At Bouchaine Vineyards in Carneros, master falconer Rebecca Rosen uses trained birds of prey to protect grape harvests from pest birds; a sustainable solution that’s more effective than traditional netting. After losing an entire block of grapes to bird damage in 2015, Director of Operations Erik Goodmanson hired Rosen, whose 20-year career in professional falconry has made her an expert in natural pest control. “It’s like a shark fin in the ocean,” Rosen explains, describing how starlings and finches instinctively flee when they see a falcon’s profile overhead. Since 2016, Bouchaine has seen a significant reduction in bird damage, allowing the historic Carneros winery to produce higher-quality wines while maintaining their commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices. Visitors can experience this ancient art firsthand at Bouchaine’s weekly “Falconry and Wine Pairing” every Friday at 10 a.m.