For the eighth year running, April was declared Down to Earth Month by California legislators, highlighting the Golden State’s leadership in sustainable winegrowing. Throughout the month, wineries are invited to host events to showcase their commitment to sustainable winegrowing practices that contribute to high quality grapes and wine, protect the environment, and enhance the communities in which they live and work. This commitment is made clear to trade, consumers, legislators and regulators alike through broad, year-round participation in educational and certification programs, public reporting and initiatives such as those below.
Down to Earth Campaign
Media Coverage: Over 539 Million
Down to Earth (D2E) activity, including the Wine Institute’s press release featuring over 40 winery and regional eco-friendly events and the launch of the new Wine Country Table book, generated coverage in media outlets with viewership of over 539 million, including 19 TV and radio segments.
Chef Laura Lee shared her advice on pairing sustainable wines with recipes from Wine Country Table on Fox 40 Morning News, Studio 40 and Mornings on KTVU.
Slow Living Radio hosted a D2E special featuring interviews with Nancy Light, Wine Institute, Allison Jordan, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and Christian Ahlmann, Six Sigma Winery.
Visit California shared an e-newsletter with their readership of 6.65 million with suggestions on how to eat, drink and play sustainably while traveling the Golden State.
The Creators Syndicate shared in celebrating sustainable California wine country with their readership of 3 million.
ABC 10 interviewed Mike Heringer, Heringer Estates, sharing his eco-friendly wines to their 1 million viewers.
D2E was featured in local publications across the country, including this article in Arizona Republic Online, which has a readership of over 10 million.
5th Annual Green Medal Awards
California Green Medal Award Recipients Honored in Sacramento
The California Green Medal recognizes the leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability and is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and the Vineyard Team. Four Green Medals are presented in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business. The recipients of the 2019 Green Medal Awards were honored at a ceremony at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) in Sacramento on May 1, 2019.
Watch this video to learn more about the 2019 Green Medal Award Recipients →
Green Medal Award Recipients, from left to right: Nate Weis, Director of Winemaking, Silver Oak Cellars (Leader Award); Allison Jordan, Executive Director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and VP of Environmental Affairs, Wine Institute; Kurt Gollnick, Chief Operating Officer, Scheid Family Wines (Environment Award); Karen Ross, Secretary of the CDFA; Jason Smith, President/CEO, Smith Family Wines (Community Award); Kellie Hoppe, Lab Technician, Domaine Carneros (Business Award).
Following the award ceremony, a Legislative Reception was held to celebrate the conclusion of a successful Down to Earth Month. From left to right: Tim Schmelzer, VP of California State Relations, Wine Institute; co-author of the legislative resolution, Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters); Kellie Hoppe, Lab Technician, Domaine Carneros (Green Medal Business Award Recipient); Tyler Blackney, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Wine Institute.
Wine Country Table Book Release
Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest
Coinciding with this year’s D2E Month was the release of “Wine Country Table, With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest.” Written by award-winning author Janet Fletcher, Wine Institute’s new book offers a visual tour of 23 stunning farms and wineries whose sustainable practices highlight the future of responsible farming and winegrowing embraced throughout California, along with 50 recipes and tips on food and wine.
Nearly a dozen events were organized to celebrate the book’s release, including a launch event at Mulvaney’s B&L in Sacramento with the profiled vintners and growers.
Over 40% of the media generated on D2E Month also featured the book. Some of the highlights included syndicated book reviews and blog features.
Nick Palumbo, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, was interviewed on California Live, syndicated on NBC LA, NBC San Diego and NBC Bay Area.
One of the recipes from Wine Country Table was featured in NBC Better‘s “8 easy, fuss free ways to cook fish at home.”
Janet Fletcher was interviewed on Amy’s Table – WKRQ/I Heart Radio, Heritage Radio and Small Bites Radio. Photo by Francisco Chavira.
California Grown tried their hand at this delicious chicken recipe and shared the results on their blog.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reviewed the book for home cooks that want some California Dreamin’.
The Summer Issue of Edible East Bay will feature a book review and interview with Concannon Vineyard, in print and online.
Your seat at the table
Learn more about what being a sustainable winegrower means and mark your calendar for April 2020.
