6 Wineries in California That Practice Sustainable Farming
Environmental protection is at the heart of sustainably growing wine grapes, putting high wine quality production, financial viability, and social accountability as its main priorities. California, the United State's largest wine-producing state, and its wineries are a large player in this movement shifting its practices to be in sync with truly sustainable viticulture.
California wine grape farmers increasingly place sustainability at the forefront of their operations. Over 50% of California's vineyards hold sustainability certificates, and more than 80% of the state's wines are produced in certified wineries. This progress is a promising stepstone in the battle against climate change because half of the country's more than 7000 wineries are located in The Golden State.
To shed further light on this topic, we have vetted out five wineries (among others) that are operating with the idea of having a harmonious coexistence between humans, the vineyards they tend to, and the ecosystems that live within and around them. These wineries are making brilliant efforts to establish an equilibrium between the welfare of their farms and the quality of the natural ecosystem. Before we delve into the wineries, it would be beneficial to first take a brief look at what sustainable viticulture entails.
Sustainable Viticulture Practices
Restricting the use of any pesticides or toxins to prevent long-term detrimental effects on the ecosystem.
Using methods like composting and other natural products over synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Applying self-sustaining farming also called biodynamic farming (combining agricultural methods with the natural cycles of the earth) to improve soil quality and promote plant and microbial life.
Now that we have some idea of what it takes to practice sustainable viticulture, here are the five wineries contributing to California's sustainable vineyard movement.
6 Sustainable Wineries in California
Benziger Family Winery has been driving sustainable winemaking in Sonoma for two decades as an early adopter of biodynamic farming techniques. The Demeter Association granted Benziger its first biodynamic wine certification in 2001 after certifying the farm as a biodynamic farm in 2000. The winery works with organic producers who are either California Certified Organic Farmers or equally Stellar certified, and their winemaking facilities are Stellar Accreditation Services certified. Lush bursts of dark-red fruit, authenticity, and quality characterize Benziger's wine offerings and breathtakingly beautiful estate.
It's challenging for newer wineries to compete with well-established vineyards, but that's exactly what Hamel Family Wines is doing with their acquisition of the Demeter biodynamic certification. Established in 2014, Hamel combines biodynamic and organic farming methods. The winery prioritizes water conservation, taking steps such as dry farming, water recycling, etc. Hamel Family limited vintages are aged in deep floral notes and a harmonious combination of sweet delicacy and complexity.
Based in St. Helena, the Spottswoode Estate is the quintessence of biodynamic practices with over 30 years of organic farming under their belts. The winery was among the first to be certified by the CCOF (1992) and continues to be a leading light in winemaking that respects nature. One can taste the impact of the well-treated soils through the confluence of their wine elements, creating a particularly potent feeling that makes an oenophile or anyone who enjoys a sparkling glass of wine daydream about the sensuous subtleties.
Founded in 1982, award-winning Kendall-Jackson is a pioneer of organic farming in California and has been using biodynamic farming methods for decades. The winery is credited with popularizing Chardonnay in America and has won consecutive prestigious awards for its exceptional commitment to sustainability. From sea to shining sea, Kendall Jackson is a name people across the nation know and enjoy.
Ridge Vineyards is known for producing high-quality wines in the United States and around the world. The winery is the largest organic grape grower in Santa Cruz and Sonoma counties, with over 300 acres of the estate designated as organic. Ridge's consistency in producing quality wines, thanks to sustainable viticulture methods, has people and exceptional reviews coming in abundance.
Operating organically since 1987, Bonterra Organic Estates is a pioneering giant in its own right. In addition to practicing biodynamic farming and paving the way for their climate neutral certified + Bonterra Beyond Clean ™ commitment, Bonterra has become the world's largest winery to obtain the Regenerative Organic Certified certification for their Mendocino County, CA vineyard. Bonterra has more than proven that its efforts in staying true to sustainable viticulture are impressive, to say the least.
Now that you have choices of sustainable wine brands for personal or gifting purposes, the next thing is to put them in a sturdy wholesale wine bag to safely hold your prized wine bottles. Gallant can help with that! You can customize our custom wine bags’:
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