What Does Sustainability Really Mean?

Sustainability is a word we hear constantly these days, so much so that it can feel like a buzzword disconnected from tangible practice. But at Compris, sustainability isn't just something that sounds nice; it's a lived philosophy that drives everything we do. For us, it means finding practices that are repeatable, regenerative, and reduce the need for outside inputs. It's about more than making exceptional wine today. It's ensuring future generations have the same opportunity afforded to them.

True sustainability requires looking at the big picture: understanding how our practices affect the environment and the people who inhabit it in ways that can be maintained long-term. We view the vineyard and winery as an interconnected system where every practice matters, guided by natural rhythms and the principle that the more good we put in, the better the system rewards us.

Everything starts with the vineyard. We farm using organic and biodynamic practices, treating the soil as a living ecosystem and working in harmony with nature's cycles. This means planting cover crops that prevent erosion, add nutrients, and encourage biodiversity. We compost to feed the soil, follow lunar rhythms, and use natural inputs that strengthen existing systems.

When extra support is needed, biodynamic practices guide us toward natural materials like cow manure, dandelion, or stinging nettle, transformed into teas that enrich soil life and strengthen the vines. These methods build resilience, allowing the vineyard to thrive without synthetic chemicals.

We're also proud to be LIVE Certified (Low Input Viticulture & Enology), which holds us accountable to rigorous sustainability standards and ensures our intentions translate into measurable positive action.

Sustainability extends through every aspect of our operation. Our winery runs on solar power, we carefully manage water use, recycle materials, and compost grape pomace. In the cellar, we embrace minimal intervention, letting the vineyard express itself authentically without unnecessary additives.

At its core, our approach is about stewardship. We see ourselves as caretakers responsible for leaving this land better than we found it. This is a holistic practice that strengthens the vineyard for next season and many years to come.

This commitment ripples outward into the community. Every sustainable step we take strengthens not only our vineyard but Oregon's entire winegrowing region. When we care for the land, we contribute to a future where everyone thrives.

Organic farming, solar energy, biodiversity, and soil health add up to more than philosophy. They shape the wine in your glass, making it vibrant, complex, and expressive of its place. As an added benefit, sustainable practices simply create better-tasting wine.

Every bottle of Compris tells a story: not just of grapes and harvests, but of care, commitment, and the future we're building together. Come visit us, taste our wines, and see what sustainability looks like in action.