​The Vineyard

• Our Vineyard is located three miles from the Tasting Room in the bluffs above the Missouri River. Our grapes and Asian pears do not grow there alone; they are joined by over one hundred undisturbed acres of meadows, native wildflowers and grasses, and second-growth woodland. This allows the ecological diversity of the Missouri bluffs to continue to thrive while we use just a small piece for cultivating fruits.

• At our Vineyard location in the bluffs above the Missouri River, we currently have twenty-two acres of ground devoted to native grasses and wildflowers providing habitat, nectar, nesting area and cover for a variety of birds, wildlife, butterflies, bees and other native pollinators. This area is joined by an additional fifty or so acres of undisturbed meadows into which we periodically sow native wildflowers and grasses, and about forty acres of second-growth woodland. In 2021 we undertook a forest improvement project in our woodlands involving extensive thinning of excessive understory growth and girdling of other larger trees. The girdled trees will remain standing after they die and provide great habitat for birds and insects. The result will be more sunlight on the forest floor and more shrubby growth which provides food, habitat and shelter for a wide variety of birds, insects and other wildlife. ​​

• In our vineyard we grow only grape varietals that are uniquely suited to the Missouri climate, such as Norton, Frontenac, and Marechal Foch. Given our emphasis on providing healthy habitat for native butterflies, bees and pollinators, we use no synthetic insecticides on our grapes. Japanese Beetles can be somewhat of a problem during the summer and leave the vines looking pretty ragged, but the bugs typically do not kill the vines.

• Between our vine rows we maintain grass strips which we mow and which prevent erosion on the sloped vineyards. In the past we have used herbicides beneath the grape trellis wires to control the grasses and weeds which, uncontrolled, can grow up quickly and interfere with the vines. This year, however, we are working to eliminate the use of herbicides beneath the trellises. We are keeping the grasses mowed close to the vine trunk, and are using a flamer to burn down the grasses and plants which the mower cannot reach. This accomplishes several things: it eliminates our exposure, and birds’ and insects’ exposure, to harsh, synthetic chemicals; it returns the nutrients contained in the burned grasses back to the soil and the grape vines; by maintaining more plant growth beneath the trellises rather than a bare strip of dirt it moderates the aggressive growth of the vines resulting in better fruit quality.

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• The vineyard is also home to our owners David and Ginah, who live in the restored ante-bellum farmhouse in the heart of the hills – like the winery building another example of the ultimate in recycling. The enterprising original builders of the house utilized old-fashioned energy saving techniques, such as “two bricks thick” walls which keep cool air in during the summer and warm air in during winter. David and Ginah have taken advantage of modern green technologies as well, such as geothermal heating and cooling, Energy Star appliances, and a hybrid car.​  

​Wine Production

• Since 2007, Riverwood Winery has been producing delicious premium wines and ciders. In 2016 we expanded our wine production capabilities with a 2400 square foot facility which was built around sustainability.

• The production facility was simply and sturdily constructed by local Mennonite builders and uses safe, high-efficiency insulation to keep heating and cooling impacts to an absolute minimum. All overhead lighting is provided by LEDs to further reduce our carbon footprint.

• The production facility includes a rooftop grid solar array which provides well over thirty percent of all energy used to operate both the Tasting Room building and the production building.

• Waste water and byproducts of wine production are disposed of via floor drains which lead to a septic system, meaning the lees from our wines feed the flowers outside!

• Recycling is a foundational element of sustainability. All spent bottles are taken to local recycling facilities, so our guests can enjoy themselves, knowing that their fun will not lead to pollution.

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• For wine closures we use natural cork rather than artificial closures. Natural cork is 100% renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. Cork production is eco-friendly and sustainable, as the cork is punched from the renewable, responsibly harvested bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber) -- no trees are cut down in the process. Corks have the smallest carbon footprint of any standard wine closure, and the forests their use preserves provide our planet critical ecological services, reducing CO2 greenhouse gasses from our atmosphere while sustaining an abundance of fragile habitat and wildlife.​

We at Riverwood believe that even small businesses can be leaders in the sustainability movement. Part of our business model is promoting and practicing responsible stewardship of our environment. By learning about these practices and supporting sustainable businesses like Riverwood, you too can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations to explore and enjoy!