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Listen to the recordings from this half day event on how to prevent waste and implement green purchasing in wineries and vineyards.
APCOR is the employers’ association of the cork sector that represents, promotes, divulges and carries out research in the Portuguese cork industry. Cork stoppers are a natural, recyclable and reusable product. Cork is an indelible factor of social and economic development for the countries of the Western Mediterranean. It combines a centuries-old tradition with the most modern practices of an industry of the future, and one that leads the way in sustainability.
Spottswoode Winery was the first estate winery in Napa County to achieve TRUE Zero Waste Gold-level certification, meaning more than 95% of their “waste” is reused, recycled or composted. Join Molly Sheppard, Educational Winemaker and Stephanie Barger with TRUE Zero Waste, as they begin working with Raymond Vineyards to walk them through practices to increase recycling, prevent packaging waste, compost food waste, and other steps Spottswoode took to achieve TRUE Zero Waste certification. This is everything from hiring a chef to provide family-style lunches instead of box lunches (which saved them $$) to the bigger steps of lightening up bottle weight. To pique your interest, learn more about Spottswoode’s no-waste story.
Molly Sheppard | Educational Winemaker at Spottswoode Winery
Molly Sheppard is the Educational Winemaker & Sustainability Manager at Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery located in St Helena, Napa Valley. Growing up in Australia, Molly studied Molecular Genetics at the University of Melbourne before completing her degree in Agribusiness, Viticulture & Enology at Curtin University in Western Australia. After working in wineries in Victoria, Margaret River and the Yara Valley, Molly made her first trip to Napa Valley as an intern for the 2017 vintage and has been in the Napa Valley ever since, joining the Spottswoode team in 2018.
Thane Knutson | Winemaker at Raymond Vineyards
Thane Knutson is the Associate Winemaker for Raymond Vineyards and is involved in all aspects of wine production for Raymond Vineyards.After spending a couple of harvests making wine and graduating from OU, Thane interned at Cakebread Cellars where he decided Napa Valley winemaking was his calling. Although Thane thought his winemaking adventures would take him briefly to Australia or New Zealand, his plans changed when he met the love of his life, his wife, Sarah. After deciding to stay in Napa, Thane spent two years at Hess Collection Winery as the laboratory technician before joining Raymond Vineyards just two weeks before the current owner, Jean-Charles Boisset made his grand entrance.
Stephanie Barger | Director of Market Transformation & Development at TRUE Zero Waste
As director of market transformation & development for the TRUE Zero Waste Certification, Stephanie Barger is responsible for the growth and development of the TRUE program. Barger helped launch TRUE, which is owned and administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) in 2017. GBCI is the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally and administers all LEED green building certifications. TRUE was acquired by GBCI in 2016 and was previously known as U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, which Barger formed in January 2012.
On average, 30-50% of winery emissions come from packaging and distribution. Join Sue Keechler of Global Package, a regional glass provider, who has lighter weight and recycled content bottle options, along with Tim Colonnese from packaging provider, Green Cell Foam, with elevated and brandable recycled content and recyclable, biodegradable and compostable shippers. These products have been vetted by Napa Green wineries. Nicolas Quille, Chief Winemaking & Operations Officer with Crimson Wine Group will share their experience lightening bottle weight to reduce their purchasing and shipping emissions and carbon footprint. You will also learn about new, cutting-edge opportunities to get involved in wine bottle reuse from Caren McNamara, CEO and Founder of Conscious Container. Here are a few stories of what wineries are doing to lighten up and ship green.
Sue Keechler | Sales Representative at Global Package
Susan Keechler has worked in the wine industry for more than 25 years. She joined Global Package three years ago and has been a leading member of the sales team, working closely with Erica Harrop whom she’s known since 2008. Working with Estal, Global Package’s Spanish supply partner, and bringing Estal’s Wild Glass line of 100% sustainable “real cycled” glass bottles to the North American market has been most gratifying. Wild Glass uses 100% recycled glass and its production method reduces energy use and CO2 emissions. It also results in fewer discards since the cosmetic (aesthetic) defects are accepted as part of the organic beauty of the glass, giving the bottles the look of handmade works of art.
Tim Colonnese | President & CEO at Green Cell Foam
Tim Colonnese is President, CEO and founder of KTM Industries, a Michigan-based manufacturer of innovative, compostable, biobased packaging materials. In addition to the 25 years of leading KTM, Tim was the Managing Director for subsidiaries of US-based technology companies throughout the Asian Pacific rim based in Tokyo and Hong Kong, and held other senior roles in San Francisco, Miami and New York. Under his guidance, KTM has won numerous awards for environmental technology, entrepreneurial successes, and corporate responsibility. He is currently a finalist in E&Y’s Entrepreneur of the Year program. Outside of work, Tim is a professional musician, avid golfer and fitness enthusiast. He and his wife, Paige, have two daughters, Carly and Caity (who was married this past Saturday!).
Nicolas Quille | Chief Winemaking & Operations Officer at Crimson Wine Group
Nicolas Quille was most recently General Manager and Head Winemaker of Banfi Vintners’ boutique portfolio of wineries in the Northwest U.S. He spent the last 26 years in a variety of winegrowing positions in both France and the United States. In addition to his role with Banfi, his U.S. experience includes winegrowing and management positions with Pacific Rim and Bonny Doon. Prior to moving to the United States, Nicolas worked in Burgundy (Antonin Rodet and Domaine Prieur), Provence (Domaine de la Courtade), Champagne (Laurent Perrier) and Portugal (Taylor’s Port). He holds a master’s degree in Enology from the University of Dijon, Burgundy, a master’s degree in Sparkling Winery Management from the University of Reims, Champagne, an MBA from the University of Washington and is a member of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine.
Caren McNamara | CEO and Founder at Conscious Container
Caren McNamara was tired of throwing away glass bottles that could be washed and refilled instead of landfilled or recycled. Around the world, refillable glass systems are the norm. It is clear that they deliver a more sustainable solution and bring down packaging costs for producers. So she asked… “How do we collectively ‘flip the script’ and build a refillable glass system here in the United States?”
Starting with due diligence, Caren explored why the U.S. lost its refillable glass system and how she could bring it back. She connected with beverage producers, policymakers, non-profits, and municipalities and determined there was a strong desire for a refillable bottle solution.
Kayalin Akens-Irby is an impact-oriented strategist who has spent her career working with investors and companies to improve business operations and capitalize on new opportunities within an evolving market which increasingly values transparency, sustainability, and business ethics. Kayalin is currently Chief of Staff at Planet FWD, the leading carbon management platform for consumer brands to tackle climate change. She also serves as a Board Member for the Upcycled Food Association and a Climate Fellow for Amasia VC.
When an order arrives on our doorstep, or is picked up for shipment, we don’t tend to think much about how it was manufactured or where the packaging will end up. When buying products and then distributing wine we need to consider: How were the products made and how will they get to you (e.g., recycled glass from CA or virgin glass from China), and can or will those boxes, bottles, closures, capsules be recycled, or land in the trash? Jancis Robinson will share a message on why she sees lightening bottle weights as essential. Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine Carneros, will share innovative ways that they have reduced packaging waste and saved $$. Patrick Spencer with the The Cork Forest Conservation Alliance will share some of the surprising environmental and social benefits of natural cork, and the relative resource use and life cycle of different closures. Carolina Leonhardt, Sr. Manager of Environmental Stewardship at Clif Bar & Company, will share approaches to inventory the emissions of packaging & distribution and supplier initiatives to green packaging and cut emissions.
Andrea Robinson | Master Sommelier
Andrea Robinson is a world-renowned Master Sommelier who takes the seemingly daunting subject of wine and food, and brings it down to earth for all to understand and enjoy. Robinson, one of only 26 female Master Sommeliers in the world, couples this distinction with a strong culinary pedigree as a graduate and former Dean of the French Culinary Institute, and the winner of three James Beard Awards. In addition, she has been widely featured across leading national television networks and publications as the “go-to” expert for all things wine. She and her husband John live in Napa Valley.
Remi Cohen | CEO at Domaine Carneros
In 2020, Remi Cohen joined the Domaine Carneros family as CEO, taking over from illustrious founding winemaker and former CEO Eileen Crane and continuing the winery’s tradition of visionary female leadership. Remi has 20 years of wine industry experience and began her career on the winemaking and viticulture side before pursuing her MBA in finance to complement her master’s in viticulture from UC Davis. Remi spent the first 10 years of her career working in the Carneros AVA, with stints at Saintsbury, Bouchaine, and Merryvale and Starmont, culminating with her role as Vice President of Merryvale. Remi was most recently at Cliff Lede Vineyards, where she was promoted from Director of Winemaking and Vineyards to VP of Operations to COO. After ten years with Cliff Lede, Remi’s passion for Carneros has brought her full circle to Domaine Carneros, where she is especially focused on furthering the winery’s fastidious commitment to sustainability.
Carolina Leonhardt | Sr. Manager of Environmental Stewardship at Clif Bar & Company
Carolina Leonhardt is the Sr. Manager of Environmental Stewardship at Clif Bar & Company and has been on the company’s sustainability team for the last 5 years. In her role, Carolina leads strategy development, integration, and implementation of sustainability programs, communications, and employee engagement in the areas of climate and energy, zero waste, organic and sustainable sourcing, and natural resource conservation. She also leads cross-functional efforts in support of the company’s goals to transition to sustainable packaging and become net positive on climate by 2030. Carolina has worked in the sustainability field for over 15 years with experience in the non-profit, private consulting, and government sectors. She holds a Bachelor of International Studies from American University and is a TRUE Zero Waste Advisor.
Patrick Spencer | Founder and Executive Director of the Cork Forest Conservation Alliance
Patrick Spencer received his BS in Environmental Sciences from Central Connecticut State University. He has spent his professional career promoting the “triple bottom line”, a business concept that posits firms should commit to measuring their social and environmental impact—in addition to their financial performance—rather than solely focusing on generating profit. He is the founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization the, Cork Forest Conservation Alliance, whose primary mission is to preserve and protect the Mediterranean cork forests and their inhabitants. Patrick is currently serving a four-year term on the Forest Stewardship Councils, International Board of Directors, representing the Environmental North Chamber.
APCOR 100% Cork | Greg Whisenant & Augustus Weed
APCOR is the employers’ association of the cork sector that represents, promotes, divulges and carries out research in the Portuguese cork industry. Cork stoppers are a natural, recyclable and reusable product. Cork is an indelible factor of social and economic development for the countries of the Western Mediterranean. It combines a centuries-old tradition with the most modern practices of an industry of the future, and one that leads the way in sustainability.
Napa Recycling & Waste Services | Tim Dewey-Mattia
Napa Recycling & Waste Services and Napa County Recycling & Waste Services are local full-service companies with parent companies that have served the region for over a century. They are happy to provide all of the City of Napa and southern unincorporated Napa County with efficient, economical & sustainable services.
Upper Valley Disposal & Recycling | Andy Buck
Upper Valley Disposal Service was founded in 1963 by Bob and Marvin Pestoni. The Pestoni Family spans five generations in the Napa Valley, and for the past 40 years they have been working to provide the up valley communities with progressive and innovative environmental solutions for waste disposal & recourse recovery.
Green Cell Foam | Tim Colonesse
Green Cell Foam is the most environmentally sustainable and functional packaging material available. Made from US-grown corn, Green Cell Foam is certified compostable in backyard and industrial facilities and can even be dissolved in a sink for safe and easy disposal. This unique material combines exceptional cushioning and thermal insulating protection, while protecting the planet.
Fly With Wine | Ryan Neergaard
The entire lineup of VinGardeValise® suitcases from FlyWithWine offers a clean and green alternative to shipping multiple bottles home after a visit to wine country. As visitors buy a bottle or two here and there while visiting Napa Valley, they’re faced with the dilemma we know so well, “how do I get these home?” The VinGardeValise® collection is not only a green option for taking wine back home from wine country, it is also the most versatile luggage available.
VinArmour | Brian Hart
The world’s finest protective bottle carrier for wine and spirits. World’s first soft, puncture/leak/impact-resistant carrier for your bottle, whether you are just carrying across town or even across the globe. With Vinarmour you can carry a vintage wine out to dinner or a special event with style and sophistication. Worrying while traveling with a bottle in your luggage is a thing of the past.
Lafitte Cork & Capsule | Robert Stasko
Lafitte maintains a family-owned business with production and distribution facilities for wine corks and capsules in Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United States. With over 100 years of industrial experience, Lafitte’s eager attention to new and evolving industry standards ensures our continual improvement in producing the highest quality cork products suitable for all wines.
Groupe Charlois | Vincent Garry
The history of the Charlois group has its roots in the middle of the 17th century in the Bertranges forest, with Jacques Charlois, stave splitter. They make very high quality oak wood cut into staves and used for the manufacture of oak barrels. Located in the heart of the Nivernais country, in the setting of the largest oak grove in France, the company participates in the development of a forest jewel where the most beautiful specimens of oaks in France are erected. It specializes in the selection of oaks, the manufacture and the natural maturation of the staves in compliance with good forestry practices including the conservation, development, management and creation of forests.
Saverglass is the world specialist in the manufacture, customization and decoration of high-end glass bottles. Founded in France in 1897, the Group’s roots are in the historic Bresle Valley, where glass has been produced since the 15th century. Saverglass caters to the premium, super-premium and prestige spirit, fine wine, champagne and sparkling wine markets.
Renowned for its capacity for innovation, glassmaking expertise and the quality and design of its products, this French industrial group is the preferred partner of brand developers and the biggest names in wines and spirits in the world.
With its six glass production sites and four decoration factories on three continents, today Saverglass is able to work side by side with high-end producers of wines and spirits.
TRUE Zero Waste | Stephanie Barger
TRUE certified spaces are environmentally responsible, more resource efficient and help turn waste into savings and additional income streams. By closing the loop, they cut greenhouse gases, manage risk, reduce litter and pollution, reinvest resources locally, create jobs and add more value for their company and community. TRUE also certifies events to improve their sustainability.
Napa Green | Megan Scott
Napa Green serves as a catalyst and facilitator to grow certified sustainable, responsible businesses committed to the environmental stewardship and climate action in Napa County. Our members stand as leaders exemplifying that sustainability and caring for nature and community elevates quality and experience for employees, customers and community, now and in the future.
