Environmental Leader Awards SIP Certified with Project of the Year

July 6, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Atascadero, Calif., — Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified, a rigorous third-party certification program for vineyards and wineries, is pleased to share they have been awarded Project of the Year from the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards. Considered a model project by judges, SIP Certified has been recognized for their dedication to preserving and protecting natural and human resources.

“SIP Certified is a practical approach to translating sustainability goals to business practices in the real world. Its strength comes from being focused on serving an industry sector – vineyards and wine production – and using a broad set of criteria beyond environmental performance in measuring sustainability, including social and economic factors,” notes one judge of the SIP Certified project. “The number of organizations certified and high retention rate are indicative of a well-designed and executed program.”

The Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards is a program recognizing excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits, or in projects implemented by companies that improved environmental or energy management and increased the bottom line.

“We are beyond thrilled to be recognized by the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards for standing strong in our commitment to sustainability,” says Beth Vukmanic Lopez, SIP Certified Manager. “Since 2008, our goal has been to work with vineyards and wineries to offer great wines that protect the people and the planet.”

With rapid advancements and a continuous rate of change in the field, sustainability and energy professionals have a notoriously difficult time knowing what products to choose to help their companies increase energy, environmental, and sustainability performance. The Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards give companies a solid base of products, vetted by experts, from which to choose, as well as a variety of successful projects to illustrate how sustainability and energy management is helping companies improve.

Scores were determined by a panel of independent judges headed by Peter Bussey of LNS Research and also including judges from Advanced Micro Devices, ATT, Best Buy, C&A, Caesars, Cox Enterprises, Fetzer Vineyards, General Motors, Harbec, Kellogg, LNS Research, Marriott, MillerCoors, Newell Brands, Novartis, Oldcastle Inc., Panasonic, Parker Hannifin, Paul Leavoy/Consultant, Safeway, Sears Holdings Corporation, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Strategic Sustainable Consulting, Tyco Global Products, Wellborn Cabinet, and Zee Company/Member of the Vincit Group.

“With a highly respected (and critical) judging panel and a strict set of judging criteria, entrants faced an extremely high bar for the level of product or project to qualify for an award,” says Tim Hermes, publisher of Environmental Leader parent company, Business Sector Media. “Those who entered needed to bring their A-game to get even a sniff of award-nirvana. And they delivered.”

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 Environmental Leader

Since 2006, Environmental Leader’s website and daily email newsletter have provided the definitive and objective voice in reporting on business-related energy, environmental, and sustainability issues, while Energy Manager Today is the leading daily trade publication keeping corporate executives informed about energy management news. For more information visit www.environmentalleader.com or www.energymanagertoday.com.

About the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards

In its fifth year, the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards recognize excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits, or in corporate projects that improved environmental, sustainability or energy management and increased the bottom line. It is a five-point rating system designed to offer companies feedback and recognition. Third-party judges came from the following companies: Advanced Micro Devices, ATT, Best Buy, CandA, Caesars, Cox Enterprises, Fetzer Vineyards, General Motors, Harbec, Kellogg, LNS Research, Marriott, MillerCoors, Newell Brands, Novartis, Oldcastle Inc., Panasonic, Parker Hannifin, Paul Leavoy/Consultant, Safeway, Sears Holdings Corporation, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Strategic Sustainable Consulting, Tyco Global Products, Wellborn Cabinet, and Zee Company/Member of the Vincit Group.

For a complete list of winners, visit www.environmentalleader.com/environmental-leader-product-project-awards-2017/

Dry Creek Valley Launches Exclusive “Winemakers in Conversation” Event Series

May 14, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Healdsburg, Calif. (PRWEB) – Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley will follow up their 28th annual Passport event with the launch of a new event series called “Winemakers in Conversation.” The series is comprised of three different immersive experiences, “Zealous about Zinfandel,” “Cult Cabernets” and “Zintopia.” Each experience, which is designed for just 50 attendees, will feature four Dry Creek Valley winemakers, one winegrower, and will be moderated by a wine industry icon. All tickets are $125.

The Winemakers in Conversation events begin with a seated, classroom-style tasting in which the four winemakers will each share and discuss a cellar selection wine, contextualizing it within the characteristic qualities unique to Dry Creek Valley. After the panel, the event breaks into a social, open tasting format with eight food pairings and passed hors d’oeuvres.

The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, July 15, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zealous About Zinfandel at Quivira Vineyards and Winery

The first tasting in the series is moderated by San Francisco Chronicle Wine Editor Esther Mobley. Guests will take a deep dive into the world of Dry Creek Valley’s most historic grape, with Ridge Vineyards Winemaker John Olney, Pedroncelli Winemaker Montse Reese, Seghesio Vineyards Winemaker Ted Seghesio and Quivira Vineyards’ Hugh Chappelle.

Saturday, July 22, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cult Cabernets at Passalacqua Winery

The second tasting in the series is moderated by Virginie Boone of Wine Enthusiast. Guests will explore Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with winemakers Jennifer Higgins of Lambert Bridge Winery, Tim Bell of Dry Creek Vineyard, Ed Sbragia of Sbragia Vineyards and Jessica Boone of Passalacqua. Also joining the discussion is grower Ryan Petersen from Petersen Management.

Sunday, July 30, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zintopia at Preston Vineyards

The final tasting in the series is moderated by the Chef and Author John Ash, the father of wine country cuisine. Guests will savor fine examples of Dry Creek Valley zinfandel from winemakers/owners Erik Miller of Kokomo Winery, Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Wines, Joe Healy of Bella Vineyards and Wine Cave and Lou Preston of Preston Farm and Winery. Chef Ash will be crafting pairings for this event, utilizing ingredients from Preston Farm.

Getting here:
Dry Creek Valley is located in the heart of Sonoma County, just 15 minutes from Sonoma County Airport (STS) and 70 miles north of San Francisco and Bay Area international airports SFO and OAK. Direct flights into STS are available on Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and Portland; visitors on these flights can check a case of wine for free on their flight home. American Airlines flies from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to STS. A complete list of lodging options can be found at http://www.drycreekvalley.org.

Tickets can be found at: drycreekvalley.org/events/winemakers-in-conversation

About Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley:

Dry Creek Valley is a premium winegrowing region in northern Sonoma County, California, anchored by the charming town of Healdsburg. Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley® (WDCV) is a 501c6 non-profit trade association of over 60 wineries and 150 winegrape growers. Formed in 1989, the association represents a multi-generational family community of vintners and growers committed to growing high-quality fruit, producing world-class wines, and welcoming visitors to experience Wine Paired with Life®. Being good stewards of the land means that we are preserving the quality of our wines and the unparalleled beauty of Dry Creek Valley for future generations to discover. For more information, visit http://www.drycreekvalley.org.

Passport to Dry Creek Valley Celebrates 28th Annual Weekend

March 4, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Healdsburg, Calif. (PRWEB) – Tickets sales opened on February 1 for the 28th Annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley, hosted by the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley (WDCV). New this year are several VIP ticket add-ons, offering guests opportunities for intimate vineyard designate tasting experiences, meals with winemakers and vineyard tours.

At 45 participating wineries throughout Dry Creek Valley, guests will enjoy elaborate themed parties with exquisite food and wine pairings. Guests can meet Sonoma County’s most renowned chefs, including Michelin-starred Chef Charlie Palmer, Diavola Chef/Owner Dino Bugica, Bistro 29 Chef/Owner Brian Anderson and other culinary stars, savoring their inspired culinary creations alongside newly released and limited edition wines. Wineries taking part range from the internationally-acclaimed Ridge Vineyards and Ferrari-Carano, to boutique wineries like Nalle and Talty, that produce fewer than 2,000 cases per year.

Live entertainment and activities support the wineries’ unique themes. Music will include a Beatles cover band, bluegrass, jazz, Hawaiian music from Maile Swing, funk from The Jacktones and more. At Quivira Vineyards, guests will have the chance to blend their own custom herb salts from biodynamically-grown estate herbs. Winery themes range from the glamorous (think Prohibition-era speakeasy) to the goofy (think Caddyshack), with unforgettable food and wine at each stop.

WHEN:
Friday, April 28, 2017 — Prelude to Passport
Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30, 2017 from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Dry Creek Valley is located in the heart of Sonoma County, just 15 minutes from Sonoma County Airport (STS) and 70 miles north of San Francisco and Bay Area international airports SFO and OAK. Direct flights into STS are available on Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and Portland; visitors on these flights can check a case of wine for free on their flight home. American Airlines flies from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to STS. Festivities take place at 45+ Dry Creek Valley wineries. A complete list of lodging options can be found at http://www.drycreekvalley.org.

TICKETS:
General Admission Price: $135.00 for a 2-Day Passport or $80.00 for Sunday-only Passport. $55.00 for Daily Designated Driver Tickets. Tickets go on sale online at http://www.drycreekvalley.org on February 1, 2017 at 10:00 am PST.

Add-Ons:
$200 – First Class Upgrade – Includes one Prelude Dinner & our new Vineyard Designate Experience
$130 – Frequent Flier Upgrade – Includes one Prelude Lunch & our new Vineyard Designate Experience
$25 – Vineyard Tour – Attend a vineyard tour the morning of Passport, offered Saturday & Sunday
Prelude to Passport Price: $75.00 for a Friday Lunch Ticket; $150.00 for a Friday Dinner Ticket

Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. VIP add-on experiences are highly limited.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Hashtags: #DCVPassport, #DryCreekValley
Facebook: facebook.com/drycreekvalley
Twitter: @drycreekvalley
Instagram: @drycreekvalleywines

About Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley:

Russian River Valley Winegrowers to host Single Vineyard Night in San Francisco & Sacramento this November

October 13, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – More than 25 of the Russian River Valley’s top wineries will converge in San Francisco on November 3^rd and then in Sacramento on November 10 during the Russian River Valley Winegrowers’ (RRVW) Single Vineyard Night tastings. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste small-lot wines stemming from single vineyards across the acclaimed American Viticultural Area, known for its exceptional soil and favorable grape-growing climate. The Russian River Valley is one of the premier wine regions in the world for cool climate wines, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Both Single Vineyard Night events will allow guests to visit with the wineries and growers who work in tandem to produce some of the world’s finest vintages. The ticket price includes the tasting as well as appetizers from local artisan food producers. In addition guests can bid on incredible experiences and wine offerings in the silent and live auctions. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to local charities – in San Francisco, we’ve partnered with The Guardsmen, a group of Bay Area men mobilizing their significant talents and resources to enhance and improve the lives of at-risk youth. In Sacramento we’ll again partner with the Active 20-30 Club of Sacramento #1032. Active 20-30 is a nonprofit organization that provides adults between the ages of 20 and 39 with an opportunity for personal growth, friendships and leadership development while improving the quality of life for the special needs of children in our communities. Visit rrvw.org for a list of participating wineries and to buy tickets.

LOCATIONS:
San Francisco: The General’s Residence, Fort Mason, 1 Fort Mason, San Francisco

Sacramento: Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, 828 I Street, Sacramento

TICKET PRICING:

San Francisco: VIP $90, General Admission $60

San Francisco Tickets

Sacramento: VIP $75, General Admission $45

Sacramento Tickets

TIMES:
5:30 p.m. – VIP entrance (exclusive tastings of limited-release and tasting-room-only wines and VIP only food items)
7:00 p.m. – General Admission entrance

“The Russian River Valley appellation produces stellar wines that are enjoyed throughout the world,” says RRVW Board President Clay Gantz. “Grapes in our AVA thrive due to the unique terroir that helps our winemakers create distinctive wines from our various Russian River Valley neighborhoods and the producers at Single Vineyard Night will have something for everyone.”

About the RRVW:
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW) is a community dedicated to promoting the Russian River Valley as the premier region for growing cool climate grapes while producing wines that showcase the diversity of our many neighborhoods. Our farmers and winemakers work in a manner that is environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable in order to continue our legacy as good stewards of the land and producers of distinctive wines of exceptional quality, authenticity and integrity. For more information on the Russian River Valley or becoming a member, please email info@rrvw.org or visit www.rrvw.org.

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.

Sta. Rita Hills Road Trip to The Wine House

April 22, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

The Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance presented Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other cool climate varieties at the Wine House in Los Angeles this past week. Guests were told not to “…miss this opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones and see what is up in the Hills!” And, in my usual form, those with short attention spans can get their fill in this 1 minute YouTube slideshow from the event.

For a change, and because this was going to be a tasting of only a select group of winegrowers, I made an effort to visit every table…but I didn’t drink everything as some (Brewer-Clifton, Crawford, Clos Pepe and Longoria) I had recently tasted at other events and from home.

I’d have to say that all, again for a change, were a hit with me. I may not have loved every wine from every winery but I did love at least 1-2 wines from most. This was a first for me. My takeaway notes from most are below. Sorry to the very few that I did miss!

Participating Wineries For Trade
AVE Wines – Loved at a recent STARS tasting but this was my chance to try three “above 90 pointers” from their Pinot program. Well done.

Bratcher
Brewer – Clifton – Already a fan of this rock star winemaker.
Clos Pepe – I always love seeing the hard-working Andrew Turner with the Pinot that, in my opinion, put Sta. Rita Hills on the map.
Crawford Family – Love seeing Mark Horvath, and his wines never disappoint as well.
Fess Parker – Busy table with lots of great Pinots, as it’s been doing for years.
Fiddlehead Cellars – Been a fan for a while, well done wines.

Flying Goat Cellars– Loved the “Goat Bubbles” for its great fruit, cheese and toast notes.
Foxen Winery – Nice Pinots, and killer 2014 Chenin Blanc.
Hilliard Bruce Vineyard and Winery
Hitching Post Wines– One of publicist Jannis Swerman’s favorites, her marketing helps me not to forget about this long-standing respected winery.
Ken Brown Wines– Classic Pinots as usual: Encantada Vineyard and Rita’s Crown Vineyard were my choices.
Kessler-Haak Vineyard – Fun 2014 Rose of Pinot Noir and a nice 2014 Chardonnay as well. And they did sneak in a bottle of 2013 Syrah that was great.
Longoria Wine – It was nice to see Richard Longoria with his impressive Pinots at the event. (I’m a former club member and have met with him at his Lompoc Ghetto tasting room.)
Montemar – Followed wine pal Marla Hofstee to this table, plenty of vintages to try and enjoy.
Pali Wine Company – Loved at least two of their Pinots: Huber Vineyard and Summit!
Prodigal Wines – Had to agree with Wine Enthusiast: the 2013 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir was well deserving of its 93 points.

Purisima – Loved the Zotovich Vineyard 2015 Chardonnay!
The Hilt – Their fun wine rep walked me through a few nicely made Pinots.
Transcendence Wine
Wan Fiore Project – The first table I stopped at, I recall liking the 2013 La Encantada the most. The winery name is a blend of the names of two brothers-in-law, one named Wan, the other, Fiore.

Parting Words

If you are a Pinot Noir and/or Chardonnay fan you MUST plan a visit. Start here: http://www.staritahills.com