Wine Testing and Green Wineries
Long before eco-friendliness was fashionable, some of the world’s leading winemakers were already pioneering innovative vineyard practices that would promote sustainability. Many eschew synthetic pesticides altogether in favor of farming organically or biodynamically to focus on soil health while considering lunar cycles as influences; others use natural yeast fermentation before ageing their wines in barrels made from recycled materials or made of reusing or recycling waste products.
Some wineries and vineyards have taken steps towards greening their tasting rooms by seeking LEED certification for their facilities. Napa Valley’s Cowhorn Vineyard made history when they earned Living Building Certification for their new tasting room – becoming the first winery ever to do so!
Oregon’s Deep Roots Coalition of Sustainable Winegrowers represents vineyards and wineries committed to eco-friendly practices such as dry farming. Members utilize solar power for powering their winery, while many make wine without irrigation using gravity flow systems for clarification purposes. Belle Pente in Yamhill-Carlton, Brick House in Ribbon Ridge, Evening Land Dundee Hills as well as Kelley Fox who sources grapes from three Willamette Valley AVAs are all members.
Jessup Cellars in Yountville is another winery that takes environmental stewardship seriously, making every effort to reduce their carbon footprint while contributing to local communities through charitable events and art exhibitions at their Tasting Room. Their vineyard and winery certifications come from Napa Green while staff proactively promote sustainability with regular educational seminars.