Tuesday, November 25, 2014

First Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

A glass of red wine from the California winery...
A glass of red wine from the California winery of Opus One in the Napa Valley. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We love to see sustainable growing practices at wineries and vineyards. The care shown toward the land is often reflected in bottles of beautiful wine. California is leading the way in recognizing sustainable winegrowing practices.
 
California vineyards and wineries are encouraged to apply for the inaugural California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. Applications are now being accepted at www.greenmedal.org. The California Green Medal was developed by California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners and Vineyard Team as a way to showcase some of the leading wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability. More than a dozen regional winery and winegrowing association partners are also involved in promoting the new awards.

California vineyards and wineries that participate in any sustainability program available in California are eligible to apply for up to four award categories that will recognize outstanding achievement in sustainability:
  • Leader Award, given to the vineyard or winery that demonstrates success and innovation in all of the below three areas of sustainable winegrowing.
  • Environment Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.
  • Community Award, given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor & Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.
  • Business Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.
"The new awards program provides an exciting opportunity for California growers and vintners to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to sustainability," said Allison Jordan, CSWA Executive Director.

Applications are being accepted now through January 31, 2015. Visit:www.greenmedal.org for more information or to apply. Winners will receive a Green Medal, be recognized in widely distributed communications and honored at an awards ceremony at University of California, Davis on April 10, 2015.

The first annual California Green Medal is being judged by a panel of wine and sustainability experts. They include: Peter Granoff, MS, Owner/Partner, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant; Matthew Hoffman, PhD, Grower Program Coordinator, Lodi Winegrape Commission; Allison Jordan, Executive Director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance; Cyril Penn, Editor in Chief, Wine Business Monthly; Rhonda Smith, Viticulture Farm Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension; Ann Thrupp, PhD, Executive Director, Berkeley Food Institute; Beth Vukmanic Lopez, SIP Certification Manager, Vineyard Team; and Steve Lederer, Napa County Green Business Program and Napa County Director of Public Works.

Sponsors are: Wine Business Monthly, Exclusive Media Sponsor; Nomacorc and SureHarvest, Platinum Sponsors; Fruition Sciences and Southern California Edison, Gold Sponsors; Ag Unlimited, CC Wine Caves and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.






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