Chateau Diana winery has replaced part of its vineyards with sunflower fields.

Farm owner Corey Manning decided to change the structure of his agricultural lands against the backdrop of declining popularity of traditional wine tastings among the youth. According to the co-owner, using the plot for sunflowers helps avoid vacant land, which has become a common phenomenon in the wine-growing regions of California, and creates an attractive location for guests.

The practice of growing sunflowers on the Chateau Diana property began in 2022. Since then, the owners have increased the sowing area annually, collecting seed for subsequent planting. Besides its aesthetic function, this experience is viewed as a way to transform the business model, aimed at creating a unique customer experience.

This initiative is taking place against the background of a general trend of reducing vineyard areas. According to reports, in the period from October 2024 to August 2025, 2,711 acres of vines were removed in Sonoma County. In California as a whole, the vineyard area decreased by 38,134 acres during the same ten-month period.

The Chateau Diana winery, founded by Corey Manning's parents in 1981, also continues to engage in crop production. Since 2008, the farm has grown about 10,000 pounds of fresh produce annually for the local non-profit organization Farm to Pantry, which provides food to families in need.