The Wine Institute has been a long-time friend and sponsor of the Wine Bloggers Conference. An association of 1,000+ California wineries and wine-related businesses, the Wine Institute advocates to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption, and enjoyment of wine. Several upcoming WBC14 events incorporate the theme of sustainability in their activities and seminars which reflect the Wine Institute’s commitment to the environment and cultural of wine. Their new book, “Down to Earth: A Seasonal Tour of Sustainable Winegrowing in California”, shares the stories of 15 vintners and growers and how they embrace sustainable practices throughout the cycles of the winegrowing calendar.
The book, released in April, 2014 and coinciding with “Down to Earth Month”, a month-long, statewide celebration of California’s leadership in sustainable winegrowing and winemaking, is a consumer-friendly guide to environmental and socially responsible winegrowing practices in California. Written by Janet Fletcher and photographed by wine photographer and WBC 2013 and 2014 conference attendee, George Rose, Down to Earth takes wine lovers through the seasons of the winegrowing calendar. It highlights decision making the modern farmer has to make throughout the year; the challenges, tasks, and the relationship he has with planet earth are framed within the context of seasonality – the book also features a dozen wine-centric recipes timed to what is fresh in the garden.
Wine Institute Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Allison Jordan, relays:
“Consumers like to know how their wines are grown and made. Down to Earth shows readers that managing for the long term makes sense for the family-owned vineyards and wineries that want to pass on a thriving business to the next generation.”
The 256-page book is $40 and available for purchase atwww.discovercaliforniawines.com/downtoearth.
Sustainable winegrowing is promoted by the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) with The Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices workbook. The workbook functions as a self-assessment tool for California’s vintners and growers and addresses ecological, economical and social equity criteria through an integrated set of 15 chapters and nearly 200 criteria, which includes a built-in system with metrics to measure performance.
A Glimpse of the California Wine Industry:
- California makes 90% of all U.S. wine and is the world’s 4th leading wine producer after France, Italy, and Spain
- There are 4,100 bonded wineries in the state; nearly all of them family owned businesses
- Wine Grapes are grown in 49 of 58 counties in California. there are 120 federally approved AVAs
- The California wine industry contributes $61.5 billion to the state economy; employs over 330,000 people in the state and 820,000 nationwide
- $101.5 million was given in charitable contributions from California wineries in 2013
- 20.7 million tourists visited California wine regions in 2013
- 5,900 grapegrowers are partners in sustainable winegrowing with the Wine Institute