational and marketing programs.
Matt Brain is the Consulting Winemaker for the LVWA and works with wine producers to address technical challenges with fruit, fermentation, aging, stability, blending, and sensory analysis. Having worked with some of Californias largest, as well as most prestigious producers, and in contrast, producing boutique wines under his own label for over a decade, he is familiar with issues confronted by a diverse set of winemakers. His time teaching at both Cal Poly and Fresno State Universities, and making historic wines in the Himalayan Mountains under difficult conditions has contributed to his resourcefulness, creativity, and dedication to natural practices.
Contact: winemaker@lvwine.org or 925-565-4026
Matt Brain
Alameda County Resource Conservation District
The Alameda County Resource Conservation District’s (ACRCD) provides leadership in the county and region to enhance natural resources conservation, preserve wildlife and habitat, and improve rangeland and agricultural management through partnerships, education, outreach, resource services and technical assistance to clients, and funding support.
Please see the ACRCD’s available Conservation Resources for agriculture, soil, water, and wildlife.
Alameda County Department of Agriculture
The Alameda County Department of Agriculture / Weights and Measures promotes the Alameda County agricultural industry, protects the environment and the general public, and provides buyers and sellers a fair marketplace. They are the local enforcement authority for the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Their staff provides training and advice on pesticide use, pest control, and pesticide safety.
For more information on their programs and resources visit: https://www.alamedacountyca.gov/cda/awm/index.htm