Do you ever wonder where your bottle of wine came from? How was it made and how the grapes were sourced? Similar to clothes, cars, or even jewelry, putting conscious thought into the creation process of the wine is important. In fact, wouldn’t you feel so much better knowing that the wine in your glass is made sustainably?
Winemaking and sustainability do go hand-in-hand. As global warming continues to change our planet, eco-friendly winemaking practices are more important than ever before. Winemakers around the world have the opportunity to implement practices that support the Earth and make a difference. At Cornerstone Cellars, we partner with farmers to implement sustainable agriculture in winemaking. We invite you to learn more about winemaking and sustainability practices and their benefits. Cheers!
What is Sustainable Winemaking?
Sustainable winemaking leverages environmentally friendly practices that help minimize waste, water use, chemical inputs, and more to preserve our planet. It often centers around economically practical methods, environmentally conscious practices, and improved working conditions for those making the wine. Since harmful pesticides are typically avoided, vineyards that strive for sustainability have a higher potential for ensuring healthier soil and energy efficiency.
Eco-friendly Winemaking Practices
Sustainable winemaking begins in the vineyard. Winemakers must pay close attention to how the land is managed and watch closely for any chemicals or other harmful properties that may cause damage to the soil or ecosystem. It’s recommended that wine makers use natural methods such as cover crops or compost to bring nutrients to the vine. These methods can even enhance each wine bottle’s flavor profile, expressing the grapes’ unique terroir. At Cornerstone Cellars, we prefer to partner with growers utilizing natural methods, which in our opinion more closely connects our wine to their land.
Once the grapes are ready for harvest and fermentation, winemakers can incorporate sustainable practices into their process. For example, using energy-efficient machinery and water recycling during production can improve the reduction of waste. Even using lightweight packaging materials when shipping bottles can lead to lower emissions during transportation.
Advantages of Eco-Friendly Winemaking for Sustainability
Implementing sustainable winemaking practices goes a long way. The benefits reach far beyond the vineyard, impacting those around you and changing how we think about wine.
- Protecting the Environment: To achieve carbon-neutral wine production, simply reducing the amount of water used or using cover crops can make a long-term difference. It protects air quality, preserves ecosystems, encourages biodiversity in the soil, and lowers your carbon footprint.
- Ensures Brand Quality and Authenticity: Sustainable wine tastes extremely flavorful, as it concentrates distinct terriers grapes are grown in. Additionally, consumers desire more sustainable wines, disrupting traditional wine production. Brands that advertise as sustainable or organic will draw consumers, particularly a younger audience, and have the potential to gain brand recognition and trust.
- Promotes Sustainability Efforts: We all have a social responsibility to the earth, and the more we practice sustainability, the stronger the movement becomes. The push towards sustainability helps set the standard that more wineries aim to achieve.
Obstacles to Achieving Sustainable Winemaking
While efforts are being continually made, winemakers face a variety of challenges.
- Balancing Economics and Sustainability: There’s no denying that sustainable practices can be costly. For example, production costs can rise 25-30% above the cost of traditional winemaking just through higher utility products that are perceived to be healthier and environmentally friendly. Companies often have to balance what fits within their budget vs. what supports greener initiatives.
- Education and Training: Many staff members may not have experience with sustainable wine practices. This lack of knowledge can cause delays in implementation since education and training can take a considerable amount of time. The sooner sustainable practices are encouraged, the better.
- Environmental Changes: Climate change is rapidly changing grape quality and the winemaking industry itself. As the years pass, winemakers will be forced to reevaluate their process and create new practices that drive sustainability.
Support Sustainable Green Wineries
Consumers have the unique opportunity to help steer the wine industry. Conscious choices to support sustainable winemakers and their products can drastically change the industry and bring eco-friendly wines to the spotlight. When looking for a bottle to enjoy, keep an eye out for wines that have the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) certification or the Sustainable Wine Ltd, to name a few.
At Cornerstone Cellars, we remain committed to creating wines that spark joy and capture the essence of unique vineyards. Come out to our Yountville, CA, tasting room for your chosen tasting experience. Our staff would love to take you on an exceptional journey into the world of Napa Valley wines and explain in more detail our winemaking process. Book a reservation with us today.