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Lori Zaino | Winetraveler.com
If you’re going to sip, why not sip sustainable? You certainly won’t be alone in your eco-drinking endeavors.
With sustainability on the rise, it’s no surprise that wine drinkers are willing to pay more for sustainable wine according to a survey by Forbes. But the differences between sustainable, natural, organic and biodynamic winemaking practices (and wine) can definitely be confusing for drinkers. But you shouldn’t feel intimidated. Winetraveler has cleared up any confusion regarding the terms, which aren’t exactly interchangeable:
Biodynamic: The biodynamic winemaking process is more spiritual, delving deep into each vineyard’s specific ecology. For example, a biodynamic winery may plant or pick grapes during specific lunar cycles or use methods such as adding herb-infused compost to vineyards.
With sustainability on the rise, it’s no surprise that wine drinkers are willing to pay more for sustainable wine according to a survey by Forbes. But the differences between sustainable, natural, organic and biodynamic winemaking practices (and wine) can definitely be confusing for drinkers. But you shouldn’t feel intimidated. Winetraveler has cleared up any confusion regarding the terms, which aren’t exactly interchangeable:
Biodynamic: The biodynamic winemaking process is more spiritual, delving deep into each vineyard’s specific ecology. For example, a biodynamic winery may plant or pick grapes during specific lunar cycles or use methods such as adding herb-infused compost to vineyards.
Natural: Natural wines are typically made without adding additional chemicals or ingredients — things like sulfur, sugar, and acid.
If you’d like to get a better sense of what sustainable wine is all about, be sure to visit or try wine from a sustainable winery, or better yet, a sustainable wine region. These are areas where a number of winemakers/wineries are turning to more sustainable practices. In honor of Earth Day, here are 8 sustainable wine regions to visit and taste around the world.
While the eastern European country of Moldova may seem obscure, Moldova is advanced when it comes to winemaking. The country is investigating how to make its wines more sustainable by opening experimental plots within three of its wine regions (Codru, Valul lui Traian and Stefan Voda) to test how grapes react to soil, water, and temperature change.
After hosting the massive Climate Change Leadership Porto: Solutions for the Wine Industry event in 2019, it’s clear Porto is at the forefront of sustainability. Many wineries within the region adhere to eco-friendly practices: reusing wastewater, using alternative fertilization methods, and implementing cork waste management systems.
The Australian Wine Research Institute has recently set up the Sustainable Wine Growing Organization in the McLaren Vale region. Nearby wineries are following many of the association’s best practices, including using sustainable pest, disease, water, and waste management methods as well as hiring local workers and supporting local businesses.
Several wineries in Napa are certified by Napa Green, one of the most prominent sustainability programs in the region. Initiatives include restoring the Napa River watershed, reducing waste, saving energy/water and supporting the local community. A number of the region’s wineries also hold LEED certification, indicating that the winery is operated in an ecological manner.
The Canary Islands are one of the most sustainable island archipelagos in the world. One of its smallest islands, El Hierro, runs almost entirely on sustainable energy. The islands are home to wineries that seamlessly interact with nature, using the volcanic terrain to protect their grapevines from wind and dryness.
Much of France is moving towards sustainable winemaking. For example, winemakers in the Beaujolais region are using more sustainable carbonic maceration practices to conquer the granitic terroir. Champagne is one of the most advanced regions when it comes to sustainability. Using a carbon plan put together back in 2003, the area has reduced its emissions by about 20% in the past few years. Future plans show how the region aims to use zero herbicide products by 2025.
Thanks to this South American country’s mostly hot, arid climate, vineyards in Chile don’t suffer from many diseases or pests, allowing grapes to grow without the need for harmful pesticides. According to the Sustainability Code of the Chilean Wine, over 75% of Chilean wine producers are certified as sustainable. Eco-friendly wine practices aren’t novel in Chile, either. For hundreds of years, winemakers have adapted naturally to more sustainable methods that better suit the country’s environment.
Many wineries in the Western Cape region (such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch) are dedicated to sustainable winemaking and are part of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, which helps vineyards preserve endangered vegetation in the Cape lowlands. These wineries have adopted more sustainable practices such as using recycled glass for bottling and setting aside part of their land for conservation.
About Napa Green: The Napa Green 501c3 is a global leader in sustainable winegrowing, setting the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry. Napa Green facilitates whole system soil to bottle certification for wineries and vineyards, and provides the expertise, boots-on-the-ground support, and resources to continually improve. Learn more at https://napagreen.org/participating-members/.
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@mvino1 has spent her career in the wine business telling the unique stories of wineries and as a Sommelier and Vintner. Here she has created an itinerary that showcases a rich variety of regional efforts in the Stag’s Leap District, Oakville and northern St. Helena. Check it out to experience the whole systems, regenerative practices at each of these @napagreen certified wineries that are as essential and unique as the terroir we pride ourselves on here in Napa Valley.
📍 @chimneyrockwinery
📍 @bcellars
📍 @boeschenvineyards
Visit these wineries to create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses. Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
🍃 Save green and drink green!
If you’re visiting the Central Napa Valley from anywhere in California, January is a great time to check out these incredible #NapaNeighbor deals from @napagreen certified members running through the end of the month.
📍 @ballentinevineyards
📍 @barnettvineyards
📍 @cliffamily
📍 @freemarkabbey
📍 @grgichhillsestate
📍 @mummnapawinery
📍 @pejuwinery
📍 @rombauervineyards
📍 @rutherfordhillwinery
📍 @schweigervineyards
📍 @stsupery
📍 @tressabores @tressaboreswinery
📍 @vsattui
📍 @whitehalllane
📍 @zdwines
Check out @napavintners or reach out to each winery for more info, and stay tuned for more adventures heading North.
#winetasting #visitnapavalley #sustainablewine
We love working with @mcecleanenergy to not only help you save energy but also money!
Hear from Dominus Estate’s Tod Mostero to hear how much they saved from a lighting change then connect with the Napa Green or MCE team to learn more.
🎥 @robot_productions
#energyefficiency #climateaction #sustainablebusiness #greenbusiness #sustainablewine
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Check out these stunning @napagreen certified wineries in this itinerary from @evyncam that takes you from the bay to the forest to explore the wide range of ecosystems that Napa Valley has to explore.
📍 @bouchaine_vineyards
📍 @ruddestate
📍 @seaveyvineyard
Visit these wineries to create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses. Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
🍃 Save green and drink green!
If you’re visiting the Southern Napa Valley from anywhere in California, January is a great time to check out these incredible #NapaNeighbor deals from @napagreen certified members running through the end of the month.
📍 @antinorinapavalley
📍 @artesawinery
📍 @chimneyrockwinery
📍 @cliffledevineyards
📍 @hydewines
📍 @odetteestate
📍 @pineridgewine
📍 @priestranchwine
📍 @robertcraigwinery
📍 @robertmondavi
📍 @stagsleapwinecellars
📍 @truchard
Check out @napavintners or reach out to each winery for more info, and stay tuned for more adventures heading North.
#winetasting #visitnapavalley #sustainablewine
Find out what being @napagreen certified means to @joshwidaman and the team @pineridgewine, then go for a visit and taste the love in every bottle!
#sustainablewine #regenerativeviticulture #winetasting
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Check out this itinerary by @danpetroski of participating @napagreen wineries and vineyards that contribute to the long-term health of our land and ensure that Napa Valley remains a thriving and beautiful region for future generations.
📍 @larkmeadvineyards
📍 @silveroakcellars
📍 @vsattui
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
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This is not your typical itinerary by @abrittain – wetting your palate for wine producers that are difficult, perhaps impossible, to visit. However, if you are a wine connoisseur seeking exceptional wines from sustainability and climate leaders you should absolutely put in the effort to secure wines from these @napagreen certified producers.
📍 @dominusestatewinery
📍 @lailvineyards
📍 @adamvs
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
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This itinerary is ideal for a girls’ trip or a day out with friends! Discover the sustainable side of Napa with @goodfriendsgoodfood itinerary, which celebrates diversity and offers wines tailored to a range of palates.
These @napagreen certified wineries provide beautiful settings to connect over fantastic wine, all while supporting positive change within the wine industry.
📍 @domainecarneros
📍 @rdwinery
📍 @trefethenfamily
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
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This itinerary by Sommelier and Vintner, @danpetroski, showcases a rich variety of regional efforts from @napagreen certified wineries with a diversity of style, size, production and profiles, where each place focuses on varies in accordance with their distinct microclimate.
Be sure to check out the second 1/2 of this itinerary to complete your visit!
📍 @ashesxdiamonds
📍 @cliffledevineyards
📍 @hydewines
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
@closduval’s bottles from Verallia are 30% lighter than traditional bottles, which represents a 34% reduction in carbon emissions from glass production alone!
Lightweight glass saves natural resources, lowers transportation costs and emissions, and reduces the risk of employee injuries. Not only is it infinitely recyclable, it’s also beautiful!
Get a bottle (or several) of this @napagreen certified wine to feel and taste the commitment sustainability from soil to bottle.
#winetasting #wineindustry #climateaction #lightenup #lightweightglassbottles
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Get insider information and tips to make the most of your trip to some of @reyeswine.mw’s favorite Napa Green certified wineries with this exclusive in-the-know Itinerary.
📍 @rdwinery
📍 @sequoiagrove
📍 @schramsberg
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
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This itinerary, by Master Sommelier, @andrearobinsonms, will take you to @napagreen Certified wineries, where we can see and taste the commitment to our planet and our community that pays off now in great wine, natural beauty and soil health, while paying it forward.
📍 @chandonusa
📍 @grgichhillsestate @grgichhills
📍 @troisnoixwine
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
Congratulations to @twentyrowswines for @napagreen Winery Certification!
Twenty Rows crafts small lots of their Napa Valley wines, at the @fiordisolewines certified sustainable facility. These wines are not only made with environmental impact in mind, they reflect honest varietal character and showcase the terroir where the grapes were grown.
#sustainablewine #sustainablewinery #napavalleywine
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This itinerary by @abrittain will take you to @napagreen certified, tucked away spots, run by some powerhouse women, deeply dedicated to the stewardship of the Napa Valley.
📍 @tressabores
📍 @viadernapavalley
📍 @spottswoodewinery
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
Congratulations to @etudewines for achieving @napagreen winery recertification!
Etude Wine’s sustainability initiatives encompass everything from cover crops, solar powered facilities, recycled water use and water-wise landscaping, wetland and habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, stunning pollinator gardens and more. For a truly immersive sustainability experience with expressive wines with a holistic winemaking approach.
#climateaction #winetasting #wineindustry
