Guide to Sustainable Wine: Easy Tips for Finding Eco-Friendly Wine
If you buy and drink wine, then you have the opportunity to live a more sustainable life.
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just a person who enjoys a good chardonnay every once in a while, I urge that you support and purchase wines produced from wineries that are committed to sustainable practices and management.
There are a growing number of wineries that are choosing a sustainable and earth-friendly approach when producing their wines.
In order to protect and preserve our environment for present and future generations, we all need to start living more sustainably. I believe a good and fun way to start is by switching over to sustainable wine.
By visiting this website and reading this article, you have already taken an important step towards becoming a more environmentally conscious and informed consumer.
What is the history of wine?
The first archeological evidence of wine can be found in China (7,000 BC). However, a common theory suggests that the origin of wine most likely occurred between 8,000 - 10,000 BC, during the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled lifestyle.
It is believed that ancient wine tasted horrible and vinegary.
However, people drank it because alcohol was a natural disinfectant and other drinks, such as milk and water, were more vulnerable to diseases and going bad. Thankfully wine and its taste has evolved.
Cheers to having delicious and refreshing wine that we enjoy today!
Any other fun facts about wine?
Since wine has such a long history and is prevalent in many cultures around the world, there are countless fun facts about wine.
Here are my top five fun facts of wine:
1. Madeira wine was toasted at the signing of the U.S Declaration of Independence.
2. “Oenophobia” is the intense fear or hatred of wine.
3. Top sommeliers agree that smell is the most important sense when it comes to drinking wine. 4. There are over 10,000 varieties of wine grapes that exist worldwide.
5. Most wine glasses are specifically shaped to direct wine to key areas of the tongue and nose, where they can be fully enjoyed.
What are some of the sustainable practices and management of wineries?
Over the years, certain key sustainable practices for wineries have emerged.
These key areas include: water efficiency, energy efficiency, pest management, soil health, waste management, wildlife habitat, contributions, and supply chain.
Certain wineries have implemented a variety of these practices and have been recognized with certifications.
Because these practices go beyond what is necessary and typically require additional work, money, and management, I urge you to support and buy from these wineries.
Some examples of sustainable winery practices include:
The control of weeds and pests through sheep and beneficial birds; the conservation of water by using drip irrigation; the minimization of waste through process ponds, composting, recycling, and reuse; preserving local ecosystems and wildlife habitats; protecting air and water quality; practicing environmentally preferred purchasing; and others.
Where can I find and purchase sustainable wine?
It is important to be a cautious consumer when trying to find sustainable wine.
Unfortunately, “sustainable” is a loosely defined word that can sometimes be self-proclaimed.
So, what are the best ways to find a good sustainable winery?
Two ways are certifications and through your own research (or my website).
When planning your next winery trip, I recommend visiting the wineries website and see what certifications and/or sustainable practices they implement.
Below are some reputable certifications and programs that provide a list of sustainable wineries.
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing
The Sustainable Winegrowing Program
Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program
Are there any particular sustainable wineries that you recommend?
Most if not all wineries have a website where you can find and purchase their wines/products.
Listed below are great certified sustainable wineries that I have discovered and researched.
Feel free to visit their websites through the links below.
You can purchase their wines online and have them conveniently shipped to you. I have also included a brief description of the sustainable practices each listed winery is implementing. Cheers!
Examples of Sustainable Wineries:
Cline Family Cellars
This winery is located in Sonoma County and is Certified California Sustainable.
According to their website, this winery currently implements several sustainable practices.
These include: the green string farming method (promotes biodiversity, minimizes pollution from the air, soil, water, among others); the use of 1500 sheep and 500 goats to remove weeds; cover crops; compost and reuse of the organic waste and material from the winery; provides owl boxes and raptor perches for the natural control of pests; uses renewable solar energy (wineries energy consumption is 100% offset), and non-GMO (genetically modified organisms)
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
This winery is located in Saratoga, California and is Certified California Sustainable.
Based on their website, this winery currently implements several sustainable practices.
These include: the use of solar panels (reportedly provides 25% of the Ranch’s power), 100% LED lighting, provides bird boxes for natural pest control and leaves gaps in the fencing to facilitate predatory animals, such as bobcats and coyotes, to hunt pests, composting of organic waste, recycling of glass and cardboard, and reuse corks for arts and crafts projects.
Delicato
The winery is located in Manteca, California and is Certified California Sustainable.
According to their website, the Delicato winery uses a natural approach to their winery and has helped create a great natural habitat that is home to a diverse range of species.
The winery also provides bird boxes for natural pest control. The winery also uses cover crops between the vine rows.
This company has wineries located across the world. According to their website, this company incorporates several sustainable practices. They have a responsibility report prepared by Anthesis Consulting Group.
Other sustainable wineries: