In yesterday’s blog, we initiated a round of applause for winners of the first California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards, which were announced and presented recently at the University of California at Davis.
The first Leader Award went to Fetzer Vineyards, while the first Environment Award was presented to Benziger Family Winery.
Today, we tip the hat to the recipients of the Community Award and the Business Award. Here are excerpts from the California Green Medal media release…
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The Community Award, given to the vineyard or winery that is a good neighbor and employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities, went to Nord Vineyard Services.
With 400 acres of family partnership vineyards at 10 locations throughout Napa Valley, Nord Vineyards recognizes that the long-term viability of the vineyards requires sustainable business and farming practices. Nord frequently invites professionals and the public to its vineyards, including hosting hundreds of neighbors as part of Napa Grapegrowers’ and Napa Valley Vintners’ “Afternoon in the Vineyards.”
Nord Vineyards owners and employees are active in the industry and in their community by serving on numerous boards, committees and task forces. They also participate in research experiments and extension of new technologies and techniques.
The Business Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates smart business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices, went to Trinchero Family Estates.
Committed to environmental stewardship, charitable giving and responsibility, Trinchero Family Estates was recognized for efficient and innovative sustainability practices that serve as a model for the wine industry.
Vineyards are managed to balance desired quality, necessary inputs and water use, while wineries strive to minimize water, waste and energy use in both their Napa and Lodi facilities.
Trinchero also focuses on sustainable packaging such as light-weighted bottles and recycled glass, as well as alternative packaging such as Tetra Pak and 100% recyclable and lightweight PET mini bottles. The expansion of the company’s Lodi facility with state-of-the-art bottling and warehousing means being closer to the majority of its grape supply, reducing the associated truck miles and emissions.
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Sustainable, environmentally friendly practices are not limited to California. They are being embraced and implemented worldwide, as this featured Earth Friendly Collection by Vinesse demonstrates.
