Episode #244 – Winemaking Gone Green: Sustainability in the Vineyards

This week on Grape Encounters, we’re going to get very down to earth. Sustainability has become a big word in the wine industry. Host David Wilson welcomes Doris Cooper of Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains to talk about their cutting-edge conservation efforts.

Learn about what Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards has done to become certified as organic and sustainable. It’s a fascinating discussion. You’ll also find about some of their unique visitor attractions including horseback trail rides along the hillside vineyards.

Allison Jordan, Vice President of Environmental Affairs from the Wine Institute will also chime in about the substantial programs that have been put into place by as many as two-thirds of California’s wineries. There are more than 200 criteria to become a Certified Sustainable Winery with unique factors that depend upon the region, the scale, geography and climate. Winemakers’ environmental stewardship is important to soil health and the ability to have natural resources to draw from in the future.

Allison also talks about Down To Earth, a beautiful new coffee table book from the Wine Institute highlighting several green wineries. It’s coming out in April. The book illustrates sustainable grape growing and wine making in the Golden State. She also talks about Down To Earth Month featuring events that will take place throughout April.

Sara Schneider, wine editor of Sunset Magazine, is sipping mass-produced cheap wines with David this week. He likes to think of it as fast wine, vino’s equivalent of fast food.

And, will gadget guru Matt Dubow from EpicStyle.com be foiled by another challenge from host David Wilson? Tune in and find out!

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