One million pounds of CO2 were saved from entering the environment since the installation
Santa Rosa, CA – (June 5, 2023) – Balletto Vineyards, a family-owned, estate winery in Sonoma County, is proud to announce that they have officially saved more than 1 million pounds of CO2 from the environment (the equivalent of about 8,000 trees planted) since going 100% solar powered in 2022. This milestone demonstrates that sustainability is not just a buzzword at Balletto, but a reflection of the family’s commitment to the future.
Last year, they installed 1,000 solar panels, totaling 60,000 square feet, that power the winery, tasting room, event center, vineyard housing, and four electric vehicle charging stations in their visitor parking lot. One of the few estate wineries in the appellation, Balletto Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery, led by Sonoma County-natives John and Terri Balletto. The solar panels were installed by Taylor Energy, another local, family-owned company.
“Seeing the success of our solar power installation over the course of this last year has been exciting, and being able to use the money saved from utility bills to reinvest in the vineyards is the most important part of this project. We want to ensure the health of our vineyards, business, and people by making the most sustainable choices that we can”, says Vice President & Winemaker, Anthony Beckman.
With the Russian River Valley celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Balletto is proud to be a part of the list of wineries with rich history in the area. Though a vegetable farm four decades ago, the Ballettos worked with neighboring farmers and winemakers to grow the area into the tight-knit community that it is today. The foundation was set for the moment the Balletto’s started planting vines in 1995.
“This milestone in our sustainability journey is a testament to our vision of becoming the most sustainable winery possible, allowing generations of Ballettos to continue in the family wine business and celebrate another 40 years of success in the Russian River Valley,” says John Balletto, President & Founder of Balletto Vineyards. “Solar power is another important step in what has been a 13-year process of commitment to these practices.”
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Russian River Valley AVA, visitors can celebrate “Decades of the Russian River Valley”, a self-guided tour to enjoy multiple vineyards, through June 30. At Balletto Vineyards, visitors can reserve the private Library Reserve Experience on Sunday, Monday or Tuesdays that includes a vertical tasting of red and white wines. This experience is typically exclusive to wine club members. The winery welcomes visitors daily by reservation from 10:30 a.m. through 4:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.BallettoVineyards.com. Find Balletto Vineyards wines nationally at fine wine shops, restaurants, and on the winery’s website.
About Balletto Vineyards
With a focus on single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Balletto Vineyards is an estate winery in the famed Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County, California. Owned and operated by the Balletto family, Balletto Vineyards delivers expressive wines meant to be enjoyed with family and friends. Owner John Balletto and his wife, Terri, started in the vegetable farming business, growing into the largest vegetable farm in Northern California. Seeing a bright future for wine grape growing in Russian River Valley, John and Terri transitioned to grape growing in 1995. In 2001, they created the first vintage of Balletto Vineyards estate wine from Russian River Valley and today celebrate 20 years as vintners.
