With California wine marking the 11th annual Down to Earth Month, a celebration of the wine community’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the land, regions and wine industry for future generations, a Senate Concurrent Resolution would make the April event permanent.
Wine Institute notes the California wine industry is a world leader in sustainable winegrowing:
- 80% of California wine (255 million cases) is made in 178 certified sustainable wineries.
- 55% of California’s vineyard acreage is certified sustainable.
- 2,402 Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing vineyards farm 204,857 acres, or 33% of California winegrape acres.
- Another 22% of California winegrape acres are certified to other sustainability programs — including Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green, and Sustainability in Practice (SIP Certified®) — with some vineyards certifying to more than one program.
While sustainable practices may include elements of organic, Biodynamic© and regenerative farming, sustainability is broad in scope, encompassing energy and water efficiency, employee relations, community engagement and more.
“As the fourth largest wine-producing region, California has the most comprehensive and widely adopted sustainability programs in the world,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “April is the perfect time to support our member wineries across California, whether by visiting to taste and learn in-person or virtually.”