As the fourth largest wine producing region in the world, even small changes can have a big impact. Wineries and vineyards, both large and small, are putting practices in place to drive positive change. As the fourth largest wine producing region in the world, those changes can collectively have a big impact.
Below are just a few examples of the positive impact made by recipients of the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards.
Benziger Winery recycles over 1 million gallons of water annually with its water reclamation ponds. Recycled water is then used to irrigate vineyards and the beautiful gardens that foster thriving biodiversity. The ponds also provide habitat to numerous species of birds, amphibians and even the occasional otter.
Traditional glass bottles account for nearly 30% of wine’s carbon footprint, but Bogle Family Vineyards is pushing the limits of wine packaging with the launch of Element[AL] Wines in Spring 2024. The 750ml bottle is the world’s first-of-its-kind shatterproof, infinitely recyclable aluminum wine bottle and is 80% lighter than traditional glass bottles.
Bonterra is the first U.S. winery to earn CarbonNeutral® certification, using 100% renewable electricity. Many wineries in California harness the abundant sunshine to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to their thriving vineyards, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards also grows a strong sense of community. From pioneering the Firewise Community initiative to supporting local schools and mental health programs, their commitment to their community’s wellbeing extends beyond the winery. They welcome the public to their farm hiking trails and offer an immersive sustainability experience through their “Stroll and Sip for Six” program.
The Lange family believes that they don’t inherit the earth from their ancestors, but rather they borrow it from their children. That belief drives their commitment to restoring wildlife habitats in and around the vineyard. In the past 20 years, 46 native plant species have been reintroduced on the Lange property, leading to the return of several animal and insect species that had disappeared from the vineyard.
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers operates one of the world’s largest worm-powered wastewater systems, recycling up to 80 million gallons annually. Water is a critical element in winery operations, used for cleaning and sanitizing. Instead of going down the drain, O’Neill’s used winery water goes into a pond system where California red wriggler worms clean the water so it can be used again for irrigation.
The Scheid wind turbine is located at the winery in the Salinas Valley. It’s the perfect setting to capture the wind blowing off the Pacific Ocean through the Monterey Bay. The turbine powers 100% of the winery’s energy needs and also generates enough excess energy to power 125 homes in the area.
Committed to environmental stewardship since its inception, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery has been farming organically since 1985 and was certified organic in 1992. You can feel how alive their vines are when you visit their vineyard. They plant helpful native grass species throughout the vineyard, called cover crops. These crops provide up to 90% of nutrient needs for the vines and increase biodiversity and soil health in the vineyard.
More than 15 years ago, Tablas Creek began rethinking their approach to packaging. Between light-weighting bottles, introducing premium wines in a Bag-in-Box format, and investing in a robust keg program, they’ve significantly reduced their carbon footprint and challenged consumer perceptions.
Treasury Wine Estates partnered with the Napa Resource Conservation District to research the impact of biochar and compost on soil health. The findings were impressive, showing increased carbon capture and enhanced vineyard performance. Their commitment to continually improving soil health and the land compels partnerships to research sustainable solutions to help all California vineyards thrive for generations to come.
Since 2017, Trinchero Family Estates (TFE) has reduced general winery trash by 22% and landfill waste by 21% per gallon produced. These results are achieved through their company wide commitment and robust employee education. Committed to Zero Waste, TFE continues to lower landfill waste intensity below 0.02 lbs. per gallon of wine fermented.
Wente Vineyards is harvesting the innovation of Silicon Valley. Less than 30 miles (50 km) from the world’s epicenter of technological development, Wente partnered with a leading ag-tech company to trial and advance development of the 100% electric, zero-emission, autonomous tractor: the Monarch Tractor. Every diesel tractor replaced by an electric Monarch tractor reduces carbon emissions by 87%.
From grapes to glass, California wines are made by people who believe in a sustainable future. They’ve made responsible choices in the vineyard and winery so you can feel good about the California wines you choose. Choose Responsibly. Choose California.
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