Three Ways California is Pioneering More Sustainable Wine
Image: California Wines
California is a global leader for sustainability in wine, with 90% of its wines made in certified sustainable wineries and 70% of the total vineyard acreage now certified sustainable!
From Santa Barbara to Sonoma, Californian vintners are on a mission to reshape the future of wine – innovating and experimenting with new practices, or in some cases reintroducing ancestral ones, to put their environment and community first.
Here are three examples of sustainability in action.
Image: California Wines
1. Solar power in Sonoma
We all have a carbon footprint, and wine is no different, which is why vintners are on a mission to find greener energy sources, including making good use of all that California sunshine. Silver Oak Cellars has covered the roof of its Alexander Valley winery in 2,595 solar panels, which produce more energy than it consumes, 105% to be exact!
2. Fly the falcons!
Vineyards can lose up to 20% of their grapes to pests, which is why fifth-generation winegrowers, the Wente family, in Livermore Valley bring in falcons to defend their crop. Like security guards on patrol, the presence of these raptors has reduced the threat from pests like starlings to 5%, meaning more grapes to harvest without impacting the environment.
3. A Napa icon goes driverless
Fully electric and autonomous tractors have been introduced by Robert Mondavi Winery to farm one of California’s most iconic vineyards, To Kalon in Oakville, Napa Valley. The tractor reduces carbon emissions by about 15.42 metric tons per year — the equivalent of driving an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle around planet Earth three times!
Find out more about California Wines on a Mission:
Image: California Wines
