Famous Calistoga Winery Continues to Lead the Way in Sustainability Beyond the Vineyards
Calistoga, Calif., January 14, 2014 — Chateau Montelena Winery is now part of 55,000 acres involved in the Napa Green Certified Land program, once again proving its enduring commitment to sustainability both in and beyond the vineyards. The Napa Green Certified Land, developed and administered by the Napa Valley Vintners, protects and enhances the regional watershed including wild land, roadways, stream banks, drainages, and other vulnerable areas. This certification is in addition to Chateau Montelena’s accreditation as a Napa Green Certified Winery, which it received in 2010.
The Napa Green Certified Land program is a cooperative partnership with Fish Friendly Farming, National Marine Fisheries Service, the Napa County Department of Agriculture’s Department of Pesticide Regulation, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, among others, according to NapaGreen.org.
For over 40 years Chateau Montelena has gone above and beyond to preserve the environment in all aspects of the winery’s daily operations, ranging from composting coffee grounds to outfitting the historic chateau with 100% LED lighting to planting micro-gardens on the estate. Chateau Montelena continues to lead the way in sustainability as proven by various initiatives, including:
- Being the first and only winery in the Napa Valley to install a Blink DC Fast Charger following installation of a “Level 2” charger, the latest in charging technology for electronic vehicles (EV)
- Being 90% solar powered following an installation of a 220 kilowatt system that lowered carbon dioxide emissions by 6.625 tons, a reduction equivalent to the air-filtering power of 40,000 trees over the course of 25 years
- Building an extensive 25,000 square foot cave system for eco-friendly barrel aging that can hold up to 4,000 barrels at a natural, constant temperature of 61°F conserving a significant amount of energy
- Avoiding chemical fertilizers and using a natural compost that contains a combination of chicken manure and the previous season’s pomace
Editor’s note: For information about Chateau Montelena and their sustainable practices please visit www.montelena.com/winery/sustainability or contact Calhoun & Company Communications.
About Chateau Montelena Winery
Established in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs, Calistoga-based Chateau Montelena is credited for helping California wine earn worldwide recognition. In 1976, Chateau Montelena was one of two Napa Valley wineries to come out on top in a blind tasting held for a who’s-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Paris. Chateau Montelena produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Riesling varietals. Its celebrated tasting room is open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The winery has been owned and operated by the Barrett Family since 1972. For more information on Chateau Montelena please visit: www.montelena.com.
