Michigan Winery Farms the First SIP Certified Vineyard Outside of California

October 1, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Atascadero, Calif., — WaterFire Vineyards near Torch Lake, Michigan becomes the first vineyard outside of California to achieve certification from Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified. SIP Certified authenticates sustainability practices for vineyards and wineries through a thoughtful and rigorous third-party program. The most in-depth sustainability program available for vineyards, SIP Certified is just a few months shy of celebrating 10 years and is thrilled to have certified a vineyard outside of California.

Though there are a variety of sustainability options available to vineyard growers, SIP Certified is the most rigorous program of its kind. To achieve SIP Certified for a vineyard, growers must farm in a way that protects both natural and human resources. Their third-party evaluation process assesses a variety of items that go beyond organics to include (but not limited to) biodiversity and habitat, farm management, soil conservation, integrated pest management along with water conservation and quality, energy conservation, air quality, fruit quality, continuing education and social and community responsibility. Visit the SIP Certified website to learn more.

“WaterFire Winery in Michigan was on the hunt for a certification program that would verify their efforts to both their peers and consumers,” notes Beth Vukmanic Lopez, SIP Certified Manager. “We were thrilled to work with them to ensure their practices were in-line with the Standards set into practice by SIP Certified.”

Launched in 2008, SIP Certified is a sustainability program for vineyards and wineries throughout the United States. Today, with over 2.6 million SIP Certified wines shipped internationally wine drinkers have quite the selection of earth-friendly wines to choose from. By selecting wines with the SIP Certified seal, buyers are assured they are enjoying wines whose makers and growers have committed to standards that make sustainably the key ingredient in every bottle.

“Before launching WaterFire in 2008, I had over a decade of experience in environmental science collecting information and making observations on the different ways water gets polluted,” explains Chantal Lefebvre, WaterFire’s co-owner and manager. “Farming was and still is the number one culprit, so finding a sustainable way to farm to minimize pollution was a natural extension of who I was. SIP Certified not only authenticates our experience but goes above and beyond what we were looking for here in Michigan to help us differentiate our wines from other wineries.”

By obtaining the SIP Certified vineyard seal, WaterFire will continue to undergo regular inspections to ensure their certification stay current with all SIP Certified standards. In addition, the winery will be able to share their achievement with their current and potential buyers through their own marketing communications, furthering the education and importance of sustainability.

###

About SIP Certified
Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified provides a way for vineyards and wineries to verify their attention to sustainability through a commitment to environmental stewardship, equitable treatment of employees, and economic viability. Developed by the Vineyard Team, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to sustainable winegrowing since 1994, this program represents one extension of the group’s many innovative programs. To learn more about SIP Certified, please visit the website www.sipcertified.org. For more information about the Vineyard Team, please visit www.vineyardteam.org.

About WaterFire
Established in 2008 by Chantal Lefebvre and Mike Newman, WaterFire was the first vineyard in Antrim County, Michigan, and now the first vineyard outside of California to achieve SIP Certified status. WaterFire crafts white wines from estate-grown fruit and focuses on varieties that are underrepresented in Michigan. Their wines follow sustainable growing standards aimed at building biodiversity and drawing out that distinct sense-of-place from their surrounding hills and lakes. WaterFire’s wine tasting room, in Kewadin, MI, celebrated its grand opening in May 2017. To learn more, visit www.waterfirewine.com.

Sustainability Advocate Says More Consumers Must Demand Sustainable Wine, More Vineyards Must Practice It

August 20, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

New Book Shows How ‘Greener’ Wines Secure Jobs, Reduce Environmental Impact, Make a Better World

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 2017 – As the U.S. demand for organic food continues to increase, U.S. vineyards, restaurants, and retailers are also seeing demand for wine made through sustainable practices, according to sustainability authority Sandra Taylor.

20106737_1945841128995481_1855992871253725712_n

Photo: Sustainable Wine Facebook page

The sustainability performance of the wine industry has yet to receive the kind of media scrutiny and activist interest that other industries have in recent years, she said. However, such issues have started to gain prominence as consumers want to learn the cultural and environmental stories behind the wines they drink.

“Consumers, especially millennials and women, are increasingly concerned about where their food comes from and pay greater attention to whether it’s produced in a responsible way,” Taylor said.

“A day of reckoning for the wine industry is fast approaching,” she warned, “judging by the increasing number of complaints over land use, objection to permits for new vineyards, water rights disputes, protests over pesticide spray drift, and legal actions that producers face as a result of the health impacts of chemical use in vineyards.”

Taylor said that some in the wine industry* are already working to do the right thing, like protecting the environment and implementing sensible business practices.

“But more must be done in wine regions globally to embrace higher sustainability standards, treat their employees and community with care, and reduce their role in climate change,” Taylor added.

Taylor’s insights in her new book, The Business of Sustainable Wine, were gathered during her career in corporate responsibility (CR), including serving as Starbucks senior vice president of CR. Taylor combines her professional experience with her personal interest in wine, which started when she was a young U.S. diplomat working in Europe.

The Business of Sustainable Wine is written for both the wine industry—offering best practices to strengthen the industry, improve their bottom line, their wine and the environment—and consumers.

In The Business of Sustainable Wine, Taylor offers education, insight, and best practices about various topics:

Chapter 1: Sustainability Defined: Agriculture, Consumption, and the Triple Bottom Line
Chapter 2: Sustainability in Wine: Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable, and Conventional Viticulture and Winemaking
Chapter 3: Sustainability Around the World of Wine: A Review of Sustainable Certification Programs by Region and Industry Associations
Chapter 4: Sustainability and the Customer: Educating and Marketing to the Consumer
Chapter 5: Role of the Trade—Distributors, Retailers, and Restaurants: Educating the Crowd
Chapter 6: Social Responsibility to Workers, Community, and Business Ethics
Chapter 7: Measuring Sustainability and Carbon Emissions: Life Cycle Analysis and the Wine Value Chain

Visit DiscoverSustainableWine.com to learn more about best practices, sustainable vineyards, and Sandra Taylor’s wine recommendations.

The Business of Sustainable Wine: How to Build Brand Equity in a 21st Century Wine Industry

By Sandra Taylor

Board and Bench Publishing

August 1, 2017

240 pages

Paperback, $45

ISBN-10: 1935879308

ISBN-13: 978-1935879305

About Sandra Taylor
Sandra Taylor is an expert on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and agricultural supply chains. After many years as a corporate executive with companies like Starbucks and Kodak, Sandra’s life-long passion for wine led her to the wine program at Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Bordeaux-Ecole de Management (Bordeaux Business School in France), where she earned an MBA. Today, through her Sustainable Business International consulting firm, Sandra helps clients in their corporate responsibility (CR) efforts in areas like global supply chain sustainability, environmental risk management, international trade, and partnerships.

*The wineries and vineyards mentioned in The Business of Sustainable Wine are below. For restaurants, wine shops, and other businesses mentioned, visit http://bit.ly/sustainableWine.

Constellation Brands, N.Y., page 8
http://www.cbrands.com/

Benziger Family Winery, Calif., page 10
https://www.benziger.com/

Treasury Wine Estates, Australia, page 13
https://www.tweglobal.com/

Diageo, England, page 13
https://www.diageo.com/

E&J Gallo Winery, Calif., page 45
http://www.gallo.com/

Seresin Estate, New Zealand, page 58
https://seresin.co.nz/

Jackson Family Wines, Calif., pages 64, 243
http://jacksonfamilywines.com/

Trefethen, Calif., page 65
http://www.trefethen.com/

Domaine Carneros, Calif., page 65
https://www.domainecarneros.com/

Chateau Montelena, Calif., page 65
http://montelena.com/

Mission Estate, New Zealand, pages 65, 244
http://www.missionestate.co.nz/

Fetzer Vineyards, Calif., page 65
http://www.fetzer.com/

Kunde Family Winery, Calif., page 125
http://www.kunde.com/

Yalumba Family Vignerons, Australia, page 126
https://www.yalumba.com/

Villa Maria Estate, New Zealand, page 128
http://www.villamaria.co.nz/

Wente Family Estates, Calif., page 167
https://wentevineyards.com/

Talley Vineyard, Calif., page 206
https://www.talleyvineyards.com/

Lumos Wine Company, Oregon, page 206
http://www.lumoswine.com

RdV Vineyards, Virginia, page 207
http://www.rdvvineyards.com/

Domaine Chandon, Argentina, page 208
http://www.chandon.com/

Backsberg Estate, South Africa, page 209
http://backsberg.co.za/

Ehler’s Estate, Calif, page 211
http://www.ehlersestate.com/

Staglin Family Vineyards, Calif, page 211
http://www.staglinfamily.com

Ken Wright Cellars, Oregon, page 211
http://www.kenwrightcellars.com

Domaine Drouhin Oregon Celebrates 30th Anniversary

August 9, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) – This month, Domaine Drouhin Oregon, the family-owned and operated Joseph Drouhin estate based on U.S. soil, kicked off its celebration of 30 years of success in the Willamette Valley’s Dundee Hills. Now run by the family’s fourth-generation, each of the four siblings play a large role in the success of the historic brand. The eldest, Philippe Drouhin, tends to the viticulture and sustainability of the vines, Véronique Drouhin-Boss, the winemaker and guiding palate of the estate, continues to surprise and delight with exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, Laurent Drouhin leads the marketing initiative in the U.S. as the face of the brand, and Frédéric Drouhin oversees all operations as President. Together, they complete a perfect unity utilizing centuries-old Burgundian winemaking traditions in Oregon.

12829007_10156577883375076_2553900177180853885_o

Photo: Domaine Drouhin Oregon Facebook page

“I remember it like it was yesterday, walking with my father, Robert Drouhin, 30 years ago through the plot of land that was to become DDO,” said Véronique Drouhin-Boss during a series of kick-off events at the estate. “There was nothing there yet, of course, just trees and an incredible view. Most people probably could not see a vineyard within that land but we both just knew. It felt right. With my family, our amazing team, and the support of the community, we’ve worked tirelessly to bring the French soul to the soil of our Oregon estate and it gives me great joy to share our craft with those who have inspired and believed in our vision over the last three decades.”

Joseph Drouhin founded the Burgundy estate in 1880. His son Maurice Drouhin succeeded him in 1917, and his son – and current patriarch of the family – Robert Drouhin, became the third generation to run the business in 1957. It was Robert who first “discovered” Oregon on a visit in 1961. He recognized that it was Oregon (more so than California) that had the soil, latitude, and climate that could unlock the complexities and potential of Pinot and Chardonnay in the US. In 1987, Robert purchased property, and the newly christened Domaine Drouhin Oregon produced its first vintage in 1988 from purchased grapes. The following year they built the landmark, four-story gravity flow winery, producing the first ever vintage on the property in 1989.

“There is a big difference between ‘family-owned’ and ‘family-owned and operated.’ We live in Beaune, we live in Oregon, and we are in the vineyard and at the winery tasting every day. It is our family name on the label so we must be in control of every detail to ensure the wine can bear our name,” added Frédéric Drouhin.

During a series of kick off events, the family opened their estate and cellars with guided vineyard hikes, special tastings of vintages from DDO, Roserock – the latest of the Drouhin family’s adventure located in Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills – and Maison Joseph Drouhin. Each night ended with various themed dinners, such as a La Paulée-style “Le BBQ” which featured a blue grass band and multiple large-format free pours. The series also included an extraordinarily special tasting of some of the estate’s very first vintages including a 1989 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Classique (the very first vintage produced at the estate, of which there are only 24 bottles left). Guests also tasted through various vintages – including the first ever vintage – of Chardonnay Arthur (2015, 2012, 2002), Pinot Noir Laurène (2000, 1996, 1992), and Pinot Noir Louise (2007, 2003, 1999) – the three cuvées named for each of Véronique’s three children. Both her son Arthur and daughter Laurène took part in the celebration, adding another dynamic to the intimate affair – commenting wistfully on the wines, how they’ve aged well with time, and how the family has, as well. “When I taste the first vintages of the Arthur, Laurène, and Louise, I am profoundly reminded of the day each of them came into this world,” added Véronique. It was an incredibly moving evening for guests and the family alike.

Events were attended by friends of the family, members of the wine club, the media, importers, distributors, and neighboring estates such as: Eyrie Vineyards, Adelsheim, Ponzi, Casteel and Sokol Blosser families. Forever grateful for the continued community support, the four siblings and their children also performed the “ban bourguignon,” a tradition specific to Burgundy sung in celebratory honor, in this case directed in honor of their father, grandfather, great grandfather, and their esteemed guests.

Philippe Drouhin also led a number of informative vineyard tours throughout the DDO and their new Roserock estates. “After 30 years of observation of our vineyards in Oregon, every year I realize that the level of knowledge of the viticulture in Burgundy is sometimes useful in Oregon. We will spend the next 30 years really getting to know the vines – this estate is young and we are still learning,” he explained.

Robert Drouhin’s vision of an Oregon estate winery that could rival the great vineyards of Burgundy has been realized at DDO. From what began as test plantings of cloned Pinot Noir rootstock now encompasses 52ha (130 acres) planted in the Dundee Hills and 50ha (124 acres) planted in the Eola-Amity Hills. Interspersed with the Pinot Noir vines are 11 acres of Chardonnay, planted at various elevations and, like in Burgundy, planted right alongside rows of Pinot Noir. The densely planted vines are farmed sustainably on L.I.V.E. certified vineyards, and tended to by hand when leaves and fruit are thinned. Harvesting is also done entirely by hand, from the grape selection and picking to press.

“Our father made a very ambitious decision in 1987 to expand our business to Oregon,” said Laurent. “As we honor him and our family legacy, I am reminded of what a big moment this is for our family, and in our overall pursuit of perfection in Joseph Drouhin wines. Every year is a milestone. But the 30th is important because it shows that this is not just a short-term adventure, but that it is one more stone in the Drouhin brand.”

For more information about the estate, visit: http://www.domainedrouhin.com.

ABOUT MAISON JOSEPH DROUHIN

Maison Joseph Drouhin owns 77.7 hectares (192 acres) of vineyards in Burgundy. The vineyards are principally Grand and Premier Cru appellations of the Côte d’Or and Chablis. The family-owned and –run firm was founded in 1880 and produces nearly 90 different appellations, all of them from Burgundy. Since 1987, the family also owns 219 acres in Dundee Hills, known as Domaine Drouhin Oregon, and 229 acres in Eola-Amity Hills, known as Roserock since December 2013.

Survey Reveals That Cork Closures Seal 89% of the World’s Top Wines

July 23, 2017 by evebushman 2 Comments

NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) – According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of APCOR – The Portuguese Cork Association, 89 percent of the world’s top wines as selected by Wine Spectator in 2016 are sealed with cork closures.

Each year since 1988, Wine Spectator has released its Top 100 list, selecting the best wines from the thousands reviewed during the course of the year. According to the magazine, the criteria used to create this highly-regarded, annual list focus on quality, value, availability and excitement.

The survey also revealed that 97 percent of the American wines selected were sealed with cork closures, while 98 percent of the wines chosen from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Israel, were sealed with cork closures.

“The findings from this survey simply reflect the fact that top winemakers all over the globe trust cork closures to preserve the quality and character of their wines,” says Carlos de Jesus, Operational Director of the InterCork program of APCOR. “Cork closures have a long-standing history in the wine industry and have been scientifically and empirically proven to be the most effective sealing system for preserving the sensorial quality and neutrality of wines during the aging process. Going back centuries the world’s greatest wines have always used cork, and it comes as no surprise that in 2016 cork remains the preferred choice of fine wine producers and connoisseurs alike.”

Cork closures are 100 percent recyclable and sustainable. They are sourced from the bark of the cork oak tree, which regenerates after being harvested by hand every nine years. Cork oak is a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) priority species because it is one of the most ecologically, economically, and culturally important species on the planet. Cork oak forests provide habitats for endangered species and are a dependable income for the Western Mediterranean communities that maintain and harvest them.

The information collected in this survey was conducted through individual phone calls and emails to the wineries, importers and distributors listed in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List of 2016.

For more information about APCOR, visit http://www.apcor.pt. You can follow APCOR on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. For questions about APCOR, please contact Krisna Bharvani or Josh Zoland of Colangelo & Partners.

About APCOR:
The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) exist to promote natural cork and its products. APCOR is the employers’ association of the cork sector that represents, promotes and carries out research in the Portuguese cork industry. It was created in 1956 and is based in Santa Maria de Lamas, in the council of Santa Maria da Feira, at the heart of the cork industry around 30 kilometers from Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Membership of the association is open to all companies operating in the fields of production, marketing or export of cork products. The organization advocates on behalf of the Portuguese cork industry worldwide and is the driving force of an industry based on tradition, innovation and sustainability.

Lawer Estates to Construct an Art, Wine and Event Center in the City of Calistoga

May 31, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Calistoga, Calif. (PRWEB) – Lawer Estates, a sustainably farmed, limited production winery, has submitted an application with the city of Calistoga to construct an art, wine and event center located at 1207 and 1215 Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga. Lawer Estates expects to open the center in 2019.

Betsy and David Lawer started Lawer Estates in 2003. The Lawers are from Alaska and were drawn to Calistoga for its familiar small-town feel. Over the past few years, the husband and wife team began searching for a space that would allow them to expand their local presence. They were drawn to the Lincoln Avenue site by the beauty and significance of several historic Magnolia trees. The trees were planted to honor three of Calistoga’s WWI soldiers who didn’t make it home. Each man’s story carries a unique significance for the Lawers.

12243330_10153456750453197_946677056708615663_n

Photo from the Lawer Estates Facebook page.

“As we were told, one of the young men was from Franz Valley, where we have our vineyard; one was from Calistoga, where the event center will be built; and one had previously left Calistoga and started a business in Alaska, but returned to town to enlist,” Betsy Lawer said. “With those connections, the property seemed like it was meant for us.”

The Lawers are adamant in preserving the magnolia trees and designing a center that enhances the corner lot and respects the scale of the neighborhood. Lawer Estates plans to hire locally for the design, build and day-to-day running of its center and has hired renowned Napa Valley-based architect firm Backen, Gillam & Kroeger to lead the design.

“There is nothing more important to us than supporting the local community, and we are thrilled at the prospect of bringing our family business to downtown Calistoga,” said Betsy Lawer. “My small-town upbringing taught me that relationships and the local community are paramount, and we will apply this to all aspects of the design and building of this project.”

Currently the two addresses, located at the south end of Lincoln Avenue, are vacant lots with mature trees and a rustic grass area. The center will draw pedestrians “over the bridge,” adding further liveliness and attractiveness to the south end business district. The lots are within walking distance of all local Calistoga hotels, restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts. The Lawer family intends the center to be a showcase for their limited production wines made from grapes grown with sustainable farming practices.

While specific design details are forthcoming, the initial design submitted to the city for approval calls for a tasting room, event glass roofed conservatory and retail space that is designed with respect to the scale of the neighborhood. The center will draw on local restaurants for catering services and plans to employ four full-time employees and 10 to 15 part-time employees, depending on customer traffic and the number of events.

About Lawer Estates

Lawer Estates is a family-owned, sustainably farmed limited production winery based in Calistoga, California. Betsy Lawer is a third generation Alaskan banker who has proven that helping people succeed in the community is not only the right thing to do, but is the right approach to business. Betsy and her husband David started their winery in 2003 with the goal of applying these core values to their family-run winery. David and Betsy who work closely with their experienced team, to produce limited production terroir-driven wines. For more information visit LawerEstates.com.

Wine and Livestock Make for a Perfect Pairing, by Barbara Barrielle

October 15, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I first saw a video of how Shannon Ridge Wines raise sheep to sustainably manage their vineyards, rotating the sheep from vineyard to vineyard to control cover crop growth and naturally fertilize the land. I was intrigued.

Image from Facebook.

Visiting the Lake County winery and meeting vintner/rancher Clay Shannon underscored the responsibility he feels to protect and maintain the historical vineyard hills of Shannon Ranch planted to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.

On the main Shannon Ranch, where Eastern European immigrants planted grapes over 100 years ago, Clay was prepping for harvest so the sheep grazed on a recently picked vineyard a few miles away. The sheep love grapes, you see, so they can’t graze near ripe fruit because they’d simply eat the crop. But, bring them in while grapes are ripening and they’ll happily eat grape leaves and thin the canopy for better sun exposure.

Clay Shannon has trademarked his approach as the Ovis Cycle, The Ultimate Sustainable Farming System. After harvest, the sheep clean up the fallen grapes and other MOG (material other than grapes) and fertilize away as they roam, all naturally. They leave the vineyards spotless and the sheep are fat and woolly.

In winter, vines may be dormant but the sheep are lambing and kept warm and protected by the vigilant sheep dogs. In Spring, the wines are budding, the sheep are sheared and the lambs are weaning. They continue weeding and fertilizing. These sheep graze well, live freely, enjoy life and, eventually are consumed as the cycle of life completes.

Shannon Ranch is known for its spectacular naturally-raised lamb, which pairs beautifully with many of the Shannon Ridge wines like the ever popular and well-priced High Elevation Wrangler Red. Grown at 1200-1400 feet it is a staple on many restaurant lists. Also in the High Elevation Brand family is a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Restaurants in the know serve the Shannon Ranch lamb right along with the wines for a perfect farm to table experience.

As Clay Shannon was discovering the ranch he now calls Shannon Ridge, he found a lot of history both in the winegrowing and in the ranch structures. He unearthed the old winery, complete with old crusher and press, an unknown and still-producing well, a skinning shack and a hand-built stone fence that runs for over a mile.

In the process of unveiling all the ranch’s secrets, Shannon’s greatest discovery was a century-old “Mother Vine” that is still strong today. The many offshoots of this old vine Carignane, probably brought from the old country, are the base of the oldest part of the dry-farmed ranch.

The old skinning shed is now preserved as the Buck Shack Bar for entertaining customers and trade. “Buck Shack” also happens to be the name of Shannon Ridge’s small batch red blend that reflects the finest fruit from Shannon Ranch.

Shannon Ridge farms over 991 planted acres Lake County AVA and the smaller Lake County AVAs of Red Hills, High Valley and Big Valley. Clay Shannon discovered early the beauty of Lake County wines and their potential quality and affordability and steadily acquired vineyards to become the prominent Lake County winery they are today. Nationally distributed, all estate-grown and sustainably farmed by a true caretaker of the land, Shannon Ridge and its family of wines represent excellent value in the market today.

Green Medal Awards Announced: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership

May 30, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

SAN FRANCISCO — Recipients of the second annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards were announced and honored at a lunch reception and ceremony April 20 in Sacramento. The California Green Medal, developed to showcase leading wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability, is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and The Vineyard Team. Many association partners also helped to promote the awards which were selected by a panel of wine and sustainability experts.

Accepting the 2016 California Green Medal Awards were: (L-R) Lucas Pope of Halter Ranch Vineyard;Katie Jackson of Jackson Family Wines; Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard; and Dirk Heuvel of McManis Family Vineyards.

Awardees of the four 2016 Green Medals are:

LEADER AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that excels in all “3 E’s” of Sustainability—Environmentally sound, socially Equitable and Economically viable.
Winner: Jackson Family Wines has been a sustainability innovator and an early adopter of healthy land management practices since the winery’s founding in 1982, with more recent actions guided by a company-wide sustainability strategy and a comprehensive audit of environmental impacts in 2008. Incorporating triple bottom-line sustainability principles across all aspects of their business, the company deployed solar arrays at eight wineries and collaborated with Tesla to reduce energy demand and increase grid reliability, utilized industry-first water conservation technologies, introduced human resource initiatives to improve employees’ well-being, paid a price premium for certified sustainable winegrapes and led voluntary drought initiatives.

ENVIRONMENT AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.
Winner: Halter Ranch Vineyard. The environmental stewardship commitment by Halter Ranch Vineyard owner Hansjörg Wyss is demonstrated by the decision to preserve 1,700 acres of the Halter Ranch property with 18% planted to vineyards that work in harmony with the undeveloped acres to provide habitat, wildlife corridors and biodiversity. The winery also works with the Wyss Foundation to help local communities and partners conserve millions of acres. Halter Ranch conserves water, resulting in over a 50% reduction in irrigation; captures rain and winery water bringing over two million gallons back to irrigation ponds; and farms 281 acres of vines without removing oak trees or displacing existing wildlife and plant life.

COMMUNITY AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor & Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.
Winner: Tablas Creek Vineyard. Since its establishment in 1989, Tablas Creek has been a trendsetter for its wine region, actively involved in the Paso Robles community through the local winery association and by hosting workshops to share sustainability practices. The winery has partnered with organizations such as must! charities, the local animal shelter, arts and youth sports organizations and has donated more than $100,000 to support local youth and arts programs since 2002. Tablas Creek promotes productivity and job satisfaction by compensating employees with fully funded medical, dental and vision benefits, employer-matching 401k plans, educational support, wine shares and annual profit-sharing bonuses to both part-time and full-time employees. Staff are encouraged to continue education.

BUSINESS AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.
Winner: McManis Family Vineyards. With a focus on constant improvement of practices and adoption of the latest farming and winemaking technologies, McManis Family Vineyards’ water use efficiency measures in the vineyard include the use of soil moisture sensors, flow meters and distribution uniformity tests; while their winery recycles water and averages one gallon of water to produce one gallon of wine. Sustainable practices have also decreased energy use, diesel use and tractor work and limited the impact on soil. Making sustainability a core part of their business strategy has not only benefited the environment, surrounding community and employee retention, but has streamlined processes in the vineyard, winery and office, resulting in economic gains that help ensure a thriving business for future generations.

“The awards program provides an exciting opportunity for California growers and vintners to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to sustainability,” said Allison Jordan, CSWA Executive Director. “The challenge was selecting four winners from the stellar applications we received from vineyards and wineries of all sizes from throughout California. The committee and judging panel were impressed by the breadth and depth of sustainable practices being used to conserve water and energy, maintain healthy soil, protect air and water quality, preserve wildlife habitat, and enhance relations with employees and communities, all while improving the economic vitality of vineyards and wineries.”

The second annual California Green Medal was judged by a panel of wine and sustainability experts. They include: Karen Block, Industrial Relations Manager, Viticulture & Enology, UC Davis; Hunter Francis, Director/Founder, Center for Sustainability in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Allison Jordan, Executive Director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance; Camron King, President, Lodi Winegrape Commission; Karissa Kruse, President, Sonoma County Winegrowers; Kelli McCune, Senior Project Manager, Sustainable Conservation; Michelle Novi, Industry Relations Manager, Napa Valley Vintners; Cyril Penn, Editor in Chief, Wine Business Monthly; and Beth Vukmanic Lopez, SIP Certification Manager, The Vineyard Team.

Sponsors are:
Exclusive Media Sponsor, Wine Business Monthly
Platinum Sponsors, Nomacorc
Silver Sponsors, CC Wine Caves, Farm Credit Alliance, Marin Clean Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, SureHarvest
Bronze Sponsors, Ag Unlimited, Preserva Products, Ltd.

Partnering organizations: Bay Area Green Business Program, Fish Friendly Farming, Lake County Winegrape Commission, LandSmart, Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, Madera Vintners Association, Mendocino WineGrowers, Inc., Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association, Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group, Napa Valley Grapegrowers, Paso Robles Wine County Alliance. Russian River Valley Winegrowers, San Luis Obispo Vintners and Growers Association, Santa Barbara County Vintners Association, Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association, Santa Rita Hills Vintners and Growers Association, Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association.

Visit: www.greenmedal.org for more information.

Please Your Palate, Save Your Planet: 10th Annual Earth Day Food & Wine April 23, 2016

April 7, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

This year’s celebration will be the best (and tastiest) yet; proceeds fund scholarships for relatives of Central Coast farmworkers.

Paso Robles, CA — Earth Day Food & Wine invites guests to the Central Coast for its 10^th anniversary on Saturday, April 23. Nestled under the oaks at the Castoro Cellars meadow, top-quality food, paired with amazing beer, wine and the coolest vibe – this year is set to impress, and of course, give back.

For a decade, Earth Day Food & Wine’s annual wine country throw-down spotlights how sustainably produced foods and wines are both delicious and environmentally responsible.

“It seems strange, but 10 years ago, many people asked me why we were doing a food & wine event for Earth Day. People didn’t get the connections between their food and wine choices and the environment,” says Kris Beal, Executive Director of the Vineyard Team, which founded the event and oversees the growing Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified program.

Earth Day Food & Wine was the first event to provide an opportunity for attendees to connect directly with local farmers, winemakers, and chefs in this unique format. The casual, low-key atmosphere has set this event apart from the start – and now 10 years later, the event has stayed true to its mission – sharing sustainable wine and food with hungry eaters and caring connoisseurs.

This year’s festival – held “Under the Oaks” on the green grounds of Castoro Cellars in Paso Robles – is a culmination of 10 years of honing this gathering of savvy eaters and drinkers and will be the best event yet.

In addition to a growing list of top chefs, farmers, food purveyors, wineries and brewers, Earth Day Food & Wine will feature a Tesla auto exhibition, the Guerrilla Gardening Club, a SIP Pop-Up Bar where guests can enjoy SIP Certified wines, the KRUSH radio Beer Garden, and so much more. However, the event doesn’t just celebrate sustainability, but also the next generation of passionate people. Event proceeds benefit the Vineyard Team’s Spanish education programs and scholarships for relatives of farmworkers.

For more information on the history of Earth Day Food & Wine, ticket sales and partnership opportunities, please visit EarthDayFoodAndWine.org.

About Earth Day Food & Wine

Since 2007, Earth Day Food & Wine has celebrated the delectable flavors of the sustainable wine and food culture. Born from a desire to share with hungry foodies and caring connoisseurs, Earth Day Food & Wine has become the acclaimed culinary experience of the season. Farmers, food purveyors, winemakers and chefs who are passionate about sustainability come together in a casual atmosphere where attendees can relax anywhere from VIP tables to a picnic blanket on the grass. Event proceeds benefit the Vineyard Team’s Spanish education programs and scholarships for relatives of farmworkers.

About SIP Certified

Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified is a rigorous sustainable vineyard and wine certification with strict, non-negotiable standards based on science and expert input, independent verification, transparency and absence of conflict of interest. The SIP Certified seal helps growers and vintners measure their environmental, social and community impact while also assuring consumers that the product in their bottle was made with conscience and care. For more information, please visit SIPcertified.org or call 805.466.2288.

Not Just One, But Two Awards For SIP Certified

March 13, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

SIP Certified Wins Two Awards for Its Sustainable Wine Innovation

San Luis Obispo, CA — Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified is proud to announce it is being honored this year by two different organizations for its ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in the wine industry. The rigorous California-wide program represents 40,000 certified acres and 2 million cases of certified wine. SIP Certified challenges growers and wine producers to implement practices that impact the earth, its people, and future generations while offering consumers a trustworthy seal to aid in making educated purchases.

On January 28, SIP Certified will receive the coveted Integrated Pest Management Innovator Award from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at their annual ceremony in the state’s capital.

The Innovator Award honors those California organizations that emphasize pest prevention, favor least-hazardous pest management, and share their successful strategies with others. The awards provide rare public recognition to groups and individuals who are revolutionizing pest management through their efforts to reduce risks associated with pesticide use. IPM – integrated pest management works with nature to encourage beneficial plants and animals while making it difficult for pests to survive. DPR’s IPM Innovator awards are part of a comprehensive, reduced-risk pest management strategy aimed at homes, schools, farms, and the environment.

SIP Certified will also be inducted into the prestigious International Green Industry Hall of Fame by the eponymously named organization at an event in March. Past inductees include former Vice President Al Gore, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery, and Fetzer Vineyards.

“To be receiving both of these awards is a true honor,” said SIP Certified Manager, Beth Vukmanic Lopez. “We work hard to make SIP Certified the gold standard for sustainability and both of these awards validate the dedication that our team and members have put into the well-being of our wineries, vineyards and communities.”

Founded in 2008, the International Green Industry Hall of Fame (IGIHOF) is an international organization that recognizes excellence in the green industry and continues to build an educational platform for the next generation. Each year, IGIHOF recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to reducing the environmental effects from industrial production, have embraced green technology to drive projects or have developed products aimed at boosting energy efficiency, trimming waste, and reducing or eliminating the use or the production of harmful substances. IGIHOF preserves the rich history of these pioneers, leaders and visionaries through the International Green Industry Hall of Fame, and honors the efforts they have made for future generations.

About SIP Certified

Castoro Cellars Set to Power Winery 100% With Solar Energy

March 7, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Microsoft Word – 2016.01.20 Castoro Solar Installation Press Release.docx

Latest Solar Installation Adds To The Paso Robles Winery’s Quest For Sustainability

Templeton, CA – Castoro Cellars has completed an installation of a massive new solar project that will allow the winery to run 100% on solar power. The 625-‐ kilowatt installation, which covers nearly three acres, will have an annual production of over one million kilowatt hours and eliminate an estimated $20,000 per month electricity bill. This marks the fifth solar installation in the last ten years by Castoro and stays true to their dedication to renewable energy and a sustainable business model.

The solar project began construction in October in Castoro’s organically grown Stone’s Throw Vineyard, adjacent to the winery production facility in east Paso Robles, in the newly created Estrella District AVA. The system was designed to power the entire winery with solar generated electricity, a longtime goal of owners Niels and Bimmer Udsen. They expect the system to pay for itself by the fifth year, and will save nearly $240,000 per year for at least the next 25 years.

“Bimmer and I have always felt the sun is a gift that we should utilize, “ says Niels Udsen. “When the solar industry was starting they needed supporters to build the industry and we were eager to help. The paybacks were longer, but that really wasn’t the motivation, clean power from sun was and still is the reason for this project. Paso Robles is the perfect place to utilize solar.”

Castoro Cellars was an early adopter of solar energy, investing in their first solar project in 2006 at their tasting room on Hwy 46 West. The energy produced from the rooftop array powers about 70% of the tasting room and the summer concert series. In 2012, they added a second solar installation in their Dos Viñas Vineyard in San Miguel, a 61.4-‐kilowatt array, which powers agriculture wells and an on-‐site home. With solar already installed at the tasting room and vineyard, the new winery array brings solar energy across the entire company operations. Ryan Park, Director of Business Development at REC Solar, noted “REC Solar applauds the Udsens on their dedication to utilizing the sun to complete their sustainable mission.” All of the solar projects were planned and installed by REC Solar, based on the Central Coast of California.

Sustainability is at the core of Castoro Cellars vision. The Udsens and their dedicated team strive to work with the earth, using gentle practices in all operations. They are the largest grower of organic grapes in Paso Robles with over 400 acres certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). The winery is a certified organic facility and all additional vineyards they own and source from -‐ over 1,000 acres -‐ are SIP certified by the Central Coast Vineyard Team.

The energy generated from the new solar installation allows Castoro to minimize their impact on the environment. Luke Udsen, Director of California Sales and Marketing and Social Media, states, “Solar is something we believe to be necessary for a sustainable future. Solar energy is clean, requires no fossil fuels, creates no carbon emissions, and requires very little maintenance or upkeep. This system will allow us to grow roughly a thousand acres of grapes with the sun and then turn it into wine using the sun as the power source!“

As consumers become more interested about farming and winery practices, Castoro feels their customers are happy to know they are good stewards of the earth. This year they will again host the Earth Day Food and Wine Festival on April 23, their third year hosting the event that celebrates the passion and people behind the sustainable food movement.

Environmental Benefits: The clean electricity generated over 25 years by the new 625 kW solar electric system at Castoro Cellars is equivalent to the following:

CO2 emission from 1.5 million gallons of gasoline consumed
Carbon sequestered by over 350 thousand tree seedlings grown for 10 years
Annual greenhouse gas emissions from over 28 hundred passenger vehicles
About Castoro Cellars

Niels and Bimmer Udsen founded Castoro Cellars in 1983, and today run it with their sons Max and Luke. Located on Highway 46 West and Bethel Road in the Templeton Gap AVA of Paso Robles, Castoro Cellars specializes in sustainably farmed wines, including Rhône and Italian varietals. The Udsen family has a strong passion for live music and the arts, lessening their impact on the earth and giving back to the community. www.castorocellars.com

About REC Solar

REC Solar is a renewable energy provider focused exclusively on businesses and backed by Duke Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the world. Incorporating experience from more than 500 successful commercial solar installations over 17 years, REC Solar tailors financing and technology solutions to immediately deliver bottom line savings. REC Solar makes commercial solar simple, working seamlessly with customer operations to deliver clean energy for decades. www.recsolar.com