SAN FRANCISCO—California vineyards and wineries are encouraged to apply for the 2017 California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. Applications are now being accepted at www.greenmedal.org. The California Green Medal is presented by California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and The Vineyard Team. A number of regional winery and winegrowing association partners are also involved in promoting the awards.
California vineyards and wineries that participate in any sustainability program available in California are eligible to apply in four award categories that will recognize outstanding achievement in sustainability:
- “We’ve seen some truly outstanding applications submitted the past two years, and look forward to receiving 2017 applications. The awards provide a great opportunity for California growers and vintners to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to sustainability,” said Allison Jordan, CSWA Executive Director.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 2016 Green Medal recipients included, Jackson Family Wines (2016 Leader Award), Halter Ranch Vineyard (2016 Environment Award), Tablas Creek Vineyard (2016 Community Award), and McManis Family Vineyard (2016 Business Award). The inaugural 2015 recipients included, Fetzer Vineyards (2015 Leader Award), Benziger Family Winery (2015 Environment Award), Nord Vineyard Services (2015 Community Award), and Trinchero Family Estates (2015 Business Award). Videos highlighting the sustainability accomplishments of each of the award recipients is available at: http://www.greenmedal.org/award-winner-page/.
Applications are being accepted now through Friday, February 3, 2017.
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 in April in Sacramento. We encourage vineyards and wineries to put serious thought into the category they choose to apply for. As background, many applicants chose to apply for the Environment Award last year.
The third annual California Green Medal is being judged by a panel of wine and sustainability experts. They include: Stephanie Bolton, Grower Communications & Sustainable Winegrowing Director, Lodi Winegrape Commission; David Glancy, Master Sommelier, San Francisco Wine School; Lindsey M. Higgins, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Agribusiness Department, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Allison Jordan, Executive Director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance; Karissa Kruse, President, Sonoma County Winegrowers; Michelle Novi, Industry Relations Manager, Napa Valley Vintners; Cyril Penn, Editor in Chief, Wine Business Monthly; and Beth Vukmanic Lopez, SIP Certification Manager, The Vineyard Team.
Exclusive Media Sponsor: Wine Business Monthly; Silver Sponsors: CC Wine Caves, Farm Credit Alliance and Marin Clean Energy; Bronze Sponsors: Ag Unlimited, SureHarvest and WM EarthCare. Partnering organizations include: El Dorado Wine Grape Growers Association; Fish Friendly Farming; Mendocino County Resource Conservation District; Mendocino WineGrowers Inc.; Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance; San Luis Obispo Wine Country Association; Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association; and Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley.
